Lk 21:8   He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,' and, `The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Jesus warns his disciples against deception. Perhaps we are casual about this, but it is because people are casual that they get led astray to follow false messiahs and join false cults. There are indeed many such groups around the world all claiming to be something special, all claiming to have a specially anointed leader who has been sent into the world to lead an elite group of believers – the only true believers.

 

Jesus is quite specific. Do not follow anyone who comes claiming to be the messiah. The truth is that when Jesus next comes it will be as the angels said to the disciples: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11). As Jesus himself said, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Mt 24:30,31).

 

When Jesus returns everyone will see him and will know and so until then, don't believe anyone who comes making false claims. Be discerning about any ‘new' teaching that diverges from established Christianity and reject it.