Posted on 07/24/2007 2:24:56 PM PDT by MarkBsnr
In 2 Peter 2:1–2, the apostle states, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
The apostle accurately observed the spread of heresy in the first–century church, and his warning that false teachers would continue to arise can easily be seen in the growth of cults and pseudo–Christian religions in our time. Interestingly, the heresies that are popular today are simply variations of the same heresies that have arisen throughout the history of the Church. This article will briefly examine some of the most influential of these heresies, will list scriptures that refute the heresy, and will list some of the modern groups that continue to promote the heresies.
Judaizers — 1st Century Judaizers, or the Judaizing movements, is not a condemnation of Judaism or ethnic Jews. Instead, it has historically been the label for those who attempt to make observing the Mosaic Law a requirement for Christianity and salvation. The book of Acts refers to such people as “they of the circumcision” (Acts 10:45; 11:2), and the council at Jerusalem decisively ruled against them (Acts 15:23–29).
Despite this biblical ruling, Judaizing movements continue to grow in our time. These movements require such things as strict observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, mandatory tithing, observance of the Jewish feasts, and other regulations in order for a Christian to earn salvation.
Scriptural Refutation: Romans 3:24–28.
Modern Groups: Seventh-Day Adventists; followers of Herbert W. Armstrong.
Gnosticism — 1st and 2nd Centuries The Gnostics promoted three basic teachings: 1) matter is evil, and thus Jesus only appeared to be a man; 2) because the Bible teaches that God created matter, the God of the Old Testament Jews is an evil deity who is distinct from the New Testament God, Jesus Christ; and 3) ultimate Truth is a mystery that is available only to those who are initiated into the secret teachings and practices of the Gnostic groups.
Gnosticism has become popular in the latter half of the 20th century with the 1945 Egyptian discovery of the Nag Hammadi library, a collection of Gnostic writings. One of the most influential books in modern Gnosticism has been Elaine Pagel’s The Gnostic Gospels, an analysis of the Nag Hammadi documents. Modern Gnosticism is commonly found in syncretistic groups, which teach that Truth can be found by combining the beliefs and practices of numerous religions.
Scriptural Refutation: Genesis 1:4, 10, 18, 21, 25, 27; John 10:30; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 John 1:1.
Modern Groups: Primarily found in the New Age Movement.
Docetism — 1st – 4th Centuries The name is taken from the Greek word dokein = to seem. The docetics believed that the seeming humanity of Christ, particularly his suffering, were imaginary. They taught that the divine God cannot suffer, and thus, since Christ is divine, his suffering was an illusion to teach humans a valuable lesson about the illusion of matter. Docetism was an integral part of Gnosticism. The heresy was a major impetus for the Chalcedonian Definition of 451, which describes that Christ is one person with two natures: human and divine.
The heresy continues among modern groups that deny the reality of suffering.
Scriptural Refutation: John 1:1–3, 14; Philippians 2:6–8.
Modern Groups: Christian Science, Mind Sciences, the New Age Movement.
Origenism — 3rd Century The career of Origen is one of the more unusual in Christian history. He dedicated himself to defending attacks on Christianity from paganism, Judaism, and Christian heresies. His apologetic book, Against Celsus, remains a classic piece of Christian literature.
Despite his defense of orthodoxy, Origen developed several heretical doctrines that were eventually condemned in 553. His most notable deviant teachings involve the preexistence of human souls, the subordination of the Son to the Father, and universalism. Few groups currently adopt all of Origen’s teachings. Nonetheless, groups influenced by Joseph Smith believe in both the preexistence of souls and the essential subordination of the Son to the Father, and many other groups believe in both the preexistence of souls (usually in the form of reincarnation) and universalism.
Scriptural Refutation: Hebrews 9:27; John 10:30; Matthew 7:13–23; 8:11–12.
Modern Groups: Mormons, Liberal Christianity.
Dynamic Monarchianism / Sabellianism — 3rd Century Although the heresy was first taught in 190 by Theodotus of Byzantium, monarchianism was most notably promoted by Sabellius in the third century. Monarchianism denies the Trinity by teaching that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate persons. Instead, the monotheistic God (called a monad) progressively revealed Himself as the creator and lawgiver through the “office” of Father, as the redeemer through the office of Son, and as the source of grace through the office of Spirit.
Scriptural Refutation: John 3:16; 17:22–23; 1 John 5:7–14.
Modern Groups: Oneness Pentecostals.
Arianism — 4th Century Perhaps the most significant heresy faced by the Church, Arianism (named after Arius) taught that, as the Son of God, Christ was created by God the Father. Arius thus denied the Trinity by teaching that Jesus is less than fully divine. This heresy became extremely widespread, even being promoted by many bishops. It was condemned at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 (which proclaimed that Christ is fully divine), and at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 (which proclaimed that the Holy Spirit is divine). Arianism remains one of the most common heresies to afflict the Church. Almost all pseudo–Christian groups deny the full deity of Christ.
Scriptural Refutation: John 10:30; 1 John 5:7.
Modern Groups: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, the Unification Church.
Pelagianism — 5th Century Pelagius, a Welsh monk, taught that humanity does not inherit original sin, and that salvation is earned by following the example of Christ. Grace is not necessary; instead, humans overcome the sin they gradually develop by using God’s grace to assist them in perfecting themselves and thus earning salvation.
This heresy, along with Arianism, is endemic to almost all modern pseudo–Christian groups.
Scriptural Refutation: Romans 3:24–26; 5:11–21.
Modern Groups: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, followers of Herbert W. Armstrong.
Nestorianism and Mono-physitism — 5th Century Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, taught that Mary bore only Jesus’ human nature in her womb, thus implicitly teaching that Christ was not divine while on earth. In an overreaction to Nestorius, the Monophysites taught that Christ was one person with his humanity and divinity fused into a single nature (the Greek roots of the word monophysite are mono = one, and physis = nature), thus implicitly teaching that Christ was neither fully human nor fully divine.
Nestorianism is implicit in those groups who deny the reality of matter. One of the most common forms of the monophysite heresy can be found in the New Age Movement, where many believe that Jesus was a man who developed his “Christ consciousness” and thus fully achieved his divinity.
Scriptural Refutation: Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6–8.
Modern Groups: the New Age Movement, Christian Science.
Conclusion Heresy is not new to the Church. The book of Colossians is Paul’s response to the syncretistic heresies present in the 1st century church in Colossae. Colossians 1:15–20, known as the “Christ Hymn,” is one of the best responses to the heresies that attack the deity and work of Christ.
Christians are commanded by God to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). One of the most effective ways to contend for the faith is to know the various ways in which the faith is attacked, and to know the biblical response to these attacks.
Another offer to correct all my errors. I’m so fortunate...
NAB:
Matt 28:
1
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
Therefore Jesus rose on either late on the last day of the week, or early on the first.
Mark 16:
9
When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons
Mark says directly that he rose on the first day of the week.
Luke 24:
1
But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
Luke’s time frame is as Matthew’s.
John 20:
1
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
John’s time frame is as Luke’s and Matthew’s.
Further thoughts:
John 20:
19
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Jesus showed up on the first day of the week; if He had risen before this time would he not have appeared earlier?
Luke 24:
13
Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
14
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
15
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
16
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
Same comment as with John.
Mark doesn’t say specifically.
Matt 28:
8
Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples.
9
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
10
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Same commentary as above.
I think that the conclusions are obvious. I don’t believe that I’m in error; neither is the Church.
The mere fact that the word epiphosko is used proves that it [Matthew 28:1] takes place at sundown. The false doctrine originally put forth by your church would have everyone believe this is Sunday sunrise. Poppycock!
Your church will never do anything about correcting itself, but you have the ability to step away. You should take this step for you are in grievous error.
I shall continue my corrections as time permits.
I think I'll go with the plain meaning of the text instead.
{Luke 23:54] And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. Strong's #2020. epiphosko (ep-ee-foce'-ko) begin to dawn, X draw on.
Epiphosko also means "to begin to dawn...or draw on". Now I know that you are enough of a Bible student to recall that Our Lord was buried right before the Sabbath began...at sundown. I also know that you are enough of a Bible student to know that the Hebrew days began at sundown. So....in each instance the word epiphosko, both in Matthew 28:1 and in Luke 23:54, means to draw on....or begin to dawn. Both events were taking place at sundown....the burial and the resurrection....right before the dawning of a new day.
There is no scripture that will show Our Lord resurrecting on a Sunday morning. I know you would like there to be one because your entire theology is based on this false tradition.....a Sunday morning resurrection.
Well..... I thought I had shown you that the Greek did not say "After the Sabbath" so we'll spend some more time here today.
Let's establish first of all, that to the Hebrews, (Matthew was a Hebrew) the dawning of a new day always takes place at sunset. Their days are counted from sunset to sunset. I'm sorry, I assumed you knew that.
[Matthew 28:1] Latin Vulgat: "evespere autem sabbati quae lucescit in primam sabbati venit Maria Magdalene et altera Maria videre sepulchrum."
[Matthew 28:1] Douay/Rheims: "And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre."
[Matthew 28:1] KJV: "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."
The reason you see [day] in the KJV is because the word is not present in the original manuscripts....it just says "first of the week". As you can see by the translations I have posted, the event is still taking place on the Sabbath afternoon...late. The usage of the words "toward the first" in both the Douay and the KJ proves that the event was getting close to the first of the week...but not yet there; i.e. still Saturday afternoon....late. Verse six still has the Angel saying He is not here. He is risen (past tense).
Therefore Jesus rose on either late on the last day of the week, or early on the first.
There is no either connected to these scriptures. He rose late on the Sabbath! Ergo.....no justification here for Sunday worship. I don't know what translation you are using that says "After the Sabbath"....but it's incorrect.
Gotta run now....more later. We've got a lot to cover.
O.K. I've got a little time today so we'll look at some more of your errors.
We covered [Matthew 28:1] in posts 60,62 and 65....showing that the resurrection took place late on the Sabbath....so this scripture could not possibly be justification for your church changing the day of worship to Sunday. We touched on [John 20:19] in post 56 showing that they were assembled "for fear of the Jews" and that this too was actually a Sabbath so any use of this scripture to advance the idea of anything significant about Sunday would be silly.
Let's look at [Luke 24:1] Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. That's what the King James says. Let's look at the Douay: And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
Both of these translations are incorrect....as that's not what the Greek says. This is one reason why you cannot trust Catholicism or Protestantism to give you the facts. Let's take a look at what [Luke 24:1] says in the original language. And on the first of the sabbaths, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bearing the spices they made ready, and certain [others] with them. The actual Greek: th de mia twn sabbatwn orqrou baqeos hlqon epi to mnhma ferousai a htoimasan arwmata kai tines sun autais.
The phrase "First of the Sabbaths" is most generally translated as "The First day of the week" and as I said, that is incorrect. Ask yourself this question.....why is Sabbaths plural and what would this plurality mean to a first century Jew? From Passover to Pentecost there were seven Sabbaths counted during the "Count of the Omer" [Leviticus 23:15-16] and this particular Saturday would have been the first weekly Sabbath after Passover and number one in the count to Pentecost. That's why the Greek says "The first of the Sabbaths".....and this would have been the third day from The First Sabbath of Unleavened Bread.
The Passover observance actually consisted of eight days. The first day was Passover itself and it occurred on the 14th which was Tuesday evening/Wednesday daytime that year. This was the day Our Lord was crucified...about 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The following day would have been the First Sabbath of Unleavened Bread and that was observed on Wednesday evening/Thursday daytime...the 15th. This is the Sabbath spoken of in [John 19:31]....a high Sabbath....and also the Sabbath that Joseph of Arimethia was hurriedly trying to entomb the body by. The next day would be the day that the women purchase the spices [Mark 16:1]....a regular business day Thursday evening/Friday daytime and, of course the following day would be the Sabbath....Friday evening/Saturday daytime and the day of resurrection. This is also the day referred to in our scripture study...."First of the Sabbaths", because it would be the first weekly Sabbath after Passover in the count to Pentecost.
I'm sorry, I cannot spend anymore time today. We'll complete [Luke 24:1] the next time around.
Americanism, Then and Now: Our Pet Heresy (encyclical of Pope Leo XIII)
Heresies then and now: ancient Christian heresies practiced in modern times
The Plain Truth About The Baptist Bride Heresy
Balthasar, Hell, and Heresy: An Exchange (is it compatable with the Catholic faith?)
Heresies then and now: ancient Christian heresies practiced in modern times
The Rev. John Piper: an interesting look at "heresy vs. schism"
Pietism as an Ecclesiological Heresy
Arian Heresy Still Tempts, Says Cardinal Bertone (Mentions Pelagianism As Well)
Catholic Discussion] Church group stays faithful (to heresy!)
An overview of modern anti-Trinitarian heresies
Christian mavericks find affirmation in ancient heresies
Where heresy and dissent abound [Minnesota]
Gnostic Gospels - the heresy entitled "Gnosticism."
The So-Called ‘Gospel’ of Judas: Unmasking an Ancient Heresy
Benedict XVI Heresies and Errors
The Heresy of Mohammed (Chapter 4, The Great Heresies)
A better question is, “How many souls have been brought into God’s Kingdom through the reforms of these men?
please do not refer to a revolution as a “reform” movement. They reformed nothing and as far as I’m concerned cost many persons their salvation and saved noone.
another comment.....I can”t imagine the creator of the universe being overly concerned about the day of the week that we honor Him! He certainly must have more important things to do.
The idea of an infinite God has consequences. We can only know what is important if God tells us. Otherwise, it is certainly possible that an infinite God cares as much about a bed bug as about a human being. Everything, no matter how large or small, has exactly the same ratio to the infinite.
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