What is Heresy according to Scripture, not Tradition- Part 2

                            What is Heresy according to Scripture, not Tradition- Part 2

For centuries, Christianity has been tangled in layers of inherited assumptions, doctrinal overreactions, and theological misunderstandings. But truth has a way of breaking through—often slowly, often painfully, but always inevitably. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the time has come to shed the old wineskins of man-made tradition and return to the framework that Scripture actually presents.

The New Perspective on Paul reclaims Paul’s original message—that justification is not about escaping a guilty conscience through law-keeping, but about covenant inclusion through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah. The gospel isn't about climbing a moral ladder; it’s about being welcomed into the family of God, Jew and Gentile alike, through Messiah's obedience and resurrection.

Biblical Unitarianism exposes the theological inventions of post-apostolic church councils, returning us to the faith of Jesus—not a second person of a Trinity, but the truly human Son of God, Israel’s Messiah. The Shema still stands: “Yahweh is one.” And Jesus, born of a woman, anointed by God, and exalted to His right hand, remains the faithful servant—not the Almighty Himself.

And Full Preterism reveals that the "last days" belonged to the end of the old covenant age, not the end of planet Earth. The prophecies of judgment and resurrection culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, vindicating Jesus’ words and sealing the transition from shadow to substance. The Kingdom has come—not in spectacle, but in power and permanence.

These three perspectives—when brought together—don’t just align. They clarify. They explain what confused generations have tried to harmonize with distorted systems. And to reject them isn’t just to differ on secondary matters; it’s to perpetuate the very misunderstandings the apostles worked so hard to correct.

To oppose this unified testimony is to oppose the gospel, the God of Israel, and the prophetic witness of Scripture. In that light, yes—opposing these truths is heresy. And it’s time we said so.



1. Under the New Perspective on Paul (NPP)
NPP emphasizes covenant inclusion, faith(fulness) of Christ, and redefines "justification" as belonging to God's people, not legalistic merit.

From this view, heresy = anything that corrupts God's covenant people or undermines Christ’s covenantal faithfulness.

Heresies Paul Would Oppose:
Imposing Torah observance on Gentiles for covenant membership
Gal. 1:6–9; Gal. 2:14–21 – Paul calls this a “different gospel”

It undermines the faithfulness of Christ as the basis of inclusion

Ethnocentric or nationalistic exclusivism
Romans 10:12 – “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek”

Heresy, here, would include any teaching that segregates God's family along ethnic or cultural lines

Boasting in works rather than trusting in Christ’s faithfulness
Phil. 3:2–11 – “Beware of the dogs… who boast in the flesh”

Divisiveness and party spirit
1 Cor. 1–3 – Paul condemns “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos…” as sectarianism (hairesis)



2. Under Biblical Unitarianism
Biblical Unitarianism teaches that God is one person (the Father), and Jesus is the human Messiah, not a pre-existent divine being. From this lens, heresy is anything that distorts God’s oneness or denies the real humanity of Christ.

Heresies NT Writers Would Oppose:
Saying Jesus is not the Messiah or did not come in the flesh

1 John 4:2–3; 2 John 7 – “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus came in the flesh is not from God”

Denying his humanity or messianic role would be heresy

Worshipping other gods or calling Jesus “God” in place of the Father
John 17:3 – “You, Father, are the only true God”

The NT consistently points to the Father as God, and Jesus as Lord and Messiah

Deifying Jesus in a way that overshadows the Father

Paul’s model: 1 Cor. 8:6 – “One God, the Father… one Lord, Jesus the Messiah”



3. Under Full Preterism
Full Preterism teaches that all biblical prophecy (including judgment, resurrection, and Christ’s return) was fulfilled by AD 70 in the destruction of Jerusalem. From this view, heresy would be any teaching that denies Christ’s covenantal fulfillment or re-imposes expectations that were already completed.

Heresies in This Framework:
Teaching a still-future “second coming” or resurrection in contradiction to covenant fulfillment
2 Tim. 2:17–18 – Hymenaeus and Philetus said “the resurrection is past” (which was false in Paul’s time), but in a post-AD 70 context, heresy would be claiming the resurrection is still future.

Today’s futurism could be seen as the inverse of their error.

Looking for a rebuilt temple or renewed animal sacrifices
Heb. 8:13; Heb. 10:1–18 – The old covenant was obsolete.

Heresy would include returning to physical temple rituals or expecting their restoration.

Not recognizing the end of the age has come
Matt. 24:34; 1 Cor. 10:11 – “These things were written for us, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."