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It is both a shame and a testimony of God's faithfulness that the Christian community has been in what seems like a constant struggle with lies and deception. False teachers have been in constant supply in every generation, ours is no exception. How should we discern this dilemma? Is this a sign that we will never once and for all be rid of misleading men? Is there any rest for the people of God?
I find it encouraging that the apostle Paul, though very realistic, was also very optimistic. His son in the faith Timothy was put in charge of the church in Ephesus, where he had to deal with hostile heresies. Paul warns Timothy of what he is facing: Selfish people who care only about themselves, abusive, slanderous, brutal, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ect (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Paul orders Timothy to, "[h] ave nothing to do with them’-2 Tim.3: 5 NIV. They can be seen by their ungodly actions such as taking advantage of "weak-willed women’. They are "loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth’-3:6&7. I believe that if we breakdown what Paul is teaching Timothy here we will be better equipped to deal with false teachers.
Staying in chapter 3 of Paul's second letter to Timothy, Paul reveals the real reason behind the heretic's rebellion, they are "men of depraved minds’-3:8. Their minds are incapable of reason and rationality, for they are still in bondage to sin. Paul elsewhere teaches on the ramifications of this, "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to the God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God’(Romans 8:7&8). So we must come to terms with the fact that heresy is more than just mere difference of opinion, it is a spiritual matter. The saving work of Jesus Christ is all that can deliver a heretic. It is not by our reasoning or convincing, but by the Spirit of the Lord that a false teacher will accept and affirm orthodoxy.
With this in mind, that a heretic is not just in disagreement as a neutral seeker of truth, but a hostile enemy of God in bondage to insanity, we must take care in how we as Christians deal with them. A little earlier in his letter, Paul tells Timothy that he is to avoid involvement in arguments that are unprofitable and lead to quarrels. He as a servant of God "must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will"-2:24-26. It is truly in God's hands, for only he can deliver from Satan. Timothy is told basically that all he can do is teach the truth. He is not to get into heated dialogues with them, and as we see a little later in the letter Paul instructs Timothy to "have nothing to do with them"-3:5. His responsibility is to teach the truth to the Church, to protect them from false teaching, to watch his "life and doctrine closely" and by doing so he will save both himself and those who sit under his teaching-I Tim. 4:16.
Tota Reformanda is dedicated to doing just that. We bring you God's Word in hopes that you will be empowered and saved, equipped for every good work (see 2 Tim.3:16). It is our desire to see the people of God aware of heresy and in love with the truth. It is out of our love for the saints that we deal with false teachers. We pray for those in bondage to Satan and are being deceived to repent and submit to the truth of Scripture and we pray for strength and wisdom in exposing them.
In my next article I will attempt to explain the role of the Ecumenical Creeds in defining orthodoxy. Until then continue to seek God's word and resist false doctrine. If you have any questions or need advice in dealing with heresy feel free to contact us here or seek out the service of your local church. Sola Deo Gloria.
The teaching of Paul, specifically to Timothy, to ‘guard the deposit entrusted to him', that is, sound doctrine, has weighed heavily on my mind as of late. I appreciate the heart of TR, and John in this selected article, however, I must question an item or two...
Is it possible for a blood-bought, redeemed Christian to be mislead by false teaching to the extent that another might consider the particular teaching in question to be heretical? In other words, can a Christian, be a heretic as you describe?
If this is possible, then my next question would be: Is it possible for a Christian be a "hostile enemy of God in bondage to insanity?"
Are you specifically speaking about hyper-preterism (sp?) and other teachings that specifically attack the core truths of Orthodox Christianity? What about misinterpretations, that may not be as hostile in intent, but nonetheless in apposition to what is Biblically considered 'sound doctrine?'
I haven't read pt. 2 yet, so I apologize if some of these questions are addressed there...I will be reading it soon.
-Rick
Rick-
It is good to see you visit the site...looking forward to your wedding!
Good question raised here, can a Christian be a heretic?
Simple answer: yes. We are not saved by what we believe, but by the grace of God. Our intellect is being progressively sanctified along with the rest of us. For example, I was not trinitarian when I first became a Chrisatian, but the Lord of course convicts his people and brings them to the truth. Or rather can a Christian remain a heretic? simple answer: NO
With that said however, it is important I believe to make a distinction between misled Christians and the kind of false teachers Paul is warning and instructing Timothy about.
These men Paul is describing are not believers with mistaken doctrine, but men with "depraved minds" who are hostile to the truth of the Gospel. They are purposely decieving the people of God. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men oppose Paul and Jesus.
There are elect who are decieved. Paul though is, in my opinion, discussing with Timothy how to deal with unregenerate rebrobates who hate Christ and his Church.
On this note, that is why it is crucial for us, future leaders and elders in Christ Church, to have a firm hold and grasp on the faith of the apostles. Let us continue to promote and defend the truth of orthodoxy against men of depraved mind who are hostile to the truth.
Part 2 above discusses the authority and role of the Ecumenical Creeds. I believe the Creeds are crucial for the Church of today to know and hold fast to, doing so will greatly decrease the number of our brethren who are confused about the faith once for all delivered.
Wow! Good question Rick and good answer John.
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