ΤΙΣ ΑΙΡΕΤΙΚΟΣ ΕΣΤΙΝ? These Greek letters spell out the question: ‘Who is a heretic?’ The answer may surprise you. Do you know the word in the original language of the New Testament for denomination? It’s the same word for sect or faction. The word denomination is from Latin (de down + nomen name). To denominate is to put a name on, as in Lutheran, Methodist, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, Baptist, and so on. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians tells us that factions had developed among the Christians in Corinth and that the people involved in them had applied a name to their particular faction. In other words, they had begun to denominate themselves. Those of one faction said, “I am of Peter.” Those of another said, “I am of Paul.” Those of still another said, “I am of Apollos.” In reaction, others boasted, “I am of Christ.” In the original language of the New Testament the word for a denomination (or for any such faction or sect) is HERESY (ΑΙΡΕΣΙΣ, I Cor. 11:19). That’s what the word heresy actually means. A common misconception is that a heresy is simply an unbiblical doctrine, a false teaching. Though this is how the word has come to be understood, it’s actually but an implication of that word. While an unscriptural teaching is often used as the basis or pretense for forming and perpetuating a denomination or sect, that’s not the primary meaning of heresy as the word is used in the Bible. A heresy is actually the sect, faction, or denomination itself. According to the Scriptures, the very mentality that can either foster or condone a denomination, faction, or sect is at enmity with the Spirit of God. You will find that both faction and sect are in the list of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20, see original language). The works of the flesh are the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit. God is not the author of heresies (sects or denominations). If God were to sanction a denomination, sect, or faction, He would contradict Himself. Reformation means restoring the one true Church described in the Word by contending for the Faith that was once and for all delivered unto the saints (Jude, vs. 3). The one error that occasioned and exacerbated all kinds of other errors in Corinth: “For where envy and ambition are there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). Regardless of how spiritually minded they purported to be, the fact that those in Corinth to whom the Apostle was writing had begun to factionalize and denominate themselves was proof that they were yet carnal, preoccupied with themselves and with fleshly and worldly things. They were not walking in the Spirit. According to the Apostle, of all the errors that those in Corinth had involved themselves in, the mindset that gave rise to factions and denominations was by far the worst and the most destructive. It was that sin that either occasioned or facilitated the breakdown in church discipline, the abuse of the Lord’s supper, and the pride, ambition, envy, arrogance, and the blinders-on kind of ignorance that gave rise to the other errors that the Apostle dealt with. A house divided against itself does not stand. Either to foster or to condone such a division (a denominated faction or a sect) is tantamount to being a destroyer of God’s spiritual and holy temple, the Church. “Other foundation can no man lay...” All who labor for the Lord are to build together on the one foundation. Either to promote or perpetuate a faction or denomination is to divide up and destroy. Some, instead of building on that one foundation gold, silver, and precious stones, build on it wood, hay, and stubble. The latter will suffer loss when the work is tried by fire. On the other hand, the person who is a party to promoting and sustaining a division, a denomination, a sect, or a faction, by doing so, actually denies the Lord and destroys the temple of God. Irrespective of how religious and fervent that person may be, Christ regards him as a destroyer. “If anyone destroys the temple of God, this one God will destroy…” (I Cor. 3:17, see original language, also Eph. 2:20-22). Paul wasn’t the only one to make this point: Though many have not realized it, the Apostle Peter made direct reference to what Paul had said to the Corinthians when he gave this warning: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who will stealthily bring in destructive factions (heresies), [thereby] even denying the Lord [literally, denying the Despot, the owner and sole commander] who bought them—bringing on themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their destructive ways, by reason of whom the way of truth is blasphemed.” (II Peter 2:1) “The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God” (I Cor. 3:19). The word heresy had no bad connotation among ancient Greeks. If you were to ask one of them what his heresy was, that simply meant that you wanted to know which philosopher or school of philosophy he happened to be following. On the other hand, those led by the Spirit of Christ are no longer blown about by philosophies of men and “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). They follow one Master. According to the promise, they have been given “one heart and ONE WAY”(Jeremiah 32:39). To speak of visible ministers is necessarily to speak of the visible church: How’s this for the ultimate oxymoron: a man says, ‘Our denomination holds to Sola Scriptura.’ Those who hold to Sola Scriptura could never tolerate the idea of a denomination.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 05:56:08 +0000
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