False religions generally say that one cannot know for sure whether or not he is saved until after he dies. Fourth , watch to see if they elevate a certain person or that person's words to a level in the direction of the God-like. See, too, what the attitude is toward the true Messiah. Fifth , watch doctrinal vagueness or inconsistency. True Bible preachers are amazingly similar in their preaching content because it comes from the right source.
False preachers contradict themselves even within a given cult or ism.
A sixth mark of a cult is a tendency to claim new discoveries, especially from the Scriptures. Much of this might be to attract financial support, an action that is in itself another mark of a false religion. Frequently their leaders have a desire, often extreme, for personal gain. Perhaps the organization is suspiciously large or rich, as we have seen so dramatically in recent years. It is important for you to be aware of the characteristics of cults, but.a knowledge of world religions will not save anyone.