Is It Real?

Is It Real or Counterfeit?

The Internet is full of voices: Christian, Jewish and Messianic. Many are from organizations and ministries, but many simply espouse personal opinions, sometimes parading as an organization. The question is, as with anything, how do you know if a doctrine or ministry is real or true?

This has always been a problem. Deceitful cults abound because counterfeiting is the most effective tool for destroying the true, the real, while gaining the benefits belonging to the real. In other words, counterfeiting prospers, because it appears to be true, is honored as true (benefits from the true), yet avoids the work and responsibility it takes to be true. Counterfeit cults always want to be more than they are. They are the result of pride and covetousness, which seeks that which it has not earned.

It figures the adversary (satan) would be a pro at this because it was his desire when he fell to take the place of the Most High. Such a threat was the greatest attempt at counterfeiting ever undertaken. He failed to replace the Most High, but he succeeded in deceiving one-third of all the heavenly messengers (angels). If he could deceive those who witnessed the face of G-d, how much easier is it for him to deceive through counterfeiting those who do not know G-d's glory.

Messiah Yeshua warned that in the last days satan will nearly deceive His chosen ones. Each follower of Messiah is in danger of being deceived, if they are not vigilant with realization that they too may be open to deception. Persons who want to get something quickly and easily without responsibility and accountability are likely to be deceived and are themselves deceivers because they deceive themselves. Many believers have been easily deceived because they wrongly think that, by declaring Yeshua to be Messiah, everything a person or organization puts forth must then be "kosher". Some are deceived by their own ideas, because it is so easy for them to get others to believe them or hold them in honor. However, it takes more than those things to prove the Real (that is, true faithfulness to G-d and authority from G-d). Departure from any one of the following principles signals a counterfeit.

1. The Real Walks in the Light
That is, the Faithful do not hide their beliefs. Deceitful cults and counterfeits hide some of their doctrines from inspection and newcomers, because they know those beliefs will probably be quickly rejected. They use a "web" of lies to trap their prey (which are their adherents) into doctrines that the newcomers were not informed at first, but which become clearly essential later on. (This is not the same as when a group refines their doctrine over time to be more accurate in its dissemination.)

2. The Real Promotes Messiah's Deity
The primary doctrine of the Faithful (Real) is to confess their faith in Messiah Yeshua as the Son of G-d, YHVH in the flesh. Counterfeits equivocate, belittle, or are indifferent to this most important doctrine. Their doctrine is convoluted, confusing, corrupted or non-existent concerning who or what Messiah Yeshua is. From such depart and have nothing to do with them.

3. The Real Deals with All G-d's Word
The Real are people who believe and teach all aspects of the council of the Most High, from Genesis to Revelation. They do not have one particular distinctive or "hobby horse" which they ride to no end. The ministry of the Faithful deals with all the commandments and practices which the Father has instructed. In that way, the Faithful live a balanced life. A counterfeit group often arises because of a particular unique "revelation" which they say no one understands but them. To focus, with spiritual myopia, on one "revelation" or prophetic interpretation as being of supreme significance, is a sign all right, but the sign of a counterfeit. This deceitful tactic diverts attention from the full life and calling of Adonai for His people, and even subverts the salvation provided by our Messiah. At the least, such activity demonstrates a lack of maturity, a kind of "playing in the sand box" of faith. The Faithful should run, not walk, from such.

4. The Real Seeks Peace
The Real are not warlike. They seek peace and live in peace, as much as is possible. Their warfare is in prayer against the unseen powers of darkness. They do not rail against dignitaries, nor accuse others when defending themselves. They defend the innocent, the weak and the defenseless. They speak the truth in order to bless, restore, heal, and bring deliverance. Counterfeit cults seem always to have a chip on their shoulder. They are constantly offended, always critical, always finding fault, name calling, always wanting to showcase the failures of others, and taking almost any rejection as a reason to go to war.

5. The Real Lives in Reality
The truly Faithful work out their spirituality with respect to the physical world. The spirituality of the Real is not separate from day to day life, neither is it something which makes living in the world impossible to endure. Life in G-d is to be a good influence for real world life. The Faithful live with honor in the physical world without compromising principles of righteousness. Many counterfeits, on the other hand, seek to force an escape from reality. They devise doctrines and rules that make interaction with the physical world difficult. This affects mind control, which in turn helps maintain the individual commitment to the group's false ideals. Discard any doctrine or group which makes interaction with the physical world improbable if not impossible.

These are by no means all the principles for discerning the Real from the counterfeit, but they are the main. Other principles will be listed here in future updates.

As a closing warning to believers, we warn against any group or doctrine which makes it necessary to know their secret code to be saved. These are those that demand certain words or syllables to be said in certain languages (often in their own made up language). These cults do not give the Most High glory for searching and judging the hearts of men, or for knowing the meaning of all languages. Also, we warn against any organization or person which will not post or does not have a complete and detailed statement of their beliefs. Finally, we warn against any religious organization which teaches a unique belief, insight or practice, other than trust in Messiah and following His Torah, through which their adherents are initiated.

Oh yes, the picture of the Rolex? It's a real Rolex.