Five Groups That Call Themselves “Christian” — But Are Not

Beware, brothers and sisters and also beware if you are seeking.

Scripture warns us repeatedly that not everyone who uses the name of Jesus is truly following Him. Some groups look Christian, sound Christian, quote Scripture, and even claim to be the “original” or “restored” church; yet they present a different Jesus, a different gospel, and a different path to salvation.

Jesus Himself cautioned us:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” — Matthew 7:15

The apostle Paul echoed the same warning:

“For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” — 2 Corinthians 11:14

And again:

“If someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed… you put up with it readily enough.” — 2 Corinthians 11:4

Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” belongs to Him and not every group that uses Christian language is rooted in the truth.

Some movements:

• redefine the nature of God

• deny the deity of Jesus

• distort the gospel

• add new scriptures

• burden people with works

• or replace Christ with a different “messiah”

This is why discernment matters.

This article is written so that sincere seekers (and sincere believers) can recognize the teachings that present themselves as Christian but stand outside the historic faith delivered once for all to the saints (Jude 1:3).

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” - Jude 1:3

Ok, let’s get started…

1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the Mormon Church, uses much of the same language as Christianity; they speak of Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, repentance, baptism, and salvation. But when you look deeper into their teachings, the Jesus they describe and the God they worship are fundamentally different from the Jesus and God revealed in the Bible.

Who do they believe Jesus is?

Mormons believe that Jesus is the literal firstborn spirit child of God the Father, and that He was created before the world began. They teach that God the Father has a physical, glorified body and that He once lived as a man who progressed to godhood. In LDS theology, both Jesus and Lucifer were spirit brothers; two of many spirit children created by God and His heavenly wife.

While they do affirm that Jesus died for humanity’s sins and rose again, their version of Jesus is a created being. Not the eternal, uncreated Son of God that Scripture proclaims.

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” — Colossians 1:16

What the Bible Teaches:

According to historic Christianity; shared by Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox believers alike, Jesus is eternal, uncreated, and fully God from the beginning. He is not the literal offspring of a Heavenly Father and Mother, but rather the Word who was with God and is God (John 1:1–3).

This is a crucial distinction:

• Christianity teaches one eternal God in three Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who share the same divine essence.

• Mormonism teaches three separate gods united in purpose, not being.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4

Which Books Do Mormons Consider Scripture?

In addition to the Bible, the LDS Church accepts three other books as inspired scripture, giving them equal (or in practice, often greater) authority than the Bible.

1. The Book of Mormon

Subtitled “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” this book is considered the cornerstone of Mormonism. It claims to record God’s dealings with ancient peoples in the Americas and includes an account of Jesus appearing there after His resurrection.

2. Doctrine and Covenants (D&C)

A collection of modern revelations given primarily to Joseph Smith. It contains doctrines unique to Mormonism, such as:

• Eternal marriage

• Celestial exaltation (becoming gods)

• The three degrees of glory

• The necessity of temple ordinances

• The concept of God progressing or having once been a man

These teachings do not appear in the Bible!

3. The Pearl of Great Price

Includes several writings attributed to Joseph Smith, such as:

• The Book of Moses

• The Book of Abraham

• Joseph Smith’s “Articles of Faith”

• Joseph Smith—History

Some passages (especially from the Book of Abraham) introduce doctrines like:

• The pre-mortal existence of spirits

• Multiple gods

• The spiritual “organization” of human souls

These are foundational to LDS theology and differ sharply from historic Christian doctrine.

How This Differs From Christianity…

Biblical Christianity teaches that:

• Only Scripture (Old + New Testament) is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

• The canon is closed

• Any “new gospel” is to be rejected (Galatians 1:6–9)

Mormons, however, believe:

• God continues to give new revelation

• Their modern prophets can add to or clarify scripture

• Their additional books are necessary to understand the fullness of the gospel

This is one of the main reasons Mormonism is considered outside historic Christianity; it introduces new scriptures that redefine God, Jesus, salvation, and the nature of humanity.

Salvation and Exaltation:

Mormons believe that Jesus’ atonement provides resurrection for all, but that exaltation (living eternally with God in the highest heaven) requires faith in Jesus plus baptism, temple ordinances, and obedience to LDS covenants. They teach that faithful members can one day become gods themselves and rule over their own worlds.

The Bible, however, teaches that salvation is a free gift of grace, not something earned by works, rituals, or progression toward divinity*:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

*Although some Christian traditions do believe that works are also necessary.

Key Differences at a Glance

Doctrine	LDS Belief	Biblical Christianity
Nature of God	Three separate gods	One God in three Persons
Jesus' Origin	Created spirit child	Eternal, uncreated Son
Salvation	Faith + works + ordinances	Grace through faith alone*
Afterlife	Three "heavens" (degrees of glory)	Heaven or Hell
Goal	Become gods	Worship the one true God

* Catholics believe that grace saves you but you must cooperate with it through faith and works & Orthodox believe (from what I understand today) that we are saved by grace, through faith, expressed in a life of love and obedience.

Mormonism presents a different Jesus and a different gospel than the one found in Scripture.

While they claim to be Christians and use familiar Christian words, those words have been redefined.

“For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed….” — 2 Corinthians 11:4

Christians can and should love their Mormon neighbors, but also recognize that LDS theology stands outside the historic Christian faith. True Christianity rests on the eternal truth that Jesus is God. Not a god in progression, but the everlasting Word made flesh.

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses use Christian words like Jesus, salvation, Scripture, the Kingdom, but redefine every one of them. While they claim to follow the Bible alone, their teachings come primarily through the Watchtower organization, which determines doctrine and interpretation for all members. When you look deeper into their teachings, the Jesus they proclaim and the gospel they preach differ drastically from what Scripture teaches.

Who do they believe Jesus is?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is a created being, the first thing God ever made, and that before coming to earth He was Michael the Archangel. They deny that Jesus is eternal God or equal with the Father. They also teach that Jesus died on a “torture stake,” not a cross, and that He did not rise bodily, only spiritually.

This view presents Jesus as a created angel rather than the eternal, uncreated Son of God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

What the Bible Actually Teaches…

Historic Christianity teaches:

• Jesus is eternal, not created

• Jesus is fully God and fully man

• Jesus bodily rose from the dead

• Jesus is worthy of worship

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny these foundational doctrines.

“Before Abraham was, I AM.” — John 8:58

Which Books Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Consider Scripture?

Jehovah’s Witnesses use:

1. The New World Translation (NWT) - their own altered version of the Bible

2. Watchtower publications - considered the only trustworthy interpretation of Scripture

3. The Watchtower and Awake! magazines - doctrinal teaching tools

4. The organization itself - teaches they are God’s sole channel of truth on earth

The NWT contains numerous changes made to support JW doctrine, especially verses about the deity of Christ.

How This Differs From Christianity…

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Jesus is eternal God

• The Holy Spirit is a Person

• Salvation is a gift of grace

• Scripture alone is the authority

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach:

• Jesus is a created angel

• The Holy Spirit is a force

• Salvation requires works + loyalty to the organization

• Their organization is the only true “channel” God uses

Salvation According to JWs…

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe:

• Jesus’ death only gives a chance at salvation

• You must earn salvation through preaching, meetings, obedience, and loyalty

• Only 144,000 go to heaven

• Most will live forever on a restored earth if they obey faithfully

Biblical Christianity teaches salvation as a gift, not a wage (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Key Differences at a Glance

Doctrine	JW Belief	Biblical Christianity
Nature of God	One Person, not Trinity	One God in three Persons
Jesus' Identity	Created angel (Michael)	Eternal, uncreated God
Holy Spirit	Impersonal force	Divine Person
Salvation	Works + loyalty to organization	Grace through faith alone*
Resurrection	Spiritual only	Physical resurrection
Final Destiny	144,000 in heaven, others on earth	Heaven or Hell

*with cooperation in Catholic/Orthodox traditions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses present a different Jesus and a different gospel. While they claim to follow the Bible, the teachings of the Watchtower organization reshape core doctrines in ways that conflict with historic Christianity.

3. Christian Science

Christian Science uses the name “Christian,” but its beliefs differ radically from Christianity. Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the 1800s, it teaches that the physical world, sin, sickness, and even death are illusions and that Jesus came not to save but to reveal “spiritual truth.” The result is a system that denies core doctrines of the faith.

Who do they believe Jesus is? Christian Science separates Jesus from “the Christ.”

They teach:

• Jesus was a man

• “Christ” is a divine idea or spiritual principle

• Jesus did not die for sins

• His resurrection was not physical

• His healings were demonstrations of spiritual laws, not divine miracles

This view removes Jesus’ deity and denies His atoning sacrifice.

“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures…” — 1 Corinthians 15:3

What the Bible Teaches…

The Bible teaches:

• Jesus is the Christ, not separate from it

• Jesus’ death atoned for sin

• Jesus physically rose from the dead

• Salvation comes through His sacrifice

Christian Science denies ALL of these.

“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17

What Books Christian Scientists Consider Scripture?

1. The Bible (but only as interpreted by Eddy)

2. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures — Mary Baker Eddy’s primary work

3. Eddy’s other writings, which guide doctrine

In practice, Science and Health has equal (or greater) authority than the Bible.

How This Differs From Christianity…

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Jesus is God in the flesh

• Sin is real

• Sickness is real

• Death is real

• Jesus’ death and resurrection save us

Christian Science teaches:

• Sin, sickness, and death are illusions

• Jesus was a man demonstrating metaphysical truth

• Salvation is enlightenment, not redemption

Salvation According to Christian Science…Salvation is not forgiveness of sin but awakening to the idea that:

• sin isn’t real

• the physical world is an illusion

• you are already spiritually perfect

This has no connection to Christian teaching.

Key Differences at a Glance

Doctrine	Christian Science	Biblical Christianity
Jesus	Human teacher, not God	Eternal God made flesh
Sin	Illusion	Real and deadly
Death	Illusion	Real; defeated by Christ
Resurrection	Not physical	Bodily resurrection
Salvation	Enlightenment	Forgiveness through Christ
Authority	Eddy's writings	Scripture alone*

*Roman Catholic authority is Scripture + Sacred Tradition + Magisterium & Eastern Orthodoxy is Scripture within Holy Tradition

Christian Science redefines Jesus, salvation, sin, and reality itself, placing it outside historic Christian faith.

4. Oneness Pentecostalism

Oneness Pentecostalism uses Christian language, preaches Jesus passionately, and outwardly resembles Pentecostal worship, but its core theology rejects the Trinity, one of Christianity’s most essential doctrines. This movement includes groups such as the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).

Who do they believe Jesus is?

Oneness theology teaches:

• God is one Person, not three

• “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Spirit” are modes or roles God takes on

• Jesus is the Father and the Spirit

• Jesus is not a distinct Person of the Trinity

This is the ancient heresy known as Modalism, rejected by the early church.

“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19

What the Bible Teaches…

Historic Christianity teaches:

• One God in three distinct Persons

• The Father is not the Son

• The Son is not the Spirit

• The Spirit is not the Father

Oneness theology collapses these into one Person acting in different roles.

“…the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

Distinct Oneness Doctrines:

1. Jesus-name-only baptism is required for salvation

2. Speaking in tongues is required as evidence of salvation

3. No Trinity — explicitly rejected

4. Modalism — God acts in different forms but is one Person

None of these align with historic Christian doctrine.

How This Differs From Christianity…

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Salvation is by grace through faith

• Baptism is obedience, not salvation

• Tongues are a gift, not required

• God is eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Oneness teaches:

• Salvation requires tongues

• Salvation requires Jesus-name-only baptism

• The Trinity is false

Salvation According to Oneness Pentecostalism…

Salvation requires:

• faith in Jesus

• repentance

• Jesus-name-only baptism

• speaking in tongues

• continued holiness

This is works-based and contradicts the biblical gospel.

Key Differences at a Glance

Doctrine	Oneness Pentecostalism	Biblical Christianity
Nature of God	One Person, different modes	One God in three Persons
Jesus	Same Person as Father/Spirit	Eternal Son distinct from Father
Baptism	Jesus-name only, required	Trinitarian, not for salvation
Tongues	Required for salvation	Gift, not requirement
Salvation	Works + tongues	Grace through faith alone*

*with cooperation in Catholic/Orthodox traditions.

Oneness teaching denies the Trinity and adds requirements to salvation, placing it outside historic Christianity despite its Christian appearance.

5. The Unification Church (Moonies)

The Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon, claims to be a Christian movement that builds upon and “completes” the mission of Jesus. However, their teachings contradict nearly every essential doctrine of Christianity, including the person and work of Christ.

Who do they believe Jesus is?

The Unification Church teaches:

• Jesus came to establish a perfect family

• Jesus failed His mission due to His crucifixion

• Salvation through Jesus was incomplete

• Sun Myung Moon was the new messiah sent to finish Jesus’ work

• Moon and his wife are the “True Parents” of humanity

This theology denies the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

“It is finished.” — John 19:30

What the Bible Teaches…

The Bible teaches:

• Jesus succeeded fully in His mission

• His death was God’s plan, not a failure

• His resurrection accomplished complete salvation

• No new messiah is ever promised

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6

Which Books Moonies Consider Scripture?

1. The Divine Principle — Moon’s primary doctrinal text

2. Additional writings of Sun Myung Moon

3. The Bible — but only as reinterpreted to fit Moon’s teachings

   
   

In practice, Moon’s writings override Scripture.

How This Differs From Christianity…

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Christ’s mission was perfect and complete

• Salvation is found in Christ alone

• No one can add to Jesus’ work

• No new messiah will come

The Unification Church teaches:

• Jesus failed

• Moon was sent as a new messiah

• True salvation comes through Moon’s teachings and “True Family”

  
  

Salvation According to the Moonies…

Salvation is:

• joining the “True Parents”

• participating in mass weddings

• following Moon’s teachings

• restoring humanity through family lines

This has no resemblance to the biblical gospel.

Key Differences at a Glance

Doctrine	Unification Church	Biblical Christianity
Jesus	Failed His mission	Completed His mission
Messiah	Sun Myung Moon	Jesus alone
Authority	Divine Principle	Scripture*
Salvation	Through Moon + True Family	Through Christ alone
View of the Cross	Tragic failure	God's perfect plan

*Roman Catholic authority is Scripture + Sacred Tradition + Magisterium & Eastern Orthodoxy is Scripture within Holy Tradition

The Unification Church uses Christian language but reshapes the gospel entirely, placing its hope in a false messiah rather than in the finished work of Christ.

In every generation, the enemy has tried to distort the truth of the gospel. Sometimes he does it through outright lies, but far more often, he does it through imitation.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

A counterfeit gospel wrapped in familiar words.

A “new revelation.”

A “restored truth.”

A “fresh understanding.”

BUT Scripture is clear:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

“The faith” does not need to be reinvented and salvation does not need to be redefined.

And no new prophet, new book, new system, or new “messiah” can improve upon the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Groups like the LDS Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Oneness Pentecostalism, and the Unification Church all claim the Christian label in some way.

But when you look deeper into their teachings, the Jesus they describe, the gospel they preach, and the path of salvation they offer do not match the Jesus of Scripture.

I don’t say this with hostility, but with clarity and love. We are called to love our neighbors.

But we are also called to guard our hearts and minds.

As Paul writes:

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

And again:

“Watch out that no one deceives you.” — Matthew 24:4

I hope this article helps equip you to discern truth from error, light from imitation, and the voice of the Good Shepherd from the voices that only pretend to speak for Him.

Stand firm, beloved. Cling to Scripture, cling to Christ and may the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth.