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. I t is important for you to be aware of the characteristics of cults, but.a knowledge of world religions will not save anyone.