Although it would be nice to think that all religious people basically believe the same things about Jesus and the gospel, it would be naïve, because they do not.  John wrote this warning that many false prophets (with evil spirits) have gone out into the world (Matthew 24:24).  His use of words implies that they are 'on a mission' to substitute their philosophies for the authority of King Jesus.  So it is vital for church leaders, and indeed every believer, to know whether a person is speaking truth from God or not (2 Peter 3:17-18).  

John gives one simple test.  It is about Jesus.  Firstly, is Jesus Christ honoured as being God who has come from heaven having wrapped Himself in a human body (John 1:14)?  People who proclaim Christ’s divine nature and atoning sacrifice have God's Spirit, for they speak the truth about Jesus.  On the other hand, many authorities say that Jesus was a great religious leader, a good person, a miracle-worker, a prophet but just a man who died.  But if they do not recognise Him as God in a human body, they have the spirit of the antichrist (2 John 1:7), even if they do amazing miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Those people may not understand what they are doing, or how their activities are perfectly in sync with Satan's plan to stop sinners being saved.  His evil plan encourages people to believe that there is a God and there are many religious routes to find Him.  However, the claim of Jesus to be the only way to Father God (John 14:6) is exceptional and uncompromising.  The apostles believed it (John 6:69) and were willing to suffer for their faith and be persecuted by antichrists (1 John 2:18).

The same is true today.  True faith induces true courage in God’s people.  So, stay firm; let God’s Spirit teach you from the Scriptures about who you should allow to influence you. False teachers are in the world and in the church – their common ground is that they will not accept that Jesus is the only way to Father God.  Do not be gullible or naïve about false teaching, but boldly proclaim that Jesus is the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3).  Teach your children the truth about Jesus and share the gospel with your friends.  Do not be afraid to answer questions about your relationship with Jesus, faithfully according to the Bible.  Stand up for Jesus, and on the Last Day He will stand up for you (Matthew 10:32).