Answers
By Billy Graham • February 20, 2015 • Topics: Cults
Q:
I think I've gotten involved in a cult, and I don't know how to get out. I was lonely after my husband died, and cult members were very sympathetic and welcoming. But now our leader says I'll go to hell if I leave. I'm afraid to leave. What should I do?
A:
I’m thankful you realize what you’ve done, and I pray you’ll now have the courage to break free of this group. From what you say, it is indeed a cult, whose leader not only twists the Bible to his own purposes but also controls his followers with an iron grip.
What should you do? First, realize that God loves you and doesn’t want you to be enslaved by fear and guilt. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save us and make us part of His family. Only Christ can save us, and when we turn to Him in faith and trust, we become part of His family forever. Put your life into His hands, and then rejoice that He loves you and you now belong to Him.
Then realize that this cult leader (and the whole group) has no authority over your eternal destiny. Only Christ has that authority, and once you come to Him, you don’t need to be gripped by fear any longer. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…. Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 4:18; 5:12).
Don’t argue with the cult members, and don’t leave this group little-by-little. Instead, make a clean break, and refuse to have anything further to do with them. Then ask God to lead you to a church where you’ll not only feel welcome, but will also grow strong in your faith.
