Exposing Doctrinal Errors: Heresy Hunting
or Biblical Mandate?
Well, I'm sure you've all heard by now, that
Christians are simply supposed to love one another and be united together
in faith. Should we, therefore, regard as divisive those Christians
who speak out against teachings in the church which are clearly unbiblical?
I can tell you firsthand that it is no joy
to be labeled a "heresy-hunter." Yet, as Paul instructed Timothy, we
are to zealously guard the purity of the message God has entrusted to
us, and for good reason (1 Tim 1:18-19; 6:20; 2 Tim. 4:2-5).
We read in such passages as Acts chapter 20,
and 2 Peter chapter 2, that false teachers will arise, bringing with
them destructive heresies, distorting the truth and destroying the faith
of some. Moreover, it is clear that these teachers will come not only
from outside the church, but also from within the body of Christ as
well.
It is therefore imperative that we test all
things by Scripture (1 Thes. 5:21). It was in this spirit that the Bereans
examined the words of the Apostle Paul, for which they were reckoned
as noble in character (Acts 17:11).
Indeed, not only can the Bible be used for
preaching, teaching and encouragement, but, it is equally valuable for
correcting and rebuking (2 Tim. 4:2). As a matter of fact, we as Christians
are held accountable for proclaiming the whole will of God, warning
others of false teachings. (Acts 20:26-28; cf. Ezek. 33:7-9; 34:1-10).
This is not merely a suggestion, it is, in
fact, a divine mandate. Of course if heresies are coming from teachers
within the church, we ought to try and approach them first with our
concerns. Should that fail to resolve the problem, we are told in Matthew
18 to expose their errors to the church; and if need be, divulge their
names. (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18; 4:14-15; 3 John 9-10).
We would, therefore, do well to heed Scripture's
explicit warnings to be on guard for false teachings (Rom. 16:17-18;
cf. 1 Tim. 1:3-4; 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; 2:1), and to point
them out to brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Tim. 4:6). It is not my
practice to make an issue out of peripheral matters on which honest
Christians can differ.
However, we are committed to exposing those
who would compromise the essential doctrines of the historic Christian
faith. Remember, controversy for the sake of controversy is sin. But
controversy for the sake of the truth is a divine command.
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