Antichrist

TREATISE ON ANTICHRIST
By the ancient Waldenses and Albigenses of Southern France
12th Century
Antichrist is a falsehood, worthy of eternal damnation, covered with an outward appearance of the truth, and the righteousness of Christ and his spouse, but opposite to the way of truth, righteousness, faith, hope and charity, as likewise to the moral life; and also the ministerial verity of the church, administered by the false apostles, and obstinately defended by both powers, ecclesiastical and secular. Or antichrist is a delusion, which hides the truths necessary to salvation, both in things substantial and ministerial. Or it is a fraudulent contradiction to Christ and his spouse, and every faithful member thereof. It is not any special person ordained in any degree, or office, or ministry; but it is that falsehood itself, which opposeth itself against the truth, which covereth and adorneth itself with a pretence of beauty and piety, not suitable to the church of Christ, as by the names, and offices, and scriptures and, and divers other things, may appear. That iniquity which is after this manner, with all the ministers thereof, great and small, with all those that follow them with a wicked heart, and hoodwinked eyes; this congregation I say, thus taken all together, is called antichrist, or Babylon, or the fourth beast, or the whore, or the man of sin, or son of perdition.

His ministers are called false prophets, lying teachers, the ministers of darkness, the spirit of error, the apocalyptic whore, the mother of fornication, clouds without water, trees without leaves, dead, and twice rooted up, waves of a troublesome sea, wandering stars, Balaamites and Egyptians.

He is called antichrist, because being covered and adorned under the colour of Christ, and of the Church, and the faithful members thereof, he oppugneth (contradicts) the salvation purchased by Christ,and truly administered in the church of Christ, whereof the faithful are partakers by faith, hope and charity. Thus he contradicteth the truth by the wisdom of the world, by false religion, by counterfeited holiness, by ecclesiastical power, secular tyranny, riches, honours, dignities and the delights and delicacies.

And therefore let every one take notice thereof, that antichrist could not come in any wise, but by all these things above mentioned that must needs meet together, to make a complete hypocrisy and falsehood; that is to say, the worldly wise, the religious orders, pharisees, ministers, doctors, the secular power, with the people of the world joined together. And thus all of them together make up the man of sin and error complete.

For notwithstanding antichrist was long since conceived in the apostles' times, yet he was then in his infancy, and wanted members both inward and outward. And therefore he was the more easily known and destroyed, and excommunicated, as being but rude and raw, and as yet wanting utterance. For he was then destitute of rational, definitive, decretive, or determinative wisdom; he wanted as yet those hypocritical ministers, and human ordinances, and the outward show of those religious orders. And therefore, though he were fallen away into that error and sin, yet he had then that with which to cover his villainy, or the shame of his errors, or of that sin, yet having none of those riches nor endowments, whereby to allure to himself any minister for his service to be enabled to multiply, preserve, or defend his adherents; for he wanted the secular strength and power, and could not force, nor compel any from the truth unto falsehood. And because he wanted many things yet, therefore he could not defile nor scandalize any by his deceits; and thus being so weak and tender, he could obtain no place in the church.

But growing up in his members, that is to say, in his blind and dissembling members, and in worldly subjects, he at length became a complete man, grew up to his full age, to wit, then when the lovers of the world, both in church and state, blind in faith, did multiply in the church, and get all the power into their hands. And so it came to pass, that as evil as they were, they would be sought unto, and honored in spiritual matters,covering their authority, malice and sins; for which end they made use of the worldly wise, and of their pharisees, in manner aforesaid.

For it is a great wickedness to cover and colour iniquity worthy of excommunication, and go about to establish one's self by such means, as cannot be attributed to men, but belongs to God alone, and to Jesus Christ as mediator. And for men to deprive God of such and such things, by fraud and usurpation, and to arrogate the same unto themselves, and their works, appears to be the greatest felony; as when one doth attribute to himself the power of regeneration, of pardoning sins, of dispensing the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and to represent Christ (as 'Vicar'), and such like matters. And in all these things, to cover themselves with the cloak of authority, and the word, thereby deceiving silly people, who follow the world in such things that are of the world, separating themselves from God and the true faith, and from the reformation of the Holy Spirit, withdrawing themselves from true repentance, pious practice, and perseverance in goodness, and turning their backs upon charity, patience, poverty, and humility; and that which is worst of all, they forsake the true hope, and rely on all evil, and on the vain hope of the world, serving all those ceremonies instrumental hereunto, and deceitfully causing the people to commit idolatry with all the idols of the world, under the name of saints and relics and their worship. The people perniciously err from the way of truth, being persuaded they serve God, and do well.

Stirred up to hate and to be enraged against those that love the truth, even to murder so many of them; so that according to the apostle, we may truly say, this is that man of sin complete, that lifts up himself against all that is called God, or worshipped, and that setteth himself in opposition against all truth, sitting down in the temple of God; that is his church, and showing forth himself as if he were God, being come with all manner of deceivableness for those that perish. And since he is truly come, he must no longer be looked for, for he is grown old already by God's permission.

Nay, he begins even to decay, and his power and authority is abated; for the Lord doth already kill the wicked one, by the spirit of his mouth; by divers persons of good dispositions, sending abroad a power contrary to (antichrist), and those that love him, and which disturbeth his place and his possessions, and puts division into that city of Babylon, wherein the whole generation of iniquity doth prevail and reign.

The first work of antichrist is to take away the truth, and to change it into falsehood, error, and heresy.

The second work of antichrist is to cover falsehood over with the semblance of truth, and to assert and maintain lies by the name of faith and graces, and to dispense falsehood intermingled with spiritual things unto the people under his subjection, either by the means of his ministers, or by the ministry, or any other ways relating to the church.

Now it is certain these two ways of proceeding do contain so perfect and so complete a wickedness, the likes no tyrant and no power in the world were ever able to compass (attain to) since the creation, until the time of antichrist. And Christ had never any enemy like this, so able to pervert the way of truth into falsehood, and falsehood into truth, and who in like manner did pervert the professors of the one or the other, viz. of truth and of falsehood. For holy mother the church, with her true children, is altogether trodden under foot, especially in the truth, and in what concerneth the true worship, in the truthful exercise of the ministry, and the children who partake thereof; causing her to weep bitterly, in the language and complaint of Jeremiah, saying, Ah! How desolate art thou, O city of the heathen people, and uncircumcised! She is become a widow. Being destitute of the truth of her bridegroom; lady of people by reason of their subjection to errors and to sin; princess of provinces by partaking with the world and the things that are in the world.

Weep and look but abroad a little, and thou shalt find those things now accomplished at this time; for the holy church is accounted a synagogue of miscreants (infidels or heretics), and the congregation of the wicked is esteemed the mother of them that rightly believe in the word. Falsehood is preached up for truth, iniquity for righteousness; injustice passeth for justice, error for faith, sin for virtue, and lies for verity.

THE WORKS OF ANTICHRIST:

The first work of antichrist is that it perverts the service of Latreia; that is, the worship properly due to God alone, by giving it to antichrist himself, his works, and to the poor creature, reasonable and unreasonable, sensible and senseless. To the reasonable, man, male or female, the deceased saints. To the senseless, images, carcasses and relics. The works of antichrist are the sacraments, especially the sacrament of the eucharist, which he adoreth as God, and as Jesus Christ, together with the things blessed and consecrated by him, prohibiting the worship of God alone.

The second work of antichrist is that he robs and bereaves Christ of his merits, together with all the sufficiency of grace, of justification, of regeneration, remission of sins, sanctification, confirmation, and spiritual nourishment; and imputes and attributes the same to his own authority, to a form of words, to his own works; unto saints, and their intercession, and unto the fire of purgatory. He separates the people from Christ, leading them away to those things aforesaid, that they may not seek those of Christ, by Christ, but only in the works of their hands, not by a living faith in God, nor in Jesus Christ, nor in the Holy Spirit, but by the will, pleasure and works of antichrist, according to he preacheth, all salvation consists in his works.

The third work of antichrist consists in this: attributing regeneration of the Holy Spirit unto the dead outward work, baptizing children in that faith, and teaching that baptism, regeneration must occur. He confers and bestows orders and other sacraments. His Christianity is grounded on such, and is against the Holy Spirit.

The fourth work of antichrist is that he hath constituted and placed all religion and holiness in going to the mass, and hath patched together all manner of ceremonies, some Jewish, some heathenish, and some Christian. By leading the congregations of people to hear this, he deprives them of the ordinances and spiritual, seducing them from the true religion and from the commandments of God. He withdraws them from the works of compassion by his offerings; and by such a mass he has established the people in vain hopes.

The fifth work of antichrist is that he doth all his works so as to be seen, that he may glut himself with his insatiable avarice (covetousness), that he may set all things to sale, and do nothing without simony (selling pardons, offices, etc).

The sixth work of antichrist is that he allows of manifest sins, without any ecclesiastical censure, and doth not excommunicate the impenitent.

The seventh work of antichrist is that he doth not govern nor maintain his unity by the Holy Spirit, but by secular power, and maketh use thereof to effect spiritual matters.

The eighth work of antichrist is that he hates and persecutes and searches after and despoils (robs) and destroys the members of Christ.

CONCEALED WORKS AGAINST THE TRUTH:

These things are, in a manner, the principal works which he commits against the truth, they being otherwise numberless, and past writing down. It sufficeth for the present to have observed the most general, and those whereby this iniquity lies most covered and concealed.

First and chiefly, he makes use of an outward confession of the faith; and it is that whereof the apostle speaketh, "For they confess in words that they have known God,but by their deeds they deny him." (1 John 2:4)

Secondly, he covers his iniquity by the length or succession of time, and allegeth that he is maintained by certain wise and learned men, and by religious orders of certain votaries of single life (vows of celibacy), men and women, virgins and widows; and besides, by numberless people, of whom it is said in the Revelation that "Power is given him over every tribe, language, and nation, and all that dwell on the earth shall worship him." (Revelation 13:7-8)

In the third place, he covers his iniquity by the spiritual authority of the apostles; against which the apostle speaketh expressly, "We are able to do nothing against the truth, and there is no power given us for destruction." (2 Corinthians 13:8-10)

Fourthly, by many miracles here and there, according to that of the apostle, "Whose coming is according to the working of Satan, by all manner of miracles, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Fifthly, by an outward holiness, by prayers, fastings, watchings, and alms-deeds; against which the apostle testifies, saying, "Having a show of godliness, but having denied the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:5)

Sixthly, he covers his iniquity by certain sayings of Christ, and by the writings of the ancients, and by councils. These they observe only so far as they do not destroy and overthrow their wicked life and pleasures.

Seventhly, by the administration of the sacraments in which they lay open the universality of their errors.

Eighthly, by correction or discipline and mere verbal preachings against vices; for they say and do not. (Matthew 23:3)

Ninthly, by the virtuous lives of some, who seemingly live so, but especially of such as really live so among them. For the elect of God, which desire and do that which is good, are detained there, as in Babylon; and are like unto gold, wherewith the wicked antichrist doth cover his vanity, not suffering them to serve God alone, nor to put all their hope in Christ alone, nor to embrace the true religion. These things, and many others, are, as it were, a cloak and garment wherewith antichrist doth cover his lying wickedness, that he may not be rejected as a pagan, or infidel, and under which he can go on to act his villainies boldly, and likethe whore. the whore of Babylon.

SEPARATION FROM ANTICHRIST:

Now it is evident, as well in the Old, as in the New Testament, that a Christian stands bound, by express command given him, toseparate himself from antichrist.

For the Lord saith, Isaiah 52:11-12, "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing,go ye out of the midst of her, be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight," etc. '

And Jeremiah 1:8, "Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he-goats before the flocks. For lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country, and they shall set themselves in array against her, from thence she shall be taken."

In the 16th chapter of Numbers, verse 21, "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment."

And again verse 6, "Depart, I pray you, from the tabernacle from the tabernacle of the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins."

In Leviticus 20:24, 25, 27, "I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make yourselves abominable by beast,or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean."

Again, in Exodus, chapter 34:12, "Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land wither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee."

And a little further, verse 15, "Make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice. Nor shalt thou take thee a wife from among their daughters, lest they having played the harlot;" That is to say, committed idolatry.

Leviticus 15:31, "And therefore ye shall teach your children and bid them beware of their uncleanness, and that they may not die in them, having polluted my sanctuary."

Ezekiel 11:21, "But the heart that walks on offending and in its offences, I will render their way upon their head, saith the Lord."

Deuteronomy 20, "When thou shalt enter into the land, which the Lord thy God shall give thee, take heed thou do not according to the abominations of those people; forthe Lord abhorreth all those things: and by reason of such sins, he will blot them out. When thou shalt enter their land, thou shalt be clean, and without spot with thy God. Those people whose land thou goest to possess, hearken to the soothsayers and diviners; but thy God hath disposed otherwise in thy behalf."

Now it is manifest in the New Testament, John 12, that the Lord is come and hath suffered death, that he might gather together the children of God; and by reason of this truth of unity and separation from others, it is that he saith in St. Matthew 10:35-36, "For I am come to separate a man from his father, and set the daughter against the mother, and the daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law; and they of a man's household shall be his enemies."

And he hath commanded this separation, saying, "Whosoever doth not forsake his father and his mother," etc.

And again, "Beware of false prophets which come unto you in sheep's clothing."

Again, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees."

"Take heed lest any seduce you; for many shall come in my name, and seduce many. And then if any tell you, behold, Christ is here or there, believe them not, and walk not after them."

And in the Revelation, he warneth by his own voice, and chargeth his to go out of Babylon, saying, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, O my people, come forth out of her, and be not partakers of her sins, that ye receive none of the plagues: for her sins are come up into heaven, and the Lord remembereth her iniquity." (Revelation 18:4)

The apostle saith the same, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple ofthe living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Again, Ephesians 5:7-8, "Do not partake with them, for ye were in the way of darkness, but now ye are in the light of the Lord."

Again, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, "I would not have you become the companions of the devil. Ye can not participate of the Lord's table and of the table of devils."

So 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, "O brethren, we declare unto you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that you beware of every brother walking dishonestly, and not according to the customs which you received from us. For ye know after what manner ye ought to be followers of us."

And again, a little after he saith, "If there be any that obey not our word, set down in this Epistle, haveye nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed."

Again, Ephesians 5:11, "Have no communion with the works of darkness, which are unfruitful."

And 2 Timothy 3:1, "Be it known unto you that in the latter day, there will be troublesome times."

And afterwards, "Having a show of piety, but denying the power thereof, turn thyself away from such."

By what hath been said hitherto, it appears clearly what is the wickedness of antichrist, and his perverseness. Also the Lord commands our separating from him, and joining ourselves with the holy city Jerusalem. Therefore,knowing such things, the Lord having revealed them to us by his servants, and believing this revelation, according to the holy Scriptures, and being admonished by the commandments of the Lord, we do both inwardly and outwardly depart from antichrist; because we know him to be the same: and we keep company and unity with another, freely and uprightly, having no other intent or purpose, but purely and singly to please the Lord, and be saved. And by the Lord's help, we join ourselves to the truth of Christ, and his spouse, how small soever she appear, as far forth as our understanding is able to comprehend. And therefore we thought good to set down here for what causes we departed, and what kind of congregation we have, to the end that if the Lord be pleased to impart the knowledge of the same truth unto others, those that receive it may love it altogether with us.

CAUSES OF SEPERATION FROM ANTICHRIST:

Now then the causes of our separation are these ensuing. Be it known to everyone in general, and in particular, that the cause of our separation is this: namely, for the real truth's sake of our faith, and by reason of our inward knowledge of the only true God, and the unity of the divine essence in three persons; which knowledge flesh and blood doth not afford; and for the befitting service due only God; for the love of him above all things; for sanctification; and for his honour above all things and above every name; for the living hope through Christ in God; for regeneration and the inward renewing by faith, hope and charity; for the merit of Jesus Christ, with all the sufficiency of his grace and righteousness. for the communion of saints; for the remission of sins; for a holy conversation; and for a faithful accomplishment of all the commandments in the faith of Christ; for true repentance; for final perseverance and life everlasting.

The ministerial truths are these: the outward congregating of the pastors with the people in convenient place and time, to instruct them in the truth by the ministry; leading, establishing and maintaining the church in the truth aforesaid. The said ministers press faith and a good life, and are exemplary for manners and obedience, and watchfully follow the example and work of the Lord towards the flock.

The things which the ministers are obliged to do for the service of the people are these; the preaching of the word of the gospel; the sacraments joined to the word, which do certify what the intent and meaning thereof is, and confirm the hope in Christ, unto the faithful; the ministerial communion hath all things by the essential truth. And all other ministerial things may be reduced to the aforesaid. But as to the particular truths, some of them are essentially necessary to man's salvation, other some conditionally. They are contained in the twelve articles of the Christian faith. As for Antichrist, he hath reigned a good while already in the church by God's permission.
A various and endless idolatry, against the express command of God and Christ.
Divine worship offered not to the Creator, but to the creature, visible and invisible, corporal and spiritual, rational and sensible, natural and artificial, under the name of Christ, or saints, male and female, and of relics and authorities. Unto creatures they offer the service of worship of faith, hope, works, prayers, pilgrimages, alms, oblations and sacrifices of great price.
And those creatures they serve, honour, and adore several ways: by songs and hymns, speeches, solemnities, and celebration of masses, vespers fitted unto the same, by certain hours, vigils, feast-days, thereby to obtain grace, which is essentially in God alone, and meritoriously in Christ, and is to be obtained by faith alone through the Holy Spirit.
And indeed there nothing else that causeth idolatry, but the false opinions of grace, truth, authority, invocation, intercession, which this antichrist hath deprived God of, to attribute the same to these ceremonies, authorities, the works of a man's own hands, to saints, and to purgatory. And this iniquity is directly against the first article of faith, and against the first commandment of the law.

Also, the excessive love of the world that is in antichrist is that from which springs such a world of sin and mischief in the church, as well in them that govern, as in them that officiate in the same; who sin without control. They are against the truth of faith, and against the knowledge of God the Father. Witness St. John saying, "He that sinneth, knoweth not, nor seeth God: for if any love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

THE INIQUITY OF ANTICHRIST:

The iniquity of antichrist lies in the hope which he giveth of pardon, grace, justification, truth and life everlasting, as things not to be sought and had in Christ, nor in God by Christ, but in men, either living or already deceased; in human authorities, in ecclesiastical ceremonies,in benedictions, sacrifices, prayers, and such other things as were before mentioned; not by a true and lively faith, which worketh repentance by love, and causeth one to depart from evil, and give himself up to God. Again, antichrist teacheth not to settle a firm hope in regeneration, spiritual confirmation, communion, remission of sins, sanctification of eternal life; but to hope through the sacraments, or by means of his wretched simony (sale of indulgences), wherewith the people are greatly abused; insomuch, that putting all things to sale, he invented a number of ordinances, old and new, to get monies; that if any do such and such a thing, he shall get grace and life. And this two-fold iniquity is properly called in the Scriptures, adultery and fornication; and therefore such ministers as lead the simple people into these errors are called the whore of the Revelation. And this iniquity is against the second article, and again, against the second and third commandment of the law.
The iniquity of antichrist consists in this: that he hath invented besides the matters aforesaid, certain false religious orders and rules of monasteries, putting men in hope of acquiring grace, by building certain churches; and also because they do therein often and devoutly hear mass, receive the sacraments, make confession to the priest, though seldom with contrition, observe his fasts, and empty their purse for him, and be a professed member of the church of Rome. Or if he hath dedicated or vowed himself to be of such an order, cap, or frock, all that he does press as duties contrary to all truth. And this iniquity of antichrist is directly against the eighth article of the creed, "I believe in the Holy Ghost."

The iniquity of antichrist is, notwithstanding his being the fourth beast described by Daniel, and the whore of the Revelation, he nevertheless adorns himself with the authority, power, dignity, ministry, offices, and the Scripture, and makes himself equal with the true and holy mother the church, wherein salvation is to be had ministerially, and nowhere else; wherein is found the truth of life, and doctrine, and of the sacraments,and subjects. For if he should not cover himself in this manner, his ministers being such notorious sinners, he would soon be abandoned by all: for kings and princes supposing him to be like, or equal to the true and holy mother the church, they loved him, and endued him against the commandment of God. And this iniquity of the ministers, subjects and ordained persons, given up to error and sin, is against the ninth article, "I believe a holy church."

In the second place, those that being partakers of the outward ceremonies, instituted only by human inventions, do believe and hope to partake of the reality of pastoral cures and offices, if they be shaved or shorn like lambs, and anointed or daubed like walls, and made holy by touching the mass book; and by taking the chalice into their hands, they proclaim and publish, that they are ordained lawful priests to all intents. In like manner, as is said before, the people subject to them, communicating with them by words, signs, andother outward exercises, they conceive that they partake of the truth. And this is against the other part of the ninth article, "I believe the communion of saints." But it behooves us to depart from the wicked communion of the monks, by whom carnal men were easily drawn away. Through covetousness, make men trust in things of naught, riotous and wretched, provided give liberally unto them, such men are made partakers of their poverty and chastity.

The iniquity of antichrist consists in this: that he doth feign and promise remission of sins unto sinners, not unto the truly contrite, but such as are wilfully persevering in their evil practices: in the first place,he doth promise them forgiveness of their sins for their auricular confessions' sake, and human absolution, and through their pilgrimages. This he does out of covetousness. And this iniquity is against the eleventh article, "I believe the remission of sins." For this is in God authoritatively, and in Christ ministerially, through faith, repentance and charity, and obedience to the word, and in man by participation.

The iniquity lies herein, that to the very end of their lives they goon, hoping and trusting thus in the forementioned iniquities and coverings, especially till they come to the extreme unction, and their invented purgatory; insomuch, that the ignorant and rude multitude do persevere in their error, they being taught and made to believe, that they are absolved of their sins, though they never really depart from them, so as to hope for forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. And this iniquity is directly against the eleventh and twelfth articles of the faith.


SOURCE:
Perrin, Jean Paul, History of the Old Albigenses Anterior to the Reformation, originally published in 1618. Book III: Precious Remains of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Old Waldenses and Albigenses, and their Noble Testimony Against the Roman Antichrist.


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Waldenses Confession of 1120

1. We believe and firmly maintain all that is contained in the twelve articles of the symbol, commonly called the apostles' creed, and we regard as heretical whatever is inconsistent with the said twelve articles.
2. We believe that there is one God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We acknowledge for sacred canonical scriptures the books of the Holy Bible. (Here follows the title of each, exactly conformable to our received canon, but which it is deemed, on that account, quite unnecessary to particularize.)
4. The books above-mentioned teach us: That there is one GOD, almighty, unbounded in wisdom, and infinite in goodness, and who, in His goodness, has made all things. For He created Adam after His own image and likeness. But through the enmity of the Devil, and his own disobedience, Adam fell, sin entered into the world, and we became transgressors in and by Adam.
5. That Christ had been promised to the fathers who received the law, to the end that, knowing their sin by the law, and their unrighteousness and insufficiency, they might desire the coming of Christ to make satisfaction for their sins, and to accomplish the law by Himself.
6. That at the time appointed of the Father, Christ was born - a time when iniquity everywhere abounded, to make it manifest that it was not for the sake of any good in ourselves, for all were sinners, but that He, who is true, might display His grace and mercy towards us.
7. That Christ is our life, and truth, and peace, and righteousness - our shepherd and advocate, our sacrifice and priest, who died for the salvation of all who should believe, and rose again for their justification.
8. And we also firmly believe, that there is no other mediator, or advocate with God the Father, but Jesus Christ. And as to the Virgin Mary, she was holy, humble, and full of grace; and this we also believe concerning all other saints, namely, that they are waiting in heaven for the resurrection of their bodies at the day of judgment.
9. We also believe, that, after this life, there are but two places - one for those that are saved, the other for the damned, which [two] we call paradise and hell, wholly denying that imaginary purgatory of Antichrist, invented in opposition to the truth.
10. Moreover, we have ever regarded all the inventions of men [in the affairs of religion] as an unspeakable abomination before God; such as the festival days and vigils of saints, and what is called holy-water, the abstaining from flesh on certain days, and such like things, but above all, the masses.
11. We hold in abhorrence all human inventions, as proceeding from Antichrist, which produce distress (Alluding probably to the voluntary penances and mortification imposed by the Catholics on themselves), and are prejudicial to the liberty of the mind.
12 We consider the Sacraments as signs of holy things, or as the visible emblems of invisible blessings. We regard it as proper and even necessary that believers use these symbols or visible forms when it can be done. Notwithstanding which, we maintain that believers may be saved without these signs, when they have neither place nor opportunity of observing them.
13. We acknowledge no sacraments [as of divine appointment] but baptism and the Lord's supper.
14. We honour the secular powers, with subjection, obedience, promptitude, and payment.


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The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty
And in Christ Jesus, his only Son, our Lord
Who was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
Who was crucified under Pontius Pilate and was buried
And the third day rose from the dead
Who ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of the Father
Whence he cometh to judge the living and the dead.
And in the Holy Spirit,
The holy church,
The resurrection of the flesh,
The remission of sins,
The life everlasting.

A similar statement of faith was used during baptism by Hippolytus (170–235 AD), Pastor of the Church of Portus near Rome. Hippolytus wrote:

When the person being baptized goes down into the water, he who baptizes him, putting his hand on him, shall say: "Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?" And the person being baptized shall say: "I believe." Then holding his hand on his head, he shall baptize him once. And then he shall say: "Do you believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and was dead and buried, and rose again the third day, alive from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat at the right hand of the Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?" And when he says: "I believe," he is baptized again. And again he shall say: "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, and the resurrection of the body?" The person being baptized shall say: "I believe," and then he is baptized a third time."

Hippolytus was a disciple of Irenaeus, Pastor at Lyons, who was a disciple of Polycarp, the pastor at Smyrna, who was a disciple of the Apostl John, who was a disciple of Christ Jesus, the only Son of God.

Replacement Theology

By John Henry
October 13 , 2007

The Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) monitors Protestant denominations. IRD reported that human rights criticism among the Presbyterian Church USA, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are out of balance with the truth of Scripture and common sence. They found that between 2000 and 2003, 31% of their criticism was directed at the U.S. and 37% at Israel. However, there was no mention of the tremendous abuses of humanity of the Islamic world. These Protestant groups singled out the world's foremost proponents of Judeo-Christian principles, human rights and democracy and ignored the world's greatest examples of tyranny.

The denominations mentioned above are all members of the apostate National Council of Churches (NCC) and National Council of Churches (WCC). These denominations believe in "Replacement Theology" (The false doctrine that says the church has replaced Israel). There is an abundance of Scriptural authority that proves Replacement Theology wrong (Ps 105:8-12; Gen 12:1-3, 17:19, 26:3, 28:13; Deut 30:3-5). By embracing this heresy they also end up with replacement reality. To be sure there is a minority of saved people in these churches, but remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Tim 4:3-4). They are commanded, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what ... part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor 6:14-15, 17-18) Replacement Theology is part of the last days apostasy prophesied in the Word of God:

1 Timothy 4:1-2: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron."

2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ... But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

It should be noted that President George W. Bush is a member of the apostate United Methodist Church which is a proponent of Replacement Theology.

APOSTATE CHRISTIANITY,
GNOSTICISM, CATHOLICISM
& THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT

Irenaeus (115-202 AD), Pastor of Lugdunum in Gaul (now Lyons), gives us some history behind Gnosticism which was the first satanic attack against God's Word (Genesis 3:1-6). Irenaeus was the disciple of Polycarp (70-156 AD), Pastor of the Church in Smyrna, who was taught by the Apostle John. It was John who wrote his First Epistle against Gnostic corrupters (i.e. 1 John 1:5, 2:23, 4:3 5:7) the false teachings of which are similar to Rosicrucianism and our many faceted modern New Age Movement. Irenaeus tells us that Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-13, 18-24) was regarded as the father of Gnosticism. The people of Samaria called Simon "the great power of God" (Acts 8:10; cf. Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). John was present in Samaria when Peter rebuked Simon for trying to buy the power of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-24). According to Irenaeus Simon the sorcerer's faith was feigned and he used incantations, love-potions, charms, exorcisms, and was in contact with beings called "Paredri" (familiars) and "Oniropompi" (dream-senders) [Against Heresies 1.23]. Hippolytus (170-236 AD), Pastor of the Church in Portus near Rome, records that Simon allegorized the scriptures in order to support his false teachings, especially Genesis [Refutation of all Heresies 6.5-10]. Irenaeus also tells us that Gnosticism received its doctrines from pagan Greek philosophers like Pythagoras, Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and others [Against Heresies 3:3]. Some of the major heresies of Gnosticism include:

1. There are 30 gods (Aeons) outside of time and space (Pleroma). [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.1-3] (Isaiah 45:5, 46:9)
2. The goddess Sophia created a tyrant creator angel, Demiurge (The God of the Old Testament), who was not aware of the Aeons and thought he was the only God. Demiurge created man but Sophia gave him spirit. [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.5] (Psalms 34:8, 100:5, 135:3, 145:9)
3. Sophia sent the serpent (an angel) into the garden of Eden to free Adam and Eve. By eating of the tree Adam and Eve were set free through true knowledge (gnosis). However, Demiurge raped Eve many times and she gave birth to other evil creator angels (serpent seed doctrine). [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.30] (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9)
4. Some people are predestined to hell, while others are saved by doing enough good works. Other people have spirits sent forth from Sophia predestinating them to salvation regardless if they act good or evil. So the most "perfect" of them addict themselves to evil deeds and are in a habit of defiling the women they convert. [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.6-7, 4.37] (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 3:19-20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 13:5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
5. All matter is evil and not capable of salvation. It will eventually be destroyed. [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.7, 23] (Luke 24:39; Philippians 3:21; 2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1)
6. Mantras to effect nature (as in Hinduism and Kabbalah). [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.14-15] (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
7. Perfect knowledge is obtained by baptism, spiritual marriage and last rites (sacramentalism). [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.21] (Titus 3:5; Galatians 2:16)
8. At death some souls enter an intermediate state to be purged of the animal nature (purgatory) before going into the Pleroma (full divine powers). [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.29] (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:10)
9. Reincarnation. [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2:33] (Hebrews 9:27)
10. Christ descended upon Jesus at his baptism and left before Jesus went before Pilate (adoptionism). Sophia wouldn't allow Christ to suffer. [Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.7] (1 John 5:7; John 1:14; Matthew 1:23; Micah 5:2)

Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) was born about the time John, the last apostle, died. Justin saw Jesus, "the Word" or Logos (John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1, 5:7; Revelation 19:13) as a separate being from God and subordinate to Him. Justin wrote, "There is ... another God and Lord [the Word] subject to the Maker of all things [the Father] ... above whom [the Father] there is no other God. ... He [the Word] who is said to have appeared to Abraham, and to Jacob, and to Moses, and who is called God, is distinct from Him [the Father] who made all things ..." (Dialogue with Trypho, 56). Justin speaks of the Logos as "another God ... distinct from [the Maker of all things]," but the Word of God declares:

1 John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE."

Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD IS ONE LORD."

Hebrews 1:1-3: "God ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; WHO BEING THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORY, AND THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (cf. v. 8)

Philippians 2:5-7: "Christ Jesus ..., BEING IN THE FORM OF GOD, THOUGHT IT NOT ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."

1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is ONE GOD, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

The Scriptural explanation of the Holy Trinity is demonstrated by the fact that God created man in His own image. The Bible records that "... God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ... So God created man in his own image" (Gen. 1:26-27). Part of God's image includes being a tri-unity, and since man is in His image, man is likewise a tri-unity of "... spirit and soul and body ..." as stated by the Apostle Paul (1 Thess. 5:23). A man has three parts, but is one person. God too has three parts, but is one God. The Hebrew word "Elohiym" translated "God" is plural and must be at least three. Furthermore, notice the great Old Testament definition of who Jehovah is, "The LORD our God is one LORD" (Deut. 6:4). The word LORD here is translated from the Hebrew word "יהוה" (Jehovah meaning The Great I AM; The Eternally Existing One), and that word "God" again is from "Elohiym." Therefore, the passage can be interpreted, "Jehovah our Trinity is ONE Great I AM."

Tatian (120-180 AD) was one of Justin Martyr's disciples and like Justin, he embraced Gnosticism. Irenaeus condemned three errors in Tatian's teaching: "He invented certain invisible 'aeons' [gods] like those of the Valentinians; he denounced marriage as 'corruption and fornication' .... he denied the salvation of Adam." Tatian wrote a synthesis or "harmony" of the Four Gospel called the Diatessaron" (through the four) around 170 AD. While the Diatessaron agrees with the Old Latin and the Syriac Peshitta, it omitted about a quarter of the text of the Gospels (including Matthew 1:1-17, 18:4; Mark 1:1, 6:53, 15:25; Luke 1:1-4, 3:23-38, 7:6-7, 24:12; John 1:6, 2:12-13, John 7:53-8:11). Like Justin, Tatian's doctrine of Jesus Christ was totally heretical. He said, "... the Logos descended to Jesus and was mingled with his soul; the Logos dwelt in him as in a temple." According to Tatian the means of creation was the "dynamis logike (the power in words). At first there proceeded from God the Logos who produced the world by creating matter from which the whole creation sprang.

Tatian's false doctrines of Christ, and of "dynamis logike" or word power ring of the heresies of the modern Word of Faith Movement. Kenneth Hagin (1917-2003) has been dubbed the father of this "Christian" movement, but its first proponent was actually Essek William Kenyon (1867-1948). Kenyon was a Free Will Baptist preacher who got involved with the New Age teachings of the New Thought movement which came to prominence in the late 19th century. New Thought emphasizes the metaphysical beliefs of positive thinking, creative visualization, healing, the Law of Attraction (thoughts influence chance), esoteric energy (all things are interconnected) and other Hindu and occult teachings. Kenyon mixed some of these diabolically opposed doctrines with Christianity. Numerous New Age cults were spawned by the New Thought movement, the largest being Unity School of Christianity or Unity Church. Hagin's hybrid theology was heavily influenced by Kenyon's teachings. Hagin preached a four-part formula for receiving God's promises: "Say it; Do it; Receive it; Tell it." Hagin said, "Often you create your own negative situations yourself with wrong thinking, wrong believing, and wrong speaking. So start believing according to God's Word. Then begin making positive confessions of faith and victory over your life. ... You will never receive anything from God beyond the words you speak. ... If you don't like what you have in life, then begin to change the way you are thinking, believing, and speaking. Instead of speaking according to natural circumstances out of your head, learn to speak God's Word from your spirit. Begin to confess God's promises of life and health and victory into your situation. Then you can begin to enjoy God's abundant life as you have what you say!" Many preachers and teachers have been influenced by Hagin's New Age teaching. Some of the most recognized include Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Frederick K. C. Price, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Jerry Savelle. Like Justin and Tatian the Word of Faith teachers blaspheme the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to their heresy:  

Frederick Price said, "Jesus was on the earth just a man, not the son of God." (Tape #RP 19, May 1993)

Benny Hinn wrote, "Had the Holy Spirit not been with Jesus, He would have sinned. That's right, it was the Holy Spirit that was the power that kept Him pure. He was not only sent from heaven, but He was called the Son of Man -- and as such He was capable of sinning. ... Without the Holy Ghost, Jesus would have never have made it." (Good Morning, Holy Spirit, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1990, 135-36)   Wait, it gets worse!

Kenneth Copeland, in relating what Christ supposedly told him, says, "don't be disturbed when people accuse you of thinking you are God ... the more you get to be like me, the more they are going to think that way of you. They crucified me for claiming that I was God. But I didn't claim I was God. I just claimed I walked with Him and that He was with me" ("Take Time to Pray," Believer's Voice of Victory, #15, 2 February 1987, p. 9).   Copeland also said, "You don't have a god in you, you are one." ("The Force Of Love" tape # 02-0028)   He further says, "When I read in the Bible where [Jesus] says, 'I Am,' I just smile and say, 'Yes, I Am, too!'" ("Believer's Voice of Victory" broadcast on TBN, recorded 7/9/87)  

Kenneth Hagin himself said, "You are as much the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ was" (The Word of Faith, December 1980, p. 14).

1 John 2:18-23: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But YE HAVE AN UNCTION FROM THE HOLY ONE, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. WHO IS A LIAR BUT HE THAT DENIETH THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."

1 John 4:1-3: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

2 John 7-11: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.."

An antichrist can be one who is against Christ, or one who puts himself in the place of Christ. The latter is a major doctrine of the New Age Movement, namely that we can obtain Christ consciousness. The true Christ, however, came in the flesh (John 1:1, 14). He did not become Christ or obtain Christ consciousness, but was already Christ when He stepped out of eternity past to enter Mary's womb (Luke 1:30-35; cf. Isaiah 9:6-7), when he was born (Matt. 1:21-23; cf. Isaiah 7:14), and all His life, and He continues to be THE ONE AND ONLY CHRIST, now! "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God ..." (1 John 4:2)   Remember, the Lord Jesus told us that "... the Spirit of truth ... will guide you into all truth: for He shall ... glorify Me ..." (John 16:13-14).

Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) was a disciple of Tatian and was likewise a Gnostic. It is wise to keep in mind Luke 6:40 here, "The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master." Clement founded a Theological School in Alexandria, Egypt. He followed Platonism, and taught reincarnation, there is no heaven or hell, no blood atonement of Christ, and no infallible Bible. By far Clement's most famous student was Origenes Adamantius commonly known as Origen.

Origenes Adamantius (184-254 AD) or Origen for short is the arch-heretic of the ages, and the hero of Bible correctors and Catholicism alike. He was the disciple of Clement, and like his teacher was also a Gnostic. He became the leader of the school in Alexandria after Clement. He is best known for his editing a six version, six column Old Testament called the Hexapla. Origen followed the Greek philosophy of Plato, Pythagoras and Plotinus. He corrupted the Word of God with the teachings of the philosophers and with Gnosticism. Virtually all the modern Bible versions follow Origen's corrupt Bible. Here are some of Origen's doctrinal heresies:

"They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:5-6)

Today we have a continually evolving bible coming closer and closer to the New Age Religion of ancient Gnosticism and Roman Catholicism, the two horns of the second beast of Revelation 13.

In the early 1920's Foster Bailey (1888-1977) and his wife Alice Bailey (1880-1949) founded Lucifer Publishing (name later changed to Lucis Trust). In her book, The Externalization of the Hierarchy, Alice states, "The Christian church in its many branches can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished. ... The church must show a wide tolerance, and teach no revolutionary doctrines or cling to any reactionary ideas." (New York, NY: Lucis Pub. Co., 1957, pp. 510, 511.) She wanted Christendom to shut up and assist in bring about the acceptance of the New Age concepts of self-realization, illumination and the Golden Age of Aquarius. The ultimate goal is the destruction of Biblical Christianity. Roman Catholicism is clearly on board with Bailey's agenda. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) documents states:

"... In Hinduism men explore the divine mystery and express it both in the limitless riches of myth and the accurately defined insights of philosophy. They seek release from the trials of the present life by ascetical practices, profound meditation and recourse to God in confidence and love. Buddhism in its various forms testifies to the essential inadequacy of this changing world. It proposes a way of life by which man can, with confidence and trust, attain a state of perfect liberation and reach supreme illumination either through their own efforts or by the aid of divine help. ... The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. "

Jesuit priest William Johnston explains how it happened, "... Overnight the Catholic Church which had been a Western institution exporting its wares to the East became a world community. Asian and African bishops and theologians assembled in Rome and, with their European and American confreres, acknowledged that the Spirit of God is at work in all peoples and in all religions. Since then, most theologians recognize non-Christian religions as valid ways."

The Gnostic nature of Catholicism is seen not only from its history, but also in the fact that it adapts to and assimilates pagan and eastern religions so easily. For example to the right we see Pope John Paul II receiving the Mark of the Hindu goddess Durga, the consort of the god Shiva. By the time this photo was taken, however, the pope had already been involved in several pagan rituals on his 1986 trip to India. Three days prior to taking this photo in Madras, India on February 5, 1986, the Pope had also taken the Mark of Shiva on his forehead. It is the red mark seen on the foreheads of so many Hindus signifying their devotion to Shiva. Here we see the two horns of the second beast of Revelation 13. The horns signifying seats of power. The powers being Catholicism and the New Age movement. The Vatican's goal of ecumenicalism is seen in her efforts to unite all the religions under her wing.

On October 27, 1986 and again on January 24, 2002 Pope John Paul II hosted first 160 and then 200 shamans, animists, imams, witch doctors, patriarchs, monks and rabbis from around the world for a prayer summit at Assisi, Italy. The world's religious leaders including the Dalai Lama (considered by many Buddhists to be a god), Islamic Mullahs from nine countries, Hindus, Zoroastrians, native American shamans, African animists, Jews, Catholics and Protestants assembled together to pray for world peace. Pope John Paul II declared, "We will stand side by side asking God to give us peace." Pope John Paul II has demonstrated broad ecumenical support by publicly hosting these religious leaders from all over the world, and has also done so in many books, seminars, on the Internet and by official sanction. Popedom has set an ecumenical agenda, which the world loves and accepts.

With New Age and ecumenical beliefs being advocated not only by Roman Catholics, but also by "Evangelicals," like Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Kenneth Copeland, Paul Crouch and Joel Osteen, it appears that the desired goal of a one world religion is closer to being achieved. The New Age aspiration to establish a one world religion lead by a "Christ Leader" is being met by the Pope and his Church. All of this ought not to surprise any believer, for the Bible has warned us of the end time Apostate Church system and her daughter harlots (Rev. 17). Christians cannot remain silent in the face of this apostasy. A further watering down of God's Word will continue to accommodate the unbelievers of the various New Age and other religions.

"Beloved, ... ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3)

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Peter 1:19 - 2:3)



REFERENCES:

1. Alice Bailey, The Externalization of the Hierarchy, New York, NY: Lucis Pub. Co., 1957, pp. 510, 511.

2. The Mystic Plague, Catholicism sets a Spiritualist Agenda by Richard Bennett.

3. Le Roux, Abbe Daniel, Peter, Lovest Thou Me?, Instauratio Press, Australia; 1989, pp. 155, 156

Corrupt Bibles

The Mother of Corrupt Versions






GOD'S HOLY LIFE GIVING WORD

2 Corinthians 2:17: "For we are not as many, which corrupt THE WORD OF GOD: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

Proverbs 30:5-6: "Every WORD OF GOD is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto HIS WORDS, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."

Romans 10:8-11, 17: "But what saith it? THE WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, THE WORD OF FAITH, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ... 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by THE WORD OF GOD."

James 1:17-18, 21: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with THE WORD OF TRUTH, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ... 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness THE ENGRAFTED WORD, which is able to save your souls."

Hebrews 4:12: "For THE WORD OF GOD is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Luke 4:4: "And Jesus answered him [Satan], saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD OF GOD."

2 Corinthians 4:1-2: "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling THE WORD OF GOD deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God."

Ephesians 6:14-17: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD:"

2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing THE WORD OF TRUTH."

Revelation 22:17-19: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Revelation 17:1-2, 4-6, 9, 15: "... Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. ... And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. ... The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."

ALSO SEE: CATHOLICISM

Hosius on the Anabaptists

Exposé of John Hagee's False Teaching that says Jesus did not claim to be the Messiah.

John Hagee falsely teaches that the Lord Jesus did not claim to be the Messiah. God's Word refutes his heretical error. "Messiah" is a Hebrew word, and "Christ" is a Greek word. Both mean "anointed." They mean the same thing. The Lord Jesus is the "Anointed" One of God.

The woman at the well said to the Lord, "... I know that MESSIAS cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I THAT SPEAK UNTO THEE AM HE." (John 4:25-26)

Jesus here claims to be the Messiah!

In speaking of the last days, the Lord Jesus said, "... many shall come in MY NAME, saying, I am CHRIST; and shall deceive many." (Matt 24:5)

Here again He claimed to be the Messiah.

The prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 is further proof not only that Jesus is, but that He claimed to be the Messiah. There it states:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath ANOINTED me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD ..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)

Then in Luke 4:16-21 it is recorded that at the very beginning of the Lord's ministry He read this passage from Isaiah in the Nazareth Synagogue one sabbath.

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath ANOINTED ME to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:16-21)

That means that He claimed to be the one that Isaiah prophesied of as being anointed, that makes Him the Messiah!

Psalm 2 says, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his ANOINTED. ... I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Psalm 2:2, 7)

The prophecy of Psalm Chapter 2 ties two essential facts together:
1. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
2. Jesus is the Anointed One of God, the Messiah.

The Apostle Peter knew that Jesus is the Messiah for he said to Him, "Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16; cf. Mark 8:29; John 6:69).

Lazarus' sister, Martha, acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah when she said to him, "I believe that thou art the CHRIST, the Son of God" (John 11:27).

The Ethiopia eunuch said, "I believe that Jesus CHRIST is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37) Even devils that the Lord Jesus cast out of people said to Him, "Thou art CHRIST the Son of God." (Luke 4:41)

The Prophet Daniel foretold of Christ's first coming in Daniel 9:25-26:

"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself ..."

A careful study of this detailed prophecy shows that it was fulfiled exactly and that Messiah Jesus came at the precise time prescribed!

Messiah or Christ is His very name! Jesus is the Messiah and He said He was the Messiah! John Hagee is in error!


FAIR USE NOTICE: This video contains a portion of a copyrighted book commercial by John Hagee which has not been authorized. The portion is included as a parity in order to refute the Scriptural error being taught by Hagee. The video is to advance Biblical and spiritual understanding concerning the King of kings and Lord of Lords. This video is clearly in the legal parameters of "fair use" of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this video is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes only. This video is provided free of charge and may not be sold by others. Third parties who may wish to use the copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond "fair use" must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

HYPNOSIS

HYPNOSIS IS NOT BIBLICAL
Compiled by John Henry
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:30)

Mesmerism was an 18th century movement begun in France by the Austrian doctor Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), who believed that astrological influence on humans was conveyed through a force or substance similar to magnetism. He first began treating patients with magnets or charged fluids but quickly modified his position, theorizing that cures were actually coming from an energy or mysterious “magnetic fluid” coming from the hands, voice, or nervous system of the practitioner. This invisible substance or magnetism was thought to be similar to electro-magnetism and was dubbed “Animal Magnetism.” Mesmer’s pupils were later able to induce a “magnetic sleep” (trance state or hypnotic condition) in their patients. The term Mesmerism eventually became analogous with hypnosis and was linked with both Spiritualism and Mind Science religions.


  Hypnosis has long been linked to ancient religious practices and eastern mystical experiences involving similar trance states or altered states of consciousness. Such altered states are essential to such practices as out-of-body experiences, astral projection, and Yoga. William Kroger, M.D. and William Fezler Ph.D. maintain that, "hypnosis has been practiced in one form or another in the civilized and uncivilized world under many different labels since the dawn of history." They further note that historically elements of hypnosis have been an integral part of pagan religious practices and world religions including Assyro-Babylonian exorcism, Egyptian soothsaying, Jewish mysticism, Byzantine Catholicism, Chinese Taoism, Sufism, Hinduism, Shintoism, forms of Buddhism (Tibetan and Zen), and Yoga (Hypnosis and Behavior Modification, pp. 6-8).

Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D. gives us this advice in his article entitled, The Dangers of Hypnosis :  "Hypnotism ... opens the mind to believe almost anything. As one researcher put it, 'hypnotic induction ... consists of a system of verbal and nonverbal manipulation to lead a person into a heightened state of suggestibility -- more simply, a condition in which one will believe almost anything.' [Hypnosis And The Christian; by Martin & Deidre Bogan; Bethany House; p17]  That statement should alarm you because in essence it is saying that a person who is hypnotized can be told a lie and believe it. But does this really happen? The answer is yes. Bernard Diamond, a professor of law and clinical professor of psychiatry wrote in an article for the California Law Review that people who underwent hypnotism would 'graft onto their memories fantasies or suggestions deliberately or unwittingly communicated by the hypnotist and that after hypnosis the subject cannot differentiate between a true recollection and a fantasy or a suggested detail.' [California Law Review, March 1980; Article: Inherent Problems in the Use of Pretrial Hypnosis on a Prospective Witness; by Bernard L. Diamond; p 314]  ... Hypnosis is dangerous because the mind loses its ability to distinguish between fact and fantasy (truth and error). ... Satan can and does take advantage of the opportunity. Let me give you one example. Over a five year period, in the late 70's and early 80's, a massive study was done of more than 6,000 people who had undergone hypnosis. It was discovered that one-fifth of those people who had been hypnotized said that they had lived previous lives on other planets! That is bizarre to say the least! But let me tell you about some other experiments. According to one of Peter Francuch experiments 'The person [who was hypnotized] was able very precisely to describe in minute detail what was happening in another friend's house 300 miles away. At the same time, the person was able to describe exactly what was happening a month ago, a year ago, and ten years ago in the same place ...' [Principles of Spiritual Hypnosis; by Peter Francuch; Spiritual Advisor Press, 1981; 924]  One might ask, 'How is that possible?' My answer is by demonic contact! One New Age author puts it this way -- 'Hypnosis can be an open door to psychic experiences of many kinds, and in an emotionally unstable, insecure, or neurotic person the possibility of obsession or psychic invasion of one kind or another is always present...' [Many Lives, Many Loves by Gina Cerminara; Wm Morrow and Company, 1963; p. 83]  It only takes a brief look at Acts 16:16-18 to discover the source of psychic powers.  Hypnosis is dangerous. At the least, it hinders one's ability to discern the difference between real memories and suggested/engrafted memories. Even more dangerous is the fact that hypnosis opens the 'heart's door' (mind) to demonic invasion. If you have not been hypnotized, don't be. If you have been hypnotized I suggest that you renounce your association with the practice by praying -- Dear Lord, I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. I confess that I have participated in Hypnotism. I ask your forgiveness and renounce hypnotism as contrary to the Bible which warns me not to be brought under any power other than yours (I Corinthians 6:12). I identify myself as a child of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has been redeemed by His (Christ's) precious blood. Amen."

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,  Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD ..." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

In their book The Bible and Hypnosis Martin and Deidre Bobgan write: "Because of the apparent occult nature of hypnosis (which is more obvious in the deeper stages) and because hypnosis is practiced by many who involve themselves in other areas of the occult, Christians would be wise to avoid hypnosis even for medical purposes.  The words from the Old Testament which are translated charmers and enchanters seem to indicate the same kinds of persons whom we now call hypnotherapists. Dave Hunt, author ... and researcher in the area of the occult as well as the cults, says:  'From the Biblical standpoint, I believe that in such places as Deuteronomy 18, when it speaks of "charmers” and “enchanters,” the practice involved anciently was exactly what has recently become acceptable in medicine and psychiatry as hypnosis. I believe this both from the ancient usage of this word and from occult traditions.' [Dave Hunt, personal letter to Walter Martin, January 13, 1982, p. 5.] ... There is general agreement that hypnotized individuals are somewhat vulnerable to uncritically accepting as true any suggestion given by the hypnotist. This factor alone creates the potential for misuse and deception. Some Christian researchers go a step further warning that it is possible for hypnotized subjects to be influenced by voices other than that of the hypnotist. They believe that in a trance state one is more susceptible to demonic oppression or even possession especially if the subject has a history of occult experimentation .  Hypnosis can be indirectly linked to biblical admonitions against 'charming.'  It is historically linked to pagan and occult practices. ... Just because hypnosis has surfaced in medicine does not mean that it is different from the ancient practices of charmers and enchanters or from those which have been used more recently by witchdoctors and occult hypnotists. John Weldon and Zola Levitt say that even “a strictly scientific approach toward occult phenomena is insufficient protection against demonism. The judgment of God does not distinguish between scientific and nonscientific involvement with powers alien to Him. [John Weldon and Zola Levitt, Psychic Healing, Chicago: Moody Press, 1982, p. 10.]  In various sections of Scripture, occult practices are listed side by side, because although one activity may differ from the next, the power source and the revealer of 'hidden knowledge' is the same: Satan.  Enchanters, sorcerers, wizards, charmers, consulters of familiar spirits, necromancers, soothsayers, and observers of times (astrologers) are grouped together as those to avoid. See Lev. 19:26, 31, and 20:6, 27; Deut. 18:9-14; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 47:9-13; Jer. 27:9. A singular word for those practicing the occult is used in the New Testament: sorcerer."

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many ..." (Hebrews 9:27-28)

"Another form of Hypnotherapy involves the discovery of forgotten or repressed memories. Just as a hypnotist can effectively suggest that the subject "forget" events that take place during the trance, he can also elicit memories or details of events long forgotten by the conscious mind. Critics warn that these "recovered memories" may not correspond with reality. The phenomenon is too similar to the testimonies of those who are able to "remember" through hypnosis being abducted by aliens on a UFO or to those who recount vivid memories of reincarnation after being regressed back to some alleged previous lifetime (John Ankerberg, John Weldon, Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, pp. 334-335).  Many of the early myths of hypnosis have been disproved and the medical and mental healthcare communities have generally accepted the practice. Many Christians, however, remain troubled by its occult history, the lack of a scientific consensus on how or why hypnosis works, the potential of unethical influence, and its possible link to biblical prohibitions against "charming" or "enchanting" (Ibid., pp. 309-310)."  (From Watchman Fellowship Profile on Hypnosis by James K. Walker)

The following concerning hypnosis and reincarnation is from Dave Hunt's book Occult Invasion :  "There are the studies of clinical psychologist Helen Wambach. She hypnotically regressed hundreds of subjects into "past lives" and found them to be more than 99 percent accurate in descriptions of life and surroundings. Hypnosis, however, involves a highly suggestible state in which one is controlled by the hypnotist. It is entirely reasonable to believe that a demon would take advantage of this passive state to interject its influence as well. Hypnosis is one of the oldest occult practices. No one should ever submit to hypnosis."

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4:1)

Hypnosis is an occult practice and is condemned strongly in Scripture.  No person, let alone a born again believer, should relinquish the soul liberty that God gave them to anyone except their Creator.  Doing so opens one up not only to the hypnotist, but to devils.  Dave Hunt has pointed out that Nobel prize winning neurophysiologist Sir John Eccles described the human brain as "a machine that a ghost can operate." 

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Heresy Scripturally Defined

The Greek word translated "heresy" is "hairesis" (Strong's Gk. #139). This Greek word found nine times in the Word of God is translated "heresy" (singular) once (Acts 24:14), "heresies" (plural) three times (2 Pet. 2:1; 1 Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20), and "sect" five times (Acts 5:17, 15:5, 24:5, 26:5, 28:22). It's root word is "haireomai" (Strong's Gk. #138) translated "choose" (Phil. 1:22), "chosen" (2 Thess. 2:13) and "choosing" (Heb. 11:25), and is akin to "haireomai." Then there is "hairetizo" (Strong's Gk. #140) which is found just once translated "chosen" (Matt. 12:18). One who makes wrong Biblical choices is a "hairetikos" (Strong's Gk. #141) which is translated "heretick" (Titus 3:10) in the Bible and is found but once.

The Greek word "schisma" (Strong's Gk. #4978) is a synonym of "hairesis" and is rendered "division" (John 7:43, 9:16, 10:19-21), "divisions" (1 Cor. 1:10, 11:18), and "schism" (1 Cor. 12:25).

HAIREOMAI & HAIRETIZO are therefore:

1. To elect (Matt 12:18; 2 Thess. 2:13)
2. To prefer, choose, take (Heb. 11:25; Phil. 1:22)

HAIRESIS is:

1. Never spoken of in a good light in the Bible (Gal. 5:20).
2. The choice of an unscriptural doctrinal error (2 Pet. 2:1)
3. Dissension or schism arising from wrong choices (1 Cor. 11:19)
4. A body of people following or accused of following error:
a) of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17).
b) of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5, 26:5).
c) of the Christians (Acts 24:5, 14, 28:22).
5. The way doctrinally sound believers are made manifest and approved when others err (1 Cor. 11:19)

1 Corinthians 11:19: "For there must be also heresies {139} among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

HAIRETIKOS is:

1. One who is free and able to choose between truth and error.
2. A follower of a false doctrine (2 Pet 2:1).
3. Schismatic and factious having chosen error.

Dr. Alan Cairns gives this excellent and precise Biblical definition of heresy: "A deliberate denial of revealed truth, together with the acceptance of error (2 Peter 2:1). The basic meaning of the Greek word hairesis is "choice," giving the meaning of heresy as a self-willed opinion in opposition to Biblical truth. Such opinions frequently give rise to sects or parties (Acts 5:17, 15:5, 24:5,14, 26:5, 28:22; 1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20). A heretic, therefore, is a sectarian. Thus he is to be cut off from church fellowship (Titus 3:10)." (Dictionary of Theological Terms)

FOLLOWING ARE ALL THE INSTANCES OF THE WORDS SECT, HERESY & HERETICK FROM THE BIBLE:

Acts 24:3-8, 10, 13-15: "We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man [Paul] a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect {139} of the Nazarenes: who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. ... Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, ... Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy {139}, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."

Acts 5:17: "Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect {139} of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."

Acts 15:5: "But there rose up certain of the sect {139} of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Acts 26:5: "Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect {139} of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Acts 28:22: "But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect {139}, we know that every where it is spoken against.

1 Corinthians 11:18-20: "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies {139} among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lordĺs supper.

Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies {139}, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

2 Peter 2:1: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies {139}, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

The heresy here in 2 Peter 2:1 is clearly doctrinal error having to do with deceitful teachers!

Titus 3:9-11: "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick {141} after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

Notice that there are "heresies" and then there are "damnable heresies," one, "denying the Lord" (2 Peter 2:1), is called as much. I can think of three "damnable heresies" in the Bible:

1. Denying the deity, person, and character God Almighty (Psalm 25:8; 1 John 4:16, 5:7; Heb 7:25; 2 John 7-11; et. al.).

2. Adding and subtracting from the Word of God (Rev 22:18-19; Deut 4:2, 12:32; Prov 30:5-6).

3. Rejecting Biblical Salvation (Spirit birth when one received the free gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus' death and resurrection through repentance and faith) (Gal 1:6-9)

The modern word, Cult, is defined this way: "A religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often ... under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. The followers of such a religion or sect." With the Word of God as the standard anything out side of Biblical Christianity may be considered a cult or cultic. Therefore, cult and heresy are basically synonymous.

Therefore, according to this Scriptural reasoning Catholicism is a cult, Pentecostalism is cultic, likewise Armenianism and others false teachings that that are contrary to the Bible on the Person of God, His Holy Word, and salvation. Teachings that err in these areas are consider as heretical and cultic.

Sect / Heresy = Cult / False Teaching!

Heresy is division over doctrinal choices. One who made an unscriptural choice on a serious enough issue was disciplined by his church by being excluded from the church and treated as an heathen and a publican after three admonitions (Matt 18:15-18; Titus 3:10).

Matthew 18:15-18: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Titus 3:9-11: "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

1 Corinthians 12:25-27: "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

It is good "for brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1), but not at the expense of Truth that the church was charged to keep (Matt 28:20; 1 Tim 3:15). There should always be a "schism in the body" if heresy enters the body and the culprit refuses to repent.

Romans 16:17: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

2 Thessalonians 3:14: "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed."

2 John 10-11: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

2 Peter 2:1-2: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:5)

Speaking the Truth in love while earnestly contending for the Faith,
John Henry