beware of false religion

Many sincere people lack clear answers about God and where history is heading. Confusion grows when traditions and ideas clash with what the Bible teaches.

How false worship spreads

Organised religion and influential leaders have promoted teachings that oppose God’s standards, leaving people thinking they honour him while doing what displeases him.

“It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines. You abandon the commandment of God and hold fast to the tradition of men.” (Mark, 7:7, 8)

The unseen promoter

The Bible explains that a hidden adversary pushes lies that look like truth.

“Among whom the god of this system of things (Satan) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Corinthians, 4:4)

“And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. It is nothing extraordinary, therefore, if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians, 11:14, 15)

Stay alert to false prophets

Jesus warned about those who look harmless but mislead people.

“Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew, 7:15)

“For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who are suppressing the truth in an unrighteous way.” (Romans, 1:18)

Babylon the Great—what it means today

Revelation pictures false religion as a brazen prostitute that sways rulers and peoples, and carries bloodguilt.

“And on her forehead was written a name, a mystery, ‘Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.’” (Revelation, 17:5)

How false worship ends

World powers will turn on false religion, and her fall will be final.

“And the ten horns that you saw, and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire.” (Revelation, 17:16)

“And they will never be found again.” (Revelation, 18:21)

Take a clear stand

God’s people must break from false worship and avoid sharing in its sins.

“Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” (Revelation, 18:4)

“I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew, 7:23)

Keep clear in daily life

True Christians avoid teachings and content that twist the truth, and they don’t support religious activities that conflict with Scripture.

“Look out that no one takes you captive through the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ.” (Colossians, 2:8)

Breaking former ties

Those who want to serve God may need to end formal links with a former church. A clear resignation letter helps draw a firm line.

Stay separate, yet kind

Show love for your neighbour while staying apart from beliefs and conduct that oppose Scripture:

“You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew, 22:39)

“Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians, 15:33)

Guard your faith

Do not drift back to false practices. Stay anchored in accurate knowledge and keep growing to maturity:

“Certainly if, after having escaped from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, the final conditions have become worse for them than the first.“— (2 Peter, 2:20)

“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy, 3:16, 17)

“Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that result from union with Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy, 1:13)

False religion misrepresents God through its teachings and actions, but the Bible assures us that God will not tolerate this forever. He will act decisively to uphold truth and justice.

False religion distorts God’s love, but Jehovah remains unchanged—keep learning about him.

False religion misrepresents Jehovah’s love

Many religions have misrepresented Jehovah in serious ways. One clear example is their involvement in war. Instead of promoting peace and compassion, they have supported violence and division. This does not reflect the love that Jehovah shows to people.

Keep learning about the true God

Should the actions of false religion change how you view Jehovah? Think about this: imagine a son who ignores the wise advice of his father. He leaves home and chooses a corrupt lifestyle. The father does not support his son’s choices. Would it be fair to blame the father for the son’s behavior?

In the same way, it would not be fair to blame Jehovah for what false religion has done. Their actions do not represent him. Jehovah is loving, just, and truthful. He does not approve of the harm caused by those who claim to speak for him but act in ways that go against his teachings.

“Let no one say when he is tempted: ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” (James, 1:13)

“They exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshipped and served the creation rather than the Creator.” (Romans, 1:25)

“Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Romans, 10:13)

Jehovah invites people to learn about him directly through the Bible. Don’t let the mistakes of false religion stop you from discovering the truth about God and the hope he offers.

Discover Jehovah’s true qualities

Jehovah is not distant or harsh—he is loving, patient, and deeply interested in people. The Bible reveals many qualities that help us understand who he really is. Exploring these qualities can strengthen your trust in him and give you hope, even when religion has let you down.

• Jehovah is loving. He cares for people and wants what is best for them.
  “God is love.” (1 John, 4:8)
• Jehovah is just. He never overlooks wrongdoing, but he also shows mercy.
  “All his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust.” (Deuteronomy, 32:4)
• Jehovah is patient. He gives people time to learn, grow, and change.
  “Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise… but he is patient with you.” (2 Peter, 3:9)
• Jehovah is faithful. He keeps his promises and never abandons those who seek him.
  “Your loyal love, O Jehovah, reaches to the heavens.” (Psalm, 36:5)

Learning about Jehovah’s qualities helps people see past the errors of false religion. It builds a personal connection with the true God—one based on truth, not tradition!