Zeal and sincerity do not guarantee the truthfulness of religious teaching. Some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were zealous advocates for their cause, but Jesus condemned them because they did not have the truth (Matthew 23:15).

When contacted by religious groups about which we have very little knowledge, there are a number of questions to be asked which will provide a test of belief. First, do they believe that the Bible alone is the source of God’s truth? Second, do they believe in the Trinity, confessing that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man? Third, do they see salvation as coming through faith in Jesus Christ alone?

Many groups believe that works are necessary to earn salvation. This belief contradicts the Bible’s assertion, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

True Christianity means that one has a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We must make certain that our commitment is not to a certain religious group, system of teachings, or even a church, but rather to Jesus Christ Himself. The Bible, God’s Word, points us to Jesus as our only source of forgiveness for sins and eternal life.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).