Topical Encyclopedia The term "heretical" refers to beliefs, teachings, or practices that deviate from established or orthodox Christian doctrine. In the context of Christianity, heresy is considered a serious offense as it challenges the core tenets of the faith as revealed in Scripture and upheld by the early church councils and creeds.Biblical Context The New Testament addresses the issue of heresy and false teachings on several occasions. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against those who distort the gospel. In Galatians 1:6-9 , Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel, which he clarifies is no gospel at all. He writes, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" Similarly, in 2 Peter 2:1 , Peter warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." Historical Development Throughout church history, various heretical movements have arisen, prompting the early church to define and defend orthodox doctrine. The early ecumenical councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, were convened to address heresies like Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. The Nicene Creed, formulated at this council, affirmed the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, countering Arian claims. Other notable heresies include Gnosticism, which posited a dualistic view of the world and often denied the true humanity of Christ, and Pelagianism, which denied original sin and asserted that human beings could achieve salvation through their own efforts without divine grace. Theological Implications Heresy is not merely a matter of intellectual error but is seen as a spiritual danger that can lead believers away from the truth of the gospel. In 1 Timothy 4:1 , Paul warns, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." The church is called to guard against heretical teachings by adhering to sound doctrine. In Titus 1:9 , Paul instructs church leaders to "hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that by sound teaching he will be able to encourage others and refute those who contradict it." Contemporary Relevance In modern times, the challenge of heretical teachings persists, often manifesting in the form of liberal theology, syncretism, or the prosperity gospel, which distorts biblical teachings for personal gain. The church continues to emphasize the importance of biblical literacy and theological education to equip believers to discern truth from error. The Berean approach to Scripture, as exemplified in Acts 17:11 , where the Bereans "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true," remains a model for Christians seeking to avoid heretical influences and remain grounded in the truth of God's Word. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Containing heresy; departing from accepted beliefs or principles.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HERETIC; HERETICALher'-e-tik, her'-e-tik, he-ret'-i-kal (hairetikos): Used in Titus 3:10, must be interpreted according to the sense in which Paul employs the word "heresy" (1 Corinthians 11:19 Galatians 5:20) for "parties" or "factions." According to this, the Scriptural meaning of the word is no more than "a factious man" (American Standard Revised Version), an agitator who creates divisions and makes parties. Weizsacker translates it into German ein Sektierer, "a sectarist." The nature of the offense is described in other words in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 11. Greek 5211. Humenaios -- Hymenaeus, a heretical teacher at Ephesus ... Hymenaeus, a heretical teacher at Ephesus. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Humenaios Phonetic Spelling: (hoo-men-ah'-yos) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5211.htm - 6k 141. hairetikos -- causing division 4523. Saddoukaios -- a Sadducee, a member of a Jewish religious ... Library The Heretical Objection, that the Son Cannot be Equal to the ... This Opinion is Neither Heretical nor Allied to any Heresy The Heretical Practices of the Marcites in Regard of Baptism. Bishops of Heretical Opinions Ordained in Antioch after the ... Heretical Perversions of the Apostolic Teaching. Description of the Different Heretical Monsters which Spring from ... Unity of Baptism. Remarks on Heretical and Jewish Baptism. The Apostles not Ignorant the Heretical Pretence of St. Peter's ... Why Heretical Writings must be Answered. Whether those who Received Heretical Baptism, and have Afterwards ... Thesaurus Heretical (1 Occurrence)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HERETIC; HERETICAL. ...Heretical (1 Occurrence). Titus 3:10 An heretical man after a first and second admonition have done with, (DBY). ... /h/heretical.htm - 7k Gospels General (9 Occurrences) Heretic (1 Occurrence) Gnosticism Alexander (5 Occurrences) Separate (115 Occurrences) According (7613 Occurrences) Apostles' Creed Resources What is the definition of heresy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.org What is the United Pentecostal Church? | GotQuestions.org Heretical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Heretical (1 Occurrence)Titus 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |