The term "heretick" is derived from the Greek word "hairetikos," which appears in the New Testament and is often translated as "heretic" or "divisive person." In the context of early Christianity, a heretick is someone who promotes teachings or beliefs that deviate from the established doctrines of the faith, leading to division and discord within the church community.

Biblical References:

1. Titus 3:10-11 : "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned." This passage instructs believers to reject those who persist in divisive behavior after being warned. The emphasis is on maintaining the purity and unity of the church by distancing oneself from those who cause division through false teachings.

2. 2 Peter 2:1 : "Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies that will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." This verse warns of the presence of false teachers who introduce heresies, which are beliefs or opinions that deviate from orthodox Christian doctrine. Such individuals are seen as a threat to the faith community.

3. Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Here, divisions and factions are listed among the works of the flesh, highlighting the destructive nature of heretical behavior that leads to division within the church.

Historical Context:

In the early church, the term "heretick" was used to describe individuals or groups that deviated from the apostolic teachings. The early church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote extensively against heresies, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the teachings handed down by the apostles. The development of creeds and councils, such as the Nicene Creed and the Council of Nicaea, was partly in response to heretical teachings that threatened the unity and doctrinal integrity of the church.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, heresy is considered a grave sin because it distorts the truth of the Gospel and leads believers astray. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and warns against those who would pervert the teachings of Christ. The role of church leaders is to guard the flock against false teachings and to ensure that the faith is preserved in its purity.

Practical Application:

In contemporary Christian practice, the identification and rejection of heretical teachings remain a priority for maintaining the unity and doctrinal soundness of the church. Believers are encouraged to study the Scriptures diligently and to test all teachings against the Word of God. Church leaders are tasked with the responsibility of teaching sound doctrine and correcting those who stray from the truth.

The concept of a heretick serves as a reminder of the importance of doctrinal purity and the need for vigilance in preserving the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

section iii.
... The Council of Constance condemns John Huss for an Heretick; the Stories of his
own Party stile him a Martyr: he must needs offend the Divinity of both, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section iii.htm

section i.
... I confess there is cause of passion between us: by his sentence I stand excommunicated;
Heretick is the best language he affords me; yet can no ear witness I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... they will. It is much better they should serve God any way, even with the
schismatic or the heretick, than no way at all. Were we ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... It was one of the Accusations of Paulus Samosatenus the Heretick Bishop of Antioch,
that he abolished those Psalms which were wont to be sung to the Honour of ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... [ac] Foster replied: "One man is not to be called a 'heretick,' purely because
he differs from another, as to the articles of faith. ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

Heretick (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heretick (1 Occurrence). Titus 3:10 A man that is an
heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (KJV). ...
/h/heretick.htm - 6k

Heretofore (25 Occurrences)

/h/heretofore.htm - 15k

Reject (56 Occurrences)
... truth. (See RSV NIV). Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first
and second admonition reject; (KJV WBS YLT NAS). Hebrews ...
/r/reject.htm - 21k

Admonition (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first
and second admonition reject; (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/a/admonition.htm - 8k

Heretical (1 Occurrence)

/h/heretical.htm - 7k

Heretic (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heretic (1 Occurrence). Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick
after the first and second admonition reject; (Root in KJV DBY WBS). ...
/h/heretic.htm - 7k

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