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Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeSatan the Devil is the ultimate source of falsely called knowledge and the perpetuator of anti-God philosophies throughout time. Gnosticism stands as one of the many heresies he employs to deceive the whole world. In his first message to mankind in the Garden of Eden, he introduces three core heresies that have persisted through history. The first heresy sows seeds of doubt about God's trustworthiness. With his initial words to Eve, questioning whether God indeed said certain things, he instills a sentiment that God's Word is suspect. This distrust is evident in Gnosticism, where knowledge is valued over Scripture, relying instead on personal experiences, teachings of elders, or insights from angels, astrology, or alchemy. This same skepticism undermines faith by casting doubt on the legitimacy of God's Word, making it subject to human whims and thus untrustworthy. The second heresy, declared by satan as "You shall not surely die," promotes the idea that humans are already immortal, negating the true consequence of death. This lie, reflected in Gnostic dualism of flesh and spirit, portrays the flesh as evil and the spirit as good, with death seen as liberation. Such a belief diminishes the urgency to live according to God's desires, as immortality is assumed, reducing the motivation to resist carnality or to grow spiritually. The third heresy suggests that by taking knowledge of good and evil, humans can be like God, determining right and wrong for themselves. Satan places emphasis on knowing over living eternally, contrasting with a life of submission to God's defined standards. Gnostics pursue mystical knowledge, believing it holds the key to eternal life through advancing into the spiritual realm. This rejection of God's standard fosters antinomianism among Gnostics, who resist laws or standards that conflict with their own, establishing personal codes of conduct over divine commandments. These three heresies, recycled since Creation, subtly undercut God's truth and plan for mankind, manifesting in Gnosticism and every anti-God system of belief. They continue the separation from God begun in the Garden, promoting self-centeredness over outgoing concern, and prioritizing knowledge over faith, hope, and love as defined by God's way.
Damnable Heresies
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany heresies have crept into the church over the past several years. Here is how Satan works to introduce heresy into the church, and what we can do about it.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
Looks Fair, Feels Foul
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBe wary of things and people that appear attractive and fair on the outside, but are actually foul and destructive underneath. Evaluate the fruit.
Facing Times of Stress: Lovers of Self
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe face the same kind of pressures and stress that Timothy faced, with perilous times ahead of us, threatening the existence of the nation and the church.
Are You Looking for Some New Thing? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMan's obsession with new things most often turns out to be a recycled idea from the past attempting to satisfy the irrepressible itch for novelty.
Looking Forward (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhich button would someone have to push for you to leave the truth of God? The doctrines of grace and liberty have been perverted into tolerance of sin.
Debate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible takes a very dim view of argument, debate, discord, and strife. In all matters of contention, we must strive to put ourselves above the fray.