Signs That a Group Is Misusing the Bible

Today, many Christians are surrounded by teachings that sound biblical on the surface but are deeply misleading. Some groups claim to honor Scripture while distorting it to control members or build false doctrine. These misuses aren't always obvious, so spiritual awareness is essential.  

Identifying truth from error is part of the healing process for those coming out of high-control groups. Thankfully, trustworthy cult recovery resources can help believers spot warning signs, recover from deception, and return to the true gospel.

Misusing Scripture: A Warning from Scripture Itself

The Bible warns that false teachers will twist God’s Word for personal gain (2 Peter 3:16). This is more than a doctrinal issue—it’s a spiritual danger. Groups that mishandle Scripture often isolate verses, elevate human leaders, and gradually undermine the authority of God’s Word. Understanding how this works can protect you and others from manipulation masked as ministry. A recommended resource that can help you navigate through this is Chris Lawson's booklet, A Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire: How to Know if You Are Being Spiritually Abused or Deceived.

1. Rejection of Orthodox Christian Doctrine

One major red flag is a group denying core biblical beliefs. These include the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of Christ, salvation by grace, and the sufficiency of Scripture. Some groups subtly redefine these doctrines using familiar language. Others openly oppose them. Either way, a pattern of replacing historic Christian teaching with a “new revelation” or “restored gospel” should raise concern.

2. Private Interpretation with No Accountability

Another warning sign is when a leader or group claims only they can truly understand Scripture. They may discourage members from reading the Bible independently or insist that outside teachers are deceived. This creates a dangerous system where Scripture is filtered through one person’s opinion. The Bible was given to the whole Church—not to a private elite. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows God’s Word is meant for all believers, not a chosen few.

3. Use of Extra-Biblical Revelation

Many groups that misuse the Bible also claim to receive new revelations from God. These might come from dreams, visions, books, or teachings with equal or greater authority than Scripture. Over time, these extra messages begin replacing the Bible as the foundation for faith and practice. This undermines the Bible’s authority and can lead to severe theological drift or even spiritual abuse.

4. Twisting Verses to Control Behavior

Misusing the Bible often takes the form of spiritual manipulation. Leaders may quote verses out of context to demand submission, shame members, or silence honest questions. Instead of feeding the flock, they use Scripture as a tool of fear. This is spiritual abuse—not biblical leadership. Healthy churches use God’s Word to build up, not to tear down or control.

5. Patterns of Scripture Isolation and Cherry-Picking

A consistent pattern of ignoring context, isolating verses, or bending Scripture to fit a preexisting agenda reveals deeper problems. When verses are plucked from various books to build a belief system, it’s often a cover for false teaching. The Bible is meant to be read and interpreted as a whole. When only selected parts are used while others are ignored or denied, misuse becomes clear.

Recognizing the Signs with Help from Cult Recovery Resources

Spiritual healing takes time, especially for those recovering from distorted teachings. If you’ve experienced confusion or spiritual harm from a group that misused the Bible, such as a non-Christian, pseudo-Christian, or New Age/occult group, you’re not alone.  

Cult recovery resources can help you process your experience, regain trust in God’s Word, and find fellowship with sound believers. These tools often include biblical counseling, educational articles, testimonies, and support for rebuilding your walk with Christ.  

Want to learn more about how cults misuse Scripture and how to heal from spiritual deception? Contact the Spiritual Research Network. You’ll find trusted cult recovery resources, biblical tools, and solid information to help you stand firm in truth and grow in discernment.