Understanding the distinction between mainstream Christianity and groups often classified as cults is a task that requires both theological precision and an awareness of social dynamics. For many, the lines can seem blurred by similar terminology or shared historical roots, but the foundational differences are often profound.
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I watch the trends in the modern church—not because they excite me, but because I’ve read enough Scripture and seen enough history to know that the so-called “new” is rarely anything more than old compromise with a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes it’s worldly compromise. Sometimes it’s outright heresy. But it’s never new.
Problem: Paul’s personal statement, “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31) is somewhat enigmatic. Christians, perhaps with this verse in mind, might say, “I need to die to self and die to sin daily.” The context of Paul’s statement, both in the verse that precedes and in the verse that follows, speaks of Paul being persecuted for the cause of Christ. He was constantly exposed to danger (1 Cor. 15:30) and he was under vicious attacks for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:32). So his expression, “I die daily” probably meant that he was exposed to death every day.
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