Whatever Happened To Heresy? A Biblical Approach In Dealing With Heretics -- By: Larry Dixon

Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 19:1 (Winter 2010)
Article: Whatever Happened To Heresy? A Biblical Approach In Dealing With Heretics
Author: Larry Dixon


Whatever Happened To Heresy? A Biblical Approach In Dealing With Heretics

Larry Dixon

Larry Dixon is a graduate of Emmaus Bible College and Professor of Church History and Theology at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of numerous publications and is a frequent speaker at various assemblies and Bible conferences. Larry has taught at Emmaus as an adjunct faculty member. This is the third article in a series on heresies in the church.

We concluded our second article in this series by suggesting that our next article would look at several contemporary “sons of the church” who have gone astray.1

However, it seems wise to tackle that aspect of the subject at a later time. In this installment, we want to look at the biblical material on identifying and responding to those who teach heterodoxy (material which is “other than” orthodoxy). First we will notice some of the factors as to how heresy happens. Then we will look at some of the biblical descriptions of false teachers. Last we will examine how heretics can be prevented.

How Heresy Happens

In our first article, we suggested that the proliferation of choice might be one reason why some choose to go with aberrant, rather than biblical, teaching.2 We should never underestimate our innate desire to go our own way, to twist the truth of God, to abandon the doctrines of the faith. As we will see later, those who lead the people of God have the

responsibility to warn the people of God to be faithful to the “once-for-all-delivered-to-the-saints” faith (Jude 3).

Turning Away From Biblical Authority

Several biblical passages give us further insight into the why of false teaching. For example, we read in 2 Thessalonians 3:14 that there were some who refused to listen to the apostles as they taught the truths of God. Paul writes, “If anyone does not obey our instructions in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.” This turning away from biblical authority is an act of disobedience. That person is not to be ignored, but taken note of. In fact, Paul commands that the believers not fellowship with him (as if things were fine), but rather refuse to associate with him. Why would Paul give such a command? The purpose is not to be cruel, but to bring that erring brother (or sister) to their senses, that they might realize that they are teaching things con...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()