When the Truth Sounds Off Key: Heresies

By Abi Lasquety Ruelo

A heresy is a belief or opinion contrary to traditionally accepted as right or true, established and approved religious doctrine held and taught by a church. 2 Peter 2:1-3 says, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.” Heresies have existed for as long as Jesus walked the earth. They were not just born yesterday of the other day. There are a lot of heresies circulating the world today. It is important to know the truth so you will know right away if you are faced with a lie.

Titus 2:1 says, “As for you Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.” If you know the truth, you will live it. It will show in your life. If it is done so, it will impact behavior and will produce spiritual maturity within the church. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 also says, “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” Pau asked Timothy again, to stay behind so he can avert the wrong teaching of people.

When the truth sounds off key, just like in choir practice or worship practice, the members of the group already hear the mistake. It should be the same with heresies. Your radar should be blinking as soon as you “smell” a wrong teaching looming in the corner. Many times, the enemy will use it to confuse us. And if we do not know the truth from the lie, you will be deceived.

When a group of people look at a painting in an art gallery, they may have different interpretations and appreciations for the depending. That will depend on their understanding, on their backgrounds and even their history as a nation. But when speaking about doctrines and heresies, there should always be unity in understanding what is a lie and what is the truth or else the church will be in chaos.

Sound doctrine guards sound living. Titus 2:1 says, As for you Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.” Doctrine is not abstract. It directly influences how believers live. There should be unity in its interpretation. Although it can be interpreted in different ways, there is only one absolute truth. There will always be a human perspective in interpreting scripture; but there is only one divine reality. People can see doctrines with different lenses; but what does God say? When teaching is healthy, lives are healthy. When teaching is corrupted, lives are distorted. Let us not allow lives to be destroyed because of wrong teachings. We have to know what we believe in so that we will know how to live in the world we live in.

The essential doctrines must remain. 1 Timothy 1:3 says, “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine.” The church must discern what is important from what can slide. Man needs water, food, shelter and clothing to live. In Christianity, here are also essentials - Christ’s humanity and divinity, salvation through Him, the authority of scripture and more. These are the essentials that must be preserved. Faithful leader must protect their flock from heresies that arise and pass on the truth to future generations.

The goal of teaching is love.  1 Timothy 1:5 says, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” Doctrine is not just about intellectual correctness. It must lead to transformed hearts and relationships. True teaching fuels love, purity and faith; not division or pride. You cannot and will not obey these doctrines apart from love. Without love, you are nothing. When you know the truth, you will grow. The fruit of the Spirit can  and will be seen in you. If not, you might be lacking something. If you know the truth, it is sure to show - in the way you speak, in the way you deal with others, and ultimately, in the way you live and love.

How can you apply this to your everyday life?

Let the truth shape your daily living. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Examine your daily choices and check if they reflect sound teaching. Let scripture be the measure of your lifestyle. When you are doubting something, look to the bible first . That is your manual. All the answers and instructions you are looking for is there.

Guard what is important in the faith. Jude 1:3 says, “Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s most holy people. “ when faced with confusion or cultural pressure, return to the essentials. Christ’s divinity, salvation through Him, the authority of the Scripture. Write these truths down and rehearse them in prayer. Teach them to your children and share them with everybody around you. We are surrounded by so many people who believe in so many different things. Pray that their eyes are opened to the truth.

Teach with love, not pride. Ephesians 4:15 says, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—” Share what you know not to win arguments but to build others up. Correct gently, encourage freely and let love be the fruit of your teaching. Many people want to boast about their many knowledge. But you will be known by your fruits.

When we speak of doctrine, we speak of truth that anchors life. It is pertinent that we are anchored in the truth or else, we will drift away.