Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. II Peter 1:20
The Early Assemblies developed Systematic Theology to the extent that they were able to place Biblical Doctrines into the early Creeds of the Church. This was when the Church was One True Church with no separate "denominations" or "sects" either. Therefore there were no "private interpretations" of any of the Major Doctrines as we always find today coming out of cults.
This simplified identification of cults over against the Doctrines held by the Assemblies as a whole; as "one Church" in its beginning centuries, proved the way that the True Teachings were handed-down to us over the centuries. Creeds guarded and guided the Assemblies during attacks made upon True Assemblies, the Scripture and Bible Doctrine.
Today, many books and websites are devoted to the subject of Cults. What is a "Cult"? Why were and are certain groups identified as "Cults"?
WHAT IS A "CULT"?
Sometimes we hear people say this or that is a "Cult". What determines a "Cult"?
They are identified as "Cults" because behind each, we can find what has been historically determined by the Assemblies to be Heresy.
A Cult goes against what has been Ruled to be a main Doctrine of the Assemblies.[1]
The Assemblies have been around for a very long time. Councils and Synods met, some nearly 2,000 years ago, to Rule on false teachings that still may resurface today.[2]
HERESY
What is a Heresy?
"Heresy" comes from a Greek word: "hairesis". It means "a choice, opinion, or sentiment". In the New Testament, it means a "private choice" in opposition to True Doctrine which Councils or Synods or both have so Ruled.
It has therefore taken on the meaning of a "private choice" and previously Ruled as a misinterpretation of Scripture that would bring schisms or harm to the True Assemblies if permitted to continue. Such a teaching has therefore been Ruled against by an Authorized Church Council or Synod to protect the Flock, because in the early centuries of the Church, sometimes opponents of True Doctrine assembled armies to force their views.
Since specific false teachings still reappear today from time to time and at the same time have been Ruled Heresies by Authorized Councils and Synods of the Assemblies centuries ago, let us look at a few.
THE EARLY ASSEMBLIES
Gentiles and the Mosaic Law
JUDAIZERS 1st Century A.D.
Response of the Assemblies to Gnosticism
HERESY
Pagan practices brought into the Assemblies.
HERESY
CONCERNING THE TRI-UNE G-DHEAD
HERESY
DEFENSE: CONCERNING THE PERSON OF MOSHIACH (CHRIST)
DEFINITION OF CHALCEDON 451 A.D.
SALVATION ISSUES
The Grace of G-d vs. the "Free Will" of man
HERESY
PELAGIANISM 5th Century A.D.
THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION
DEFENSES
The Protestant Reformers made no secret of basing all of their teaching on the Creeds and Councils of the early Church. Thus they spoke with authority and cited the ancient Rulings that the True Church was supposed to be following. One such key Council was the COUNCIL OF ORANGE which was from 529 A.D.
OTHER DEFENSES
WHY ARE THESE THINGS IMPORTANT AGAIN?
This can be important because of a certain type of person who desires to brand any Assembly that actually teaches the Doctrines of the True Church a "cult" for various reasons.
Therefore, in kindness, the True Church developed these Defenses of the Faith for our use!
The early Assemblies defined what was and what was not heresy and what was and what was not a "cult".
This places misguided presons or persons who just want to malign the Elect in the unenviable position of denying the early Church and the Councils and Creeds altogether!
Also sometimes Believers just want to "make peace" and have no more arguments. This is commendable. However, the fact remains that Believers are to be informed about current false teachers and false teachings and to pass on information to others and the next generation concerning the Truth. Why? Because:
...you should Earnestly Contend for the Faith that was once Delivered to the saints. Jude 3
MORE FOLLOWING SOON!
PEOPLE OF G-D MINISTRIES
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FOOTNOTES
[1
[2
Augustine. Civitus Dei.
ibid. Contra Pelagius.
Berkhof, Louis. The history of Christian doctrines. Grand Rapids. Banner of Truth Trust. 1937.
Gonzalez, Justo L. The History of Christianity Peabody, Massachusetts. Hendrickson. 1999.
