Heresy

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Jun 24, 2010
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#1
Heresy can be rooted in a false doctrine or the rejection of sound doctrine. The term has a meaning that involves 'choosing' through a process of being subverted or 'twisting out' of the truth. If I, as a believer, am not taught sound doctrine on a consistent basis (daily) by a qualified pastor/teacher that God has raised up, I will be susceptible in relying upon my own understanding and personal experience of truth and develop diverse opinions of who God is and how he works. This opinion is chosen and twisted out of an acknowledgment of the truth but not the knowledge of the truth. This form of sublimated truth has nothing to do with the believer's faith. It can be very convincing to the untrained ear that is not skillful in the words of righteousness. Legalism is a form of heresy that brings others into bondage because it rejects mercy and grace. These heresies cause division and factions that leads to taking advantage of others with potential ruin among those who are not yet rooted and established in the faith.

We can not randomly attribute heresy to others who we do not agree with or who seem to have a different understanding of truth. It may be some form of false doctrine but we must entreat them and not accuse them. If they are persistent and become resistant when we have entreated them through meekness and much patience, then we can admonish them so that they will not effect others. If they reject a second admonishment, then we can reject them and warn others of their heresy. This is a process and not a knee-jerk reaction unless this has been a practice by the individual or group.
 
M

Mich223

Guest
#2
I think sticking close to the Bible shuts out many heresies. But I agree one has to be taught by a qualified pastor/teacher in order not to grow with heresies.
 
S

Saint

Guest
#3
I know all about twisting Scripture, it doesn't lead to a good place.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,029
1,023
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New Zealand
#4
Twisting scripture?

Well what I have noticed (I think we are all guilty of this including myself) is when it comes to scripture.. taking a verse.. and then removing it from it's surrounds- and applying it in a diff context than what it was in the first place.

For example.. soooooo many christians use the verse 'where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them'.. to apply to christians meeting anywhere

so the line is perfect.. that is what it says in scripture..

but the context- in Matthew it is about resolving disputes between church family members!

So that the application is.. when you get together with a church member or two to address a sin issue with another member.. then Jesus blesses that interaction by being there 'in the midst' in a special way.

That is the context.

So .. this happens with heaps of other verses-- for eg.. 'a day for God is a thousand years' being used to talk about age of the earth when it is actually about Jesus' second coming.
 
S

Saint

Guest
#5
Twisting scripture?

Well what I have noticed (I think we are all guilty of this including myself) is when it comes to scripture.. taking a verse.. and then removing it from it's surrounds- and applying it in a diff context than what it was in the first place.

For example.. soooooo many christians use the verse 'where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them'.. to apply to christians meeting anywhere

so the line is perfect.. that is what it says in scripture..

but the context- in Matthew it is about resolving disputes between church family members!

So that the application is.. when you get together with a church member or two to address a sin issue with another member.. then Jesus blesses that interaction by being there 'in the midst' in a special way.

That is the context.

So .. this happens with heaps of other verses-- for eg.. 'a day for God is a thousand years' being used to talk about age of the earth when it is actually about Jesus' second coming.
annoying, isn't it? It was people who did this that taught me all kinds of wrong stuff, not to stay i didn't teach myself some wrong things. Also, a lot of the twisting that I did was intentionally ignoring some parts, and purposely misreading others to fit my opinions.
 
Jul 8, 2010
309
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#6
I agree just on the foundation of the legalism comment. Legalism is probably the biggest disease in christianity right now.
 
C

charisenexcelcis

Guest
#7
I agree just on the foundation of the legalism comment. Legalism is probably the biggest disease in christianity right now.
I think I would say that materialism is the biggest problem in Christianity.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#8
I think I would say that materialism is the biggest problem in Christianity.
Maybe its because I am a poor college student without much in the way of materialistic goods anyways, but that is an interesting opinion. I have always just had issues with churches that seem to be all about the rules and not about the relationship.
 
S

Saint

Guest
#9
I believe that division is the biggest problem for Christianity. Like Jesus said: a house divided cannot stand...
 
R

Ricke

Guest
#10
Shard

Define "Legalism"...
 
Jul 8, 2010
309
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#11
When people focus more on the rules than on the individual relationship with Christ. My relationship with christ is more important to me than making sure i dot every i and cross every t mentioned in the bible. thats my opinion of it anyways.
 
Feb 9, 2010
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#12
We have the word of God that speaks plainly of what truth is about.


26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him(1 John 2:26-27).

The Bible says we need not that any man should teach us but the Spirit will teach us the truth.

A Church is good so that the lost can come in and learn the truth,but a saved person with the Spirit need not any man that should teach them but the Spirit will teach them.

Paul said he did not receive the truth from man but from Jesus Christ.

We have the Bible and if you have the Spirit the Spirit will teach you the truth.

When the saints come together,the saved people,it is good that they fellowship,but they do not need a preacher for the Spirit will teach them,although it is still good to listen to the preacher for he may preach something you have not come across,but the Spirit will give you the true meaning of it,if he is wrong.

That is one thing about the Jehovah's witnesses,that they believe there has to be a prophet to lead God's people to the truth like Moses,but the Bible says we need not that any man should teach us.

Matt
 
Last edited:

Crypto

Senior Member
Nov 14, 2009
662
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#13
I think I would say that materialism is the biggest problem in Christianity.
I would agree 100% with that. Legalism is misunderstood and misapplied. The rules people call legalism are Christ's commands and He said "if you love me, keep my commandments". So it's not our of law but out of love we keep His commands.
 
Mar 2, 2010
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#14
Ha, I think the exact OPPOSITE of legalism is the problem with the church these days...there are so many half-hearted, lukewarm, "anything goes" Christians in the churches that we've dumbed down our preaching and worship just to keep the seats full. I agree legalism is a problem, but I see way more people where I am with no rules than with unbiblical ones.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#15
Im talking about the rules like
You can only wear this to church
We can only sing this music
You have to do this or that

Stupid things like that which i have left churces over.
 
Mar 2, 2010
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#16
Like I said, I know more Christians who apparently have NO rules than I do Christians with unbiblical ones.
 
Jun 29, 2010
398
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#17
Twisting scripture?

Well what I have noticed (I think we are all guilty of this including myself) is when it comes to scripture.. taking a verse.. and then removing it from it's surrounds- and applying it in a diff context than what it was in the first place.

For example.. soooooo many christians use the verse 'where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them'.. to apply to christians meeting anywhere

so the line is perfect.. that is what it says in scripture..

but the context- in Matthew it is about resolving disputes between church family members!

So that the application is.. when you get together with a church member or two to address a sin issue with another member.. then Jesus blesses that interaction by being there 'in the midst' in a special way.

That is the context.

So .. this happens with heaps of other verses-- for eg.. 'a day for God is a thousand years' being used to talk about age of the earth when it is actually about Jesus' second coming.
Two excellent points wattie
 
Jun 29, 2010
398
0
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#18
Maybe its because I am a poor college student without much in the way of materialistic goods anyways, but that is an interesting opinion. I have always just had issues with churches that seem to be all about the rules and not about the relationship.
Jesus said if you love me you will obey me. So how can you have a relationship with no rules?
 
Jun 29, 2010
398
0
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#19
When people focus more on the rules than on the individual relationship with Christ. My relationship with christ is more important to me than making sure i dot every i and cross every t mentioned in the bible. thats my opinion of it anyways.
Sounds like a pretty casual relationship to me????
 
Jun 29, 2010
398
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#20
I would agree 100% with that. Legalism is misunderstood and misapplied. The rules people call legalism are Christ's commands and He said "if you love me, keep my commandments". So it's not our of law but out of love we keep His commands.
Ha, I think the exact OPPOSITE of legalism is the problem with the church these days...there are so many half-hearted, lukewarm, "anything goes" Christians in the churches that we've dumbed down our preaching and worship just to keep the seats full. I agree legalism is a problem, but I see way more people where I am with no rules than with unbiblical ones.
Crypto, and distinctiveministry, you are both right on point