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Heresies: False Teachings Through Church History

Throughout history, the Christian church has faced numerous false teachings that distort core doctrines about God, Christ, and salvation. Understanding these heresies—and their modern echoes—helps us better defend the faith and share the truth of Scripture with those who have been deceived by error.

What is Heresy?

(Heresies 1, 0:59) Heresy is simply "the departure from scriptural truth"—a departure from truth as expressed in the historic creeds which reflect Holy Scripture. The most consequential heresies typically focus on two fundamental areas: the Trinity and the two natures of Christ (fully God and fully human).

The three great creeds of the church—the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed—serve as faithful summaries of biblical truth. (Heresies 1, 1:15) When we study heresies, we follow the threefold pattern of the Apostles' Creed, examining false teachings about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The First Heresy

(Heresies 1, 10:29) The very first heresy appears in Genesis 3:6, when Adam and Eve chose what seemed reasonable to them rather than what God had clearly revealed. This pattern—choosing human reasoning over divine revelation—underlies all subsequent heresies.

God had given a clear warning in Genesis 2:16-17: "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."

(Heresies 1, 12:48) Notice the process in Genesis 3:6—rationalization led to rebellion. The first heresy was Adam and Eve choosing what was reasonable to them instead of what God had said.

Why We're Susceptible to Heresy

Our Inherited Sin Nature

(Heresies 1, 9:55) All of us are born with the deadly disease of sin. Heresy is not an error that only "other people" fall into—the temptation to fall into heresy affects all of us because heresy naturally appeals to our sinfulness.

The consequences of the Fall affect every human being. Romans 5:12 explains: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, so death spread to all because all have sinned." (Heresies 1, 14:25) People capable of heresy produce people capable of heresy—our inherited sinfulness makes us naturally susceptible to false teaching.

The Depth of Our Corruption

Scripture reveals the shocking depth of human sinfulness:

  • Genesis 6:5: "The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually."
  • Romans 8:7: "The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law—indeed, it cannot."

(Heresies 1, 20:04) Apart from God's Word, it's impossible for us to know about our inherited disease of sin and the countless ways this disease becomes evident in our lives. Scripture must reveal to us both the depth of our sinfulness and our desperate need for a Savior.

The Antidote: God's Word and Gospel

The Power of Scripture

(Heresies 1, 29:12) God's Word is dynamite—it destroys falsehood and protects us from heresy. Romans 1:16 declares: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

When we hear heresy and apply God's Word to it, the Word attacks and destroys the heresy, revealing truth in place of error.

Our Redemption in Christ

While we were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1-5), God intervened: "But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

Colossians 1:13-14 explains our rescue: "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

The Importance of Regular Word Reception

(Heresies 1, 32:35) Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another."

God commands us to gather for worship because He has something to give us—His Word. If we push ourselves away from this dynamite, if we're not immersed in God's Word, heresies come and appeal to our sinfulness. Without being grounded in Scripture, we become profoundly susceptible to false teaching.

Our Calling as Berean Christians

(Heresies 1, 4:11) Our model comes from Acts 17:11: "These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the Scriptures every day to see whether these things were so."

When we hear claims about God, the church, or Christian doctrine, we must examine Scripture to see whether these things are true. We hold every statement up to the light of Scripture.

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

2 Peter 3:18 calls us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This growth continues until the Lord takes us home—we're all "under construction," being molded to be more like Jesus Christ.

Being Ready to Give a Defense

1 Peter 3:15 instructs: "In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you."

(Heresies 1, 8:51) We all know folks who hold strange opinions about God, the church, Jesus, or the cross. These are profitable opportunities for us to enter into conversation and witness to the truth.

Major Historical Heresies to Study

Throughout church history, numerous heresies have emerged that continue to echo today. (Heresies 1, 35:22) In our study, we'll examine heresies including:

  • Manichaeism and Arianism
  • Apollinarianism and Nestorianism
  • Eutychianism and Docetism
  • Montanism and Gnosticism
  • Judizers, Pelagianism, and Sadduceeism

Each of these ancient errors has modern expressions that we encounter today. By understanding how Scripture dismantles these falsehoods, we become equipped to witness faithfully when we encounter their contemporary forms.

The Word of God serves as our protection and our weapon against error. When we're grounded in Scripture, we can identify heresies, understand why they're wrong, and lovingly share the truth with those who have been deceived.