☠️ What Is Heresy? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just a Fancy Word for ‘Wrong’)
Let’s set the scene so that we can grasp the reality of heresy. Imagine you’re on a road trip. You’ve got your map (or GPS), snacks, tunes, and your destination locked in. You’re heading to Truth Town, and the route is laid out in Scripture. But somewhere along the way, a stranger on the road (let’s call him “Rev. Sidetrack”) waves you down and says:
“Hey friend, the real road is over there—it’s shorter, smoother, and way more fun!”
You think,
“Well… it does look easier.”
And you follow. That detour, my friend, is heresy. It may look appealing, even religious, but it leads you away from the truth—and ultimately away from God.
📖 So, What Is Heresy Biblically?
Heresy is any belief, teaching, or practice that contradicts the truth of God’s Word, especially when it distorts the nature of God, salvation, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
🔍 In simple terms: Heresy is spiritual identity theft—it misrepresents God, falsifies His message, and scams your soul.
🧃 Kool-Aid Christianity: The Danger of the Fake Gospel
Paul had no patience for heresy. In fact, he wrote:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel…” —Galatians 1:6–7
He goes on to say:
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed!” —Galatians 1:8
Paul wasn’t playing. He wasn’t arguing over worship styles or whether church coffee should be fair-trade. He was warning them:
“If it’s not the Gospel of Christ, it’s a lie.”
🛑 Examples of Heresy in Scripture
- 🐍 The Original Heresy: Eden’s Lie
The serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened…” —Genesis 3:4–5
Heresy always questions God’s Word and replaces it with something more convenient. Sound familiar?
- 🐃 Golden Calf Theology
“These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” —Exodus 32:4
Translation: “Let’s give God a makeover!”
False worship isn’t just a mistake—it’s rebellion, especially when it redefines who God is.
- 🧙♂️ Simon the Sorcerer
“Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” —Acts 8:19
Simon tried to buy the power of God like it was a superpower upgrade in a video game. Peter’s response?
“May your silver perish with you…” —Acts 8:20
Ouch.
📉 How Heresy Creeps In
Like weeds in a garden, heresy doesn’t start loud—it starts subtle. And it often sounds spiritual.
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.” —Jeremiah 23:21
That’s the biblical version of: “God didn’t say that. You just made that up.”
Paul warns:
“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires…” —2 Timothy 4:3
Itching ears? That’s Bible for “Tell me what I want to hear, not what’s true.”
🚧 The Toll Booth on the Road to Heresy
Analogy time:
You’re cruising down the Narrow Road (see Matthew 7:14), and you come to a toll booth. The sign says:
“Truth Costs. Lies Are Free Today!”
Many people take the free route—no repentance, no holiness, no cross. Just smooth talking and good vibes.
But the cost of heresy is eternal.
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” —2 Peter 2:1
✅ How to Spot Heresy
- Test the Message:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” —1 John 4:1
- Know the Real Thing:
The best way to spot counterfeit money? Study the real thing. Same with truth. - Check the Fruit:
“You will know them by their fruits…” —Matthew 7:16
Does the teaching produce repentance, righteousness, and faith in Christ—or pride, confusion, and rebellion?
🧠 Why This Matters (Even If You’re Not a Theologian)
Heresy is not just for the “doctrinally elite” to worry about. It’s a life-or-death issue.
Think of heresy like drinking poison labeled as vitamin water. It might look refreshing, but it’ll kill your soul.
“The way that leads to destruction is wide, and there are many who take it.” —Matthew 7:13
If truth sets us free (John 8:32), then lies lock us in.
🛟 The Rescue: Staying in the Truth
The Word of God is not optional armor—it’s your life vest in a flood of deception.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” —2 Timothy 3:16
You want to spot heresy? Know your Bible.
Want to avoid deception? Stay in the Spirit.
Want to finish the journey? Stay on the ancient path.
“Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths… and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” —Jeremiah 6:16
🙏 Ending Prayer
Lord, open our eyes to see Your truth and give us the courage to stand in it, even when it’s unpopular. Protect our hearts from deception and make our minds alert to what is not of You. Help us to crave Your Word more than we crave affirmation or ease. Let the Gospel of Jesus Christ remain pure in us. Let us be bold to expose lies, gentle to restore those who fall, and always rooted in love and truth. Keep us from error, and let Your Spirit lead us daily on the narrow path that leads to life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
💬 Benediction
Now may the God of truth, who cannot lie,
Guard your heart and steady your steps.
May He fill you with discernment and joy as you walk the ancient paths,
And may your life reflect the radiance of Christ,
Untouched by falsehood,
And sealed in His eternal truth.
Go in peace, and don’t drink the Kool-Aid.
🕊️ Amen.
Grace & Peace
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Dr. John Roberts THD