Heresies

Teachings held by a factional religious party which deny some aspect of established doctrine. NT writers give no toleration to heresies in the church.

Heresy as deviant teaching

Hebrews 13:9 See also Galatians 1:6–7; 2 Timothy 4:3–4

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.

Heresies and the factional nature of Judaism

The party of the Pharisees

Acts 26:5 See also Acts 15:5; Philippians 3:5–6

They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

The party of the Sadducees

Acts 23:8 See also Matthew 22:23 parallels Mark 12:18, Luke 20:27

For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

Christianity was perceived as a heresy within Judaism

Acts 24:14 See also Acts 24:5, Acts 28:22

I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

Heresies within the church

The imposition of Jewish regulations on Gentile converts

Acts 15:1 See also Galatians 6:12–13; 1 Timothy 1:3–7; Titus 1:10

Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Heresies concerning the person of Jesus Christ

2 John 1:7 See also 1 John 2:22–23, 1 John 4:1–3

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Heresies concerning the return of Jesus Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:1–2 See also Matthew 24:4–5 parallels Mark 13:5–6, Luke 21:8; Matthew 24:23–24 parallel Mark 13:21–22

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come.

The origins of heresy

Erroneous human teaching

Colossians 2:8 See also Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:20–22

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Deceitful demonic power

1 Timothy 4:1 See also 1 John 4:2–3, 1 John 4:6

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Christian opposition to heresy

Heresy warned against

2 Peter 3:17 See also 1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:10–14

Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

Heresy condemned

2 Peter 2:3 See also Galatians 1:8–9; 2 Peter 2:17–22

In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.