📖 Biblical Definition
Biblical heresy is a doctrine or teaching that contradicts the essential truths of Scripture and the apostolic faith, introduced by choice against the revealed Word of God. Peter warns that "false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them" (2 Peter 2:1). Paul lists "heresies" (factions) among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). Heresy is not merely a difference of opinion on secondary matters; it is a fundamental departure from the core doctrines of the faith — the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, the means of salvation, and the authority of Scripture.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A fundamental error in religion, or an error of opinion respecting some fundamental doctrine of religion.
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HER'ESY, n. [Gr. hairesis.] 1. A fundamental error in religion, or an error of opinion respecting some fundamental doctrine of religion. 2. Heresy, in law, is an offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some of its essential doctrines, publicly avowed and obstinately maintained. Webster understood heresy as doctrinal error on fundamental matters of the Christian faith, not merely unpopular opinion.
📖 Key Scripture
• 2 Peter 2:1 — "There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies."
• Galatians 5:20 — "Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy... divisions, heresies."
• Titus 3:10-11 — "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him."
• Galatians 1:8 — "Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached, let him be accursed."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Heresy has been redefined as intolerance, while actual heresy is celebrated as progress.
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In the modern church, the concept of heresy has been almost entirely inverted. To call something heresy is now considered the greater sin than teaching heresy itself. The one who identifies false doctrine is labeled "judgmental," "divisive," or "unloving," while the false teacher is praised for being "progressive," "inclusive," and "courageous." Denials of the virgin birth, bodily resurrection, penal substitutionary atonement, the reality of hell, and the exclusivity of Christ are all tolerated in mainstream denominations under the banner of theological diversity. Meanwhile, those who hold to orthodox doctrine are treated as the true heretics — guilty of the unforgivable modern sin of claiming that objective truth exists and can be known.
Usage
• "Heresy is not asking hard questions. Heresy is publicly teaching doctrine that contradicts the apostolic faith and refusing correction."
• "The early church identified heresies not out of intolerance but out of love for the truth that saves."
• "A church that cannot name heresy cannot protect its flock."