S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

When we hear the word heresy, we might conjure up images of medieval torture chambers and heresy trials. There was a period of church history that certainly included those things. If we are not his...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Myron Robertson Supporter Seeking God's heart

Here is where you must go to scripture itself, and you must go to the original languages to learn what this really meant to the writers who used this concept. You do not have to look very deeply to find that the word meant something completely different then than it how we think of it now, and that makes a huge difference in how we must interpret the scriptural passages where it is used. You will find the definitions given in the other answers to be nothing more than traditions of men based on a part of the original definition, but not actually being that definition.

You must always keep in mind that any translation shows more of the bias of the translator than the actual meaning of the word. Using the resources available at Blue Letter Bible we find the Greek word translated heresy or heresies is hairesis. It is Strongs G139 where it is defined as a choice, a party or a disunion. By this definition both Republicans and Democrats are heresies. It does not mean either of them is wrong (they both are); it simply means they are different ways of thinking which most people choose from and a few reject entirely.

However, Strong's is not the most reliable source and this site also includes the Thayer's Greek Lexicon. There we find five primary definitions for this word: 1) the act of taking, capture, 2) choosing, choice, 3) that which is chosen, 4) body of men following their own tenets (sect, party), 5) dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims.

When using a dictionary or lexicon you must remember that the definitions are arranged by primary definition first, least used definition last. In a dictionary this is by current usage; in a lexicon this is by usage over the full history of the word, although sometimes it may be arranged by first use of the word followed by later uses. Really good lexicons will show the year and document of the first known use of a definition. This is harder to do with an ancient language but many Greek lexicons do make this effort.

By using a definition that is not valid for the Greek word being translated, and is based on the least used definition for the original Greek word we lose much in our translation, and actually change the meaning of scripture. The modern usage with the extremely negative connotation simply is not to be considered the only proper usage, in fact it is the least proper usage.

This word appears in the NT nine times. Five times the KJV translates it as sect and four times as heresy. Upon closer examination of these four verses shows that in Gal 5:20 and 2 Pe 2:1 the apostle was clearly speaking of false beliefs, so the modern usage is acceptable. In 1 Cor 11:19 Paul is simply saying there must be differing ideas among you so that upon searching the scriptures to see if they are true (see Acts 17:11) the truth can be discovered and made manifest. The connotation here is supposed to be neutral and the modern definition is definitely NOT appropriate. Unfortunately most Christians are like the Thessalonians, believing what the preacher tells them, and lack the deeper nobility of the Bereans who search scripture for themselves to see if what they were being told was true. The very nature of having conflicting ideas will send these more noble believers to the word rather to see which, if either, is correct. Sometimes both are and our beliefs must be expanded in a way that can accommodate both. Thus such dissensions are necessary. 

Finally there is Acts 24:14 Here Paul is speaking of the "The Way" which was the original name for what later came to be called "Christians". Most modern translators translate this as sect, not heresy. This brings us to the negative modern connotation of another word, sect, which simply did not exist in those days. While the Jews did have a great deal of disdain for Christians that word simply means it was another denomination of Judaism like the Pharisees or Saducees. It did not necessarily mean followers of a false belief.

December 27 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

The Catholic definition of "heresy" is the "obstinate post-baptismal denial of a dogma".

Obstinate, meaning that it is not a fleeting thought.

Post-baptismal, meaning it only applies to members of the Church (those baptized). Jews cannot be heretics, Muslims cannot be heretics, since they are not baptized.

Denial of a Dogma, meaning denial of a church practice or discipline is not heresy. Denial of a church doctrine is not heresy. the term heresy only applies to dogmas.

Dogmas are a sub-set of doctrines which are elevated to a "must-believe, otherwise you are out" status. Not all doctrines are dogmas.

September 20 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

Heresy is believing something that is not true. The bible says that salvation is by faith alone. But people change that truth for a lie and say that is not true. John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

That is true. John 6:40 is the will of God. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that all that seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.

First Corinthians 15:1-4 That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that He was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. That is the gospel.

Heresy is to preach another gospel. Galatian 1:7-9 "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let them be accursed. As we said before, so say I again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which ye have received, let them be accursed."

There is only one gospel that we must preach. Those that believe it are saved. Those that do not believe it are not saved. We can not change the word of God to what we believe, but believe what the bible says.

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. We know that is true. 

First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know ye have eternal life.

The bible is the only truth we have, but without the Holy Spirit through the new birth, it is foolishness. First Corinthians 2:14

Not every thing in the bible is for the church age. God did not tell you to build a 450 boat in your backyard. He told Noah to do that. 

Until Christ was raised from the dead, no one was ever sealed by the Holy Spirit. It could come and go. Now believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we believe the gospel of our salvation. Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30

We are not saved until we believe the Gospel, but are saved forever when we are sealed by that Holy Spirit because we have believed. 

Heresy is not believing what the bible says to us. Context is important. The church age is not the old testament, and the tribulation is not the church.

Heresy is changing the word of God for a lie. There are absolute truths in the bible. John 6:37, 39, and 40 are true. John 10:28. Romans 4:5 and 11:6 are true. To say they are not is heresy. Romans 1:16 Salvation is to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, apart from the deeds of the law.

The worst heresy is preaching another gospel and those that do will be accursed. To say that anyone can be saved is true. To say we do not have to believe to be saved is preaching another gospel.

To say we can be saved by works, or what we do, is preaching a lie. We can only be saved by faith alone without works. Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 11:6. If we add works we are preaching another gospel. We must believe what the bible says, and not what we believe. To say that salvation is not a free gift, is preaching another gospel. Romans 6:23.

January 19 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report