Counterfeit Christianity
Counterfeit Christianity
Counterfeit Christianity
Introduction
Many people speak about Jesus.
They affirm the Bible.
They sound aligned.
But sounding Christian and being Christian are not the same.
Early in my walk with Christ, I realized that simply asking someone, “Do you believe in Jesus?” wasn’t enough. There are beliefs that use Christian language while redefining who Jesus is.
Like counterfeit currency, false versions of Christianity can look nearly identical to the real thing. Only someone who knows the real thing deeply can recognize the subtle but decisive differences.
If we are given opportunities to speak truth, we have an obligation to look beyond surface-level agreement.
Many people speak about Jesus.
They affirm the Bible.
They sound aligned.
But sounding Christian and being Christian are not the same.
Early in my walk with Christ, I realized that simply asking someone, “Do you believe in Jesus?” wasn’t enough. There are beliefs that use Christian language while redefining who Jesus is.
Like counterfeit currency, false versions of Christianity can look nearly identical to the real thing. Only someone who knows the real thing deeply can recognize the subtle but decisive differences.
If we are given opportunities to speak truth, we have an obligation to look beyond surface-level agreement.
Main Discussion
Some groups speak about Jesus constantly — but their Jesus is not the biblical Christ.
For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses affirm Jesus but teach that He is Michael the archangel. Scripture repeatedly shows that angels reject worship (Revelation 22:8–9), and God declares:
“I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.” — Isaiah 42:8
To give saving glory to a created being is misplaced faith.
Mormonism similarly uses Christian language while introducing new revelation. Though it affirms the Bible, it elevates the Book of Mormon — written centuries after the apostles — as equal authority. Yet Scripture warns:
“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary… let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8
When the gospel changes, salvation changes.
Some groups speak about Jesus constantly — but their Jesus is not the biblical Christ.
For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses affirm Jesus but teach that He is Michael the archangel. Scripture repeatedly shows that angels reject worship (Revelation 22:8–9), and God declares:
“I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.” — Isaiah 42:8
To give saving glory to a created being is misplaced faith.
Mormonism similarly uses Christian language while introducing new revelation. Though it affirms the Bible, it elevates the Book of Mormon — written centuries after the apostles — as equal authority. Yet Scripture warns:
“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary… let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8
When the gospel changes, salvation changes.
Key Takeaways
It is not enough to ask, “Do you believe in God?”
It is not enough to ask, “Do you know Jesus?”
We must ask: Who is Jesus? What gospel saves?
The more deeply we know the true Christ, the more clearly we can recognize counterfeits.
Become students of truth.
Learn the differences.
Speak boldly — but speak in love.