What is Heresy according to Scripture, not Tradition- Part 1

                         What is Heresy according to Scripture, not Tradition- Part 1

What is Heresy? Few words in Christian history carry as much weight—or as much confusion—as heresy. It's a word that instantly stirs images of councils, excommunications, and heated debates over what defines "true faith." But what exactly is heresy? Is it simply disagreeing with the majority? Is it rejecting the essential truths that give Christianity its life? Or has the label sometimes been used more to control than to clarify? In this post, we’ll explore what heresy originally meant according to scripture. Before we accuse—or excuse—any belief, we need to know: what really makes something heretical?

1. The Word Itself

The Greek word translated as heresy is αἵρεσις (hairesis). Originally, it simply meant "choice," "sect," or "party." It wasn’t inherently negative. For example:

Acts 5:17 – the Sadducees are called a “sect” (hairesis)

Acts 24:5, 14 – Paul is accused of being part of the “sect” (hairesis) of the Nazarenes


So, early on, it just referred to a group or faction, not necessarily something false.




2. Shift in Meaning: Divisiveness and False Teaching

Later NT writings use hairesis more negatively to refer to divisive or destructive teachings:

Galatians 5:20 – “factions” (hairesis) are listed among the “works of the flesh”

2 Peter 2:1 – “there will be false teachers among you… who will secretly bring in destructive heresies (αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας)”


Here, it clearly has a moral and doctrinal danger attached: heresies are teachings that lead people away from truth and cause division in the body.



3. Key Biblical Themes on Heresy

Heresy is often connected to moral corruption, not just doctrinal error (see 2 Peter 2).

It is typically something that disrupts the unity or purity of the church, either by promoting false doctrine or by causing sectarianism (Titus 3:10).

Paul warns in Romans 16:17 to watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine they had been taught.



4. Not a Formal List

Unlike later tradition (e.g., official creeds, councils, or the label “heretic”), the Bible does not provide a fixed list of heresies. Instead, it emphasizes:

The gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6–9)

The resurrection (1 Cor. 15)

God’s holiness and grace

Unity of the Spirit and love


Those who deny core truths (like the resurrection or Jesus as Messiah) or who lead people into immorality or division are treated as dangerous.


Conclusion

Not just wrong ideas—but teachings or behaviors that destroy, divide, or deceive

Contextual—often tied to false gospels, denying Christ, or creating factions

More about faithfulness to Christ and gospel unity than strict conformity to a creed