Not Every “Jesus” Is the Real Jesus
In today’s religious landscape, many claim to follow Jesus—but which Jesus are they following? That might sound like a strange question, but it’s one that matters more than most realize. Scripture warns us repeatedly that in the last days, many will come in Christ’s name, claiming to represent Him, while actually leading people away from the truth. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus Himself declared, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
These warnings are not just about atheists, cult leaders, or fringe groups. Often, the greatest deceptions come dressed in the language of Christianity. These false Christs aren’t always presented by enemies of the Church but by religions and traditions that claim to be Christian. They talk about Jesus, quote Scripture, and sound faithful—yet the Jesus they follow is not the Jesus revealed in the Bible.
Let’s examine a few of these false portrayals of Christ and the systems that promote them. This isn’t about condemnation—it’s about clarity, truth, and rescuing those being misled.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Jesus Who Isn’t God
Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most recognizable groups who claim to follow Jesus. They go door to door, distribute literature, and speak often about Christ. But when you dig deeper into their doctrine, you discover they believe Jesus is not God but rather Michael the Archangel—a created being who became a man.
They deny the deity of Christ and the Trinity altogether. In fact, they’ve even rewritten the Bible to match their theology, producing their own translation called the New World Translation that alters key passages about Christ’s divinity.
According to Scripture, Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Word of God who “was with God, and was God” (John 1:1). Denying His divinity is not a minor issue—it changes the entire gospel message. A Jesus who is merely an exalted angel cannot save. Only the true, divine Son of God can bear the weight of humanity’s sin.
Latter-day Saints: A Different God, a Different Gospel
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) also claims to follow Jesus. They refer to Him as their Savior, talk about grace, and even use the King James Bible. But behind these familiar terms lies a vastly different theology.
In Mormon belief, God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood. Jesus is His spirit-child—our older brother—and so is Lucifer. They teach that faithful Mormons can also become gods someday. Salvation is not by grace alone but through obedience, temple rituals, and good works.
Their additional scriptures—the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price—contradict the Bible on core issues. The Jesus they promote is not co-equal and eternal with the Father, but a created being who shows us how to earn divinity ourselves.
Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 11:4 that some would preach “another Jesus…a different spirit…a different gospel.” Mormonism fits that description. It is not a branch of Christianity—it’s another religion with its own god, its own gospel, and a false Christ.
Roman Catholicism: Christ Plus Church, Grace Plus Works
Roman Catholicism presents a more complex picture. It affirms many foundational Christian doctrines, such as the Trinity, the virgin birth, and the resurrection. However, it also introduces a host of unbiblical traditions and teachings that compromise the gospel of grace.
Catholic doctrine teaches that salvation comes through faith and works, mediated through the sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist, confession, and others. The Mass is believed to be a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice—something Scripture clearly states was offered once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
Furthermore, Catholicism elevates Mary as a co-mediator, promotes prayers to saints, and upholds teachings like purgatory and indulgences—none of which are found in the Bible. In doing so, it adds layers of tradition and human effort to the simple message of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Though many sincere Catholics truly love Jesus, the system they’re part of often leads them away from the sufficiency of His finished work and into religious bondage. The gospel becomes “Christ plus” instead of “Christ alone.”
Other Movements Preaching Another Jesus
Beyond these major groups, there are other movements that distort the identity and mission of Jesus Christ:
- Christian Science teaches that Jesus didn’t really die and that sin and illness are illusions.
- Unitarian Universalists reject the Trinity and the deity of Christ entirely, promoting universal salvation without repentance or faith.
- Hebrew Roots Movement often emphasizes Old Testament law so heavily that it undermines New Testament grace.
- Oneness Pentecostals deny the Trinity, claiming God manifests in different “modes,” confusing the nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Each of these groups uses Christian language but redefines core doctrines. They promote counterfeit versions of Christ who cannot save.
Why This Matters
You might wonder—why call this out? Isn’t it divisive? Doesn’t it seem judgmental?
The truth is, calling out false doctrine is one of the most loving things we can do. Eternity is at stake. A false Jesus cannot save. A distorted gospel cannot bring life. People who sincerely believe in the wrong Christ are still lost—no matter how good their intentions may be.
Galatians 1:8 says, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” The apostles took doctrine seriously—and so should we.
How to Protect Yourself from Deception
Here are a few ways to stay grounded in the truth:
- Know the Word. Don’t just rely on what others say. Study the Bible deeply. The more familiar you are with the real Jesus, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit.
- Test all teachings. 1 John 4:1 says to “test the spirits.” Compare every sermon, book, or podcast to Scripture.
- Pray for discernment. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you and protect you from deception.
- Speak truth in love. We’re not called to be arrogant or argumentative, but we are called to be bold in sharing the real gospel.
The Real Jesus Still Saves
There is only one Jesus who saves—the eternal Son of God, born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, risen in glory, and returning in power. He is not a created being, not one god among many, not the invention of religious tradition. He is the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, and the only name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Let’s hold fast to Him. Let’s call out the counterfeits. And let’s proclaim the truth in a world filled with religious confusion.
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