Christian or non-Christian

he Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons are accurately identified as cults in that their teachings are drastically different from historic, orthodox Christianity.  A previous answer on this Web site called attention to these characteristics of cults:  “They make a claim of new truth or revelation or new interpretation of Scripture.  They have a non-biblical source of authority (e.g., the Book of Mormon).  They almost always deny the full deity of Jesus and are therefore almost invariably non-Trinitarian. They often employ double talk–using Christian terms with different meanings. They are invariably work righteous.  Their theology is often in flux: it changes to suit the circumstances.  They often employ false prophecy and predictions.  They are often gathered around a charismatic leader or prophet.”  The churches referenced would not be considered Christian.

One can only hope and pray that individuals in those churches are, through their own Bible reading, understanding and believing the truth about salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.  If they believe that truth, then they need to have consistency in their lives by having membership in a church that teaches biblical truth.

Because the Bible is used and the sacraments are administered in the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit can bring people to saving faith.  That acknowledgment does not in any way diminish the seriousness of that church’s errors in how the Bible is taught and how the sacraments are taught and administered.  That acknowledgement simply recognizes the presence of the means through which the Holy Spirit can carry out his sanctifying work.

Your questions underscore how vitally important and urgent it is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:9; 3:15).