From the earliest days of the Christian Church, false doctrines have posed significant threats to the integrity of the gospel message. The apostles, as the first teachers of Christian doctrine, countered these dangerous beliefs head-on, emphasizing the need to uphold biblical truth. Whether battling Judaizers who insisted on adhering to the Mosaic Law or Gnostics who promoted hidden knowledge, the apostles consistently upheld the gospel’s simplicity and sufficiency.
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Today, many modern movements echo these ancient heresies, though they often emerge in different forms. This essay will explore eight core heresies confronted by the apostles, examine their modern equivalents, and review the apostolic responses, showing how Scripture provides timeless guidance for confronting error. By understanding these parallels, believers can guard against similar threats to the faith and maintain the purity of the gospel.
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8)
1. Legalistic Judaizers and Modern Legalistic Movements (Legalism in Salvation)
In the early Church, Judaizers insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law—particularly circumcision—to be fully saved. This fusion of grace with the Law effectively added works to the gospel of grace, contradicting the apostles’ teaching that salvation is through faith alone. Legalistic Judaizers, concerned with maintaining Jewish customs, caused confusion and division in the early Church, as many Gentile converts were unsure whether adherence to these laws was required for their salvation.
Modern Equivalents: Today, legalistic tendencies persist in various forms, ranging from sects that emphasize adherence to Old Testament laws to groups that impose extra-biblical practices as essential for salvation. Modern examples include:
- Seventh-day Adventism (in some cases): While the official Seventh-day Adventist Church does not deny salvation by grace, certain factions emphasize strict Sabbath observance and dietary laws as part of a Christian’s spiritual life, paralleling the Judaizers’ emphasis on the Mosaic Law.
- Some Catholic teachings on sacraments: The view that sacraments (e.g., baptism, confession, and communion) are essential for salvation can introduce a form of legalism, implying that grace is obtained or maintained by these actions rather than faith in Christ alone.
- Legalistic Evangelical Sects: Some evangelical groups impose specific dress codes, worship practices, or lifestyle choices as conditions for salvation, adding external requirements to the gospel.
Apostolic Strategy: The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed this controversy directly, as the apostles and elders gathered to clarify the gospel message. Peter, Paul, and James all affirmed that salvation is by grace through faith, not by observing the Law. Peter reminded the council, “God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:8-9). Paul later reinforced this teaching in his letters, particularly in Galatians, where he argued passionately against returning to the Law as a means of justification, stating, “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16).
Scriptural Defense:
- Galatians 3:1-3: Paul chastises the Galatians for turning back to the Law after receiving the Spirit through faith, illustrating the incompatibility of grace and works for salvation.
- Ephesians 2:8-9: Paul teaches that salvation is a gift from God, “not by works, so that no one can boast,” underscoring that nothing added to the gospel enhances salvation.
- Acts 15:8-11: Peter’s address to the Jerusalem Council concludes that the Gentiles are saved through the grace of Jesus alone, affirming that adherence to Jewish customs is unnecessary for salvation.
Application Today: Modern Christians can avoid legalistic thinking by remembering that salvation rests entirely on Christ’s completed work, not on human efforts or rituals. While good works and spiritual disciplines are valuable, they follow salvation rather than achieve it. When believers are tempted to impose extra-biblical requirements on themselves or others, they can look to apostolic teaching as a reminder that the gospel’s power lies in God’s grace alone, freely available to all who believe.
2. Docetism and Modern Denials of Christ’s Humanity
One of the earliest heresies to challenge the Christian faith was Docetism, a belief rooted in Gnostic ideas that held Jesus only “appeared” to have a human body. According to Docetic thought, the physical realm was inherently evil; thus, Jesus, as a divine being, could not have taken on true human flesh. This teaching undermined the incarnation, rejecting the foundational Christian belief that Christ was both fully God and fully human.
Modern Equivalents: Today, similar denials of Christ’s full humanity appear in various movements that spiritualize or dehumanize Jesus. Common examples include:
- Christian Science: Founded by Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science views Jesus more as a “divine healer” whose mission was to demonstrate God’s spiritual laws rather than to fully incarnate as a human. The focus shifts from Jesus’ person to His teachings, distancing Him from a literal physical existence.
- Unity Church: This New Thought movement regards Jesus primarily as a metaphysical teacher rather than the incarnate Son of God. Like Docetism, it diminishes His physical nature, emphasizing spiritual “Christ consciousness.”
- New Age Spirituality: Many New Age interpretations present Jesus as an enlightened “spiritual guide” or “ascended master” without acknowledging His full humanity and historic life. New Age teachings often view Jesus as symbolic rather than a literal human being who lived, died, and rose again.
Apostolic Strategy: The Apostle John, known for emphasizing Christ’s humanity, directly refuted Docetism in his letters. In 1 John 4:2-3, he writes, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” John’s language was bold, making it clear that denying Christ’s humanity was more than a theological error; it was an indication of spiritual deception. Likewise, Paul emphasized that Christ’s bodily resurrection was essential to the faith, stating that if Christ did not truly rise from the dead, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Scriptural Defense:
- John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John’s Gospel directly states that Jesus took on human form, countering any claims that He was merely a spirit.
- 1 John 4:2-3: John insists that confessing Christ’s incarnation is essential to true faith, and any spirit denying this truth is not from God.
- Hebrews 2:14-18: The writer of Hebrews argues that Jesus shared in our humanity to destroy the power of death, emphasizing His need to be fully human to fulfill His redemptive mission.
Application Today: The denial of Christ’s humanity remains spiritually dangerous because it distorts the gospel’s power. The incarnation, in which God became man, is fundamental to the Christian faith, providing the basis for Christ’s ability to atone for human sin. When modern movements downplay or deny Christ’s full humanity, they undermine the sacrificial work of Christ. By understanding and affirming the apostles’ teachings on Jesus’ humanity, believers can counter views that reduce Christ to a mystical or symbolic figure and instead uphold the reality of His incarnation and its significance for salvation.
3. Antinomianism and Modern Hyper-Grace Movements
Antinomianism, which means “against the law,” was a teaching that surfaced in the early Church, claiming that believers were free from all moral laws because of grace. Antinomians argued that, since Christians are saved by grace alone, they are no longer obligated to follow any rules or laws in their conduct. This teaching misinterpreted the doctrine of grace, leading some to believe they could live however they wished without accountability.
Modern Equivalents: In modern Christianity, hyper-grace movements present a similar perspective, suggesting that once a person is saved, repentance and confession of sin are unnecessary. Advocates of this view emphasize grace to the exclusion of sanctification, minimizing or outright rejecting the importance of holiness and repentance in the believer’s life. Examples include:
- Hyper-Grace Teachers: Some prominent teachers in the hyper-grace movement, such as Joseph Prince, have been critiqued for underemphasizing repentance and presenting a view of grace that some believe distorts biblical teachings on sin and sanctification.
- Universalist Churches: While not universally true of all Universalist churches, some hold a view of grace that dismisses personal sin altogether, asserting that God’s grace covers all, regardless of one’s actions or faith in Christ.
- Certain Word of Faith Groups: Some Word of Faith teachings suggest that once believers are “covered by grace,” they no longer need to confess or repent of sin, focusing on positive confessions and prosperity rather than growth in holiness.
Apostolic Strategy: Paul directly addressed antinomianism in his letter to the Romans. He anticipated the objection that grace could encourage sin and answered emphatically: “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2). Paul taught that, although believers are no longer under the Law, they are now under grace, which compels them to live a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit (Titus 2:11-12). The Apostle John also emphasized the need for ongoing confession, writing, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
Scriptural Defense:
- Romans 6:1-2: Paul stresses that grace should lead to freedom from sin, not a license to sin, affirming that believers should live a transformed life.
- Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” This passage affirms the importance of holiness and sanctification in the Christian life.
- 1 John 1:8-10: John insists that confessing sin is essential for believers, countering any claim that sin no longer matters in the life of a Christian.
Application Today: Hyper-grace teachings, like antinomianism, can lead to a dangerous misunderstanding of salvation and sanctification. The apostles made it clear that grace transforms the believer and leads to a new life of holiness empowered by the Holy Spirit. By recognizing the apostolic stance against antinomianism, Christians today can understand that grace not only forgives sin but also provides the power to live righteously. Living a life of repentance, confession, and holiness remains integral to the Christian walk, as believers are called to reflect the character of Christ.
4. Asceticism and Modern Self-Denial Movements
Asceticism is a practice rooted in extreme self-denial and rigorous discipline, often embraced as a means of spiritual purity. In the early Church, some believed that rejecting all physical pleasures—including food, marriage, and other natural enjoyments—would lead to a closer relationship with God. This teaching diminished the value of God’s creation and falsely suggested that purity could be attained by physical deprivation.
Modern Equivalents: Today, ascetic tendencies appear in various religious and spiritual groups that advocate self-denial as a means to spiritual enlightenment or holiness. While asceticism itself is not necessarily harmful, its underlying belief that physical denial equates to righteousness can lead to a distorted view of spirituality. Examples include:
- Certain Monastic Orders and Strict Religious Sects: Some Christian monastic orders, while emphasizing holiness, may focus on extreme self-denial, sometimes to the point of viewing asceticism as a means of earning spiritual favor.
- Opus Dei: This Catholic organization practices “mortification of the flesh” as part of spiritual discipline, emphasizing physical suffering as a path to holiness.
- Hinduism and Buddhism (Ascetic Sects): In some branches of Hinduism and Buddhism, extreme fasting, isolation, and bodily discipline are practiced to reach enlightenment or divine knowledge.
Apostolic Strategy: The Apostle Paul countered ascetic tendencies directly in his letters, especially when they infiltrated Christian teaching. In 1 Timothy 4:3-5, Paul warned against those who forbid marriage and certain foods, reminding believers that “everything God created is good” and is to be enjoyed with thanksgiving. He also wrote to the Colossians, addressing ascetic practices by stating, “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom…but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Colossians 2:23). Paul’s teaching reinforced that outward practices cannot purify the heart; true holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Scriptural Defense:
- 1 Timothy 4:3-5: Paul affirms that God’s creation is good and should be enjoyed with gratitude, countering any belief that self-denial leads to greater holiness.
- Colossians 2:20-23: Paul warns against man-made regulations that appear wise but lack value in true spiritual transformation.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Paul reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not to be mistreated or neglected, but to honor God in how they are cared for.
Application Today: Modern ascetic practices that promote extreme self-denial as a means of spirituality can lead to a distorted view of holiness. The apostolic teaching emphasizes that righteousness comes from a heart transformed by God, not from outward practices of self-denial. While discipline and self-control are part of the Christian life, they are not ends in themselves. Instead, believers are called to live in gratitude for God’s gifts, using self-discipline to glorify God rather than trying to earn spiritual status. Recognizing this distinction helps Christians avoid the trap of legalism or asceticism and focus on inward transformation through the Holy Spirit.
5. Corinthian Syncretism and Modern Cultural Compromise in Christianity
In Corinth, many Christians struggled with blending Greek pagan practices with their new faith. The culture in Corinth celebrated practices like idol worship, ritualistic feasting, and sexual immorality. As believers, they were called to abandon these pagan customs, but cultural pressures often led them to compromise, resulting in a church that was deeply divided and morally inconsistent. This blending of beliefs, known as syncretism, weakened the Church’s testimony and led to confusion about Christian conduct.
Modern Equivalents: Today, a similar syncretism exists within churches that adopt secular ideas or practices to appear more “relevant” or “inclusive.” Some churches and movements compromise on core doctrines or moral teachings to align with cultural trends, ultimately blurring the line between biblical truth and worldly influence. Examples include:
- Progressive Christianity: This movement often incorporates secular moral values, sometimes at the expense of biblical teaching on sin, sexuality, and repentance.
- Prosperity Gospel: While distinct, some prosperity gospel teachings promote a cultural value of material success and wealth as signs of God’s favor, aligning with secular aspirations rather than spiritual transformation.
- Liberal Churches Embracing Secular Ethics: Certain liberal churches now adopt popular social ethics that may contradict biblical teaching, such as redefining marriage, avoiding doctrines of sin and judgment, or reinterpreting the gospel to align with progressive ideologies.
Apostolic Strategy: The Apostle Paul addressed this issue extensively in 1 Corinthians, calling believers to reject idolatry, immorality, and compromises with paganism. In 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Paul warned against idolatry and reminded believers that they are participants in the body of Christ. He emphasized that Christians cannot serve two masters: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Paul also exhorted the Corinthians to live distinctly from the world and to “not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14), reminding them that they are called to a higher standard of holiness.
Scriptural Defense:
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Paul calls believers to resist cultural conformity, encouraging them to live according to God’s standards.
- James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” This strong warning reinforces the call to remain distinct and loyal to God’s truth.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: Paul lists behaviors incompatible with the kingdom of God, highlighting the transformation that comes from faith in Christ.
Application Today: Cultural compromise, like Corinthian syncretism, weakens the Church’s witness and dilutes the power of the gospel. When Christians adopt secular values that contradict Scripture, they compromise their role as a distinct people of God. Apostolic teaching calls believers to be “in the world but not of it,” living as lights in a dark culture (John 17:14-16). By resisting cultural conformity, Christians can offer an authentic witness to the transformative power of Christ, calling others to true repentance and faith rather than simply blending in with prevailing secular ideologies.
6. Marcionism and the Modern “Unhitching” from the Old Testament
Marcionism was an early heretical movement led by Marcion, who rejected the Old Testament and its depiction of God. Marcion argued that the God of Israel was vengeful and incompatible with the loving God revealed in Jesus. Marcionism effectively created a “new” Christianity that discarded the Old Testament, viewing it as unnecessary and even harmful to Christian faith. This heresy created a stark division, disregarding God’s covenant faithfulness and the prophetic promises that pointed to Christ.
Modern Equivalents: In recent years, some teachers and movements have echoed Marcion’s perspective, suggesting that the Old Testament is outdated or irrelevant. This view, sometimes referred to as “unhitching” from the Old Testament, treats the Hebrew Scriptures as a relic, claiming that New Testament believers do not need to engage with or teach from it. Examples include:
- Andy Stanley’s “Unhitching” Teaching: Andy Stanley, a prominent evangelical pastor, has controversially suggested that the Church should “unhitch” from the Old Testament to focus on the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
- Progressive Christianity: Many progressive circles downplay or dismiss the Old Testament, often due to its challenging passages on judgment, sin, and God’s commands.
- Movements Rejecting Old Testament Morality: Certain groups disregard the moral standards of the Old Testament, especially on issues like marriage, sexuality, and justice, believing them to be culturally obsolete.
Apostolic Strategy: Jesus and the apostles consistently affirmed the Old Testament’s enduring relevance and divine inspiration. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declared, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus emphasized that the Old Testament pointed directly to Him, and He fulfilled its promises, laws, and prophecies. Paul also upheld the Old Testament as “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The early Church used the Old Testament as the foundation for understanding God’s redemptive plan and for teaching the gospel, as demonstrated in the preaching of the apostles (Acts 2:14-39, Acts 8:30-35).
Scriptural Defense:
- Matthew 5:17-18: Jesus affirmed the Old Testament’s validity, stating that He came to fulfill it, not to discard it.
- Romans 15:4: Paul taught that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Paul emphasized that all Scripture, including the Old Testament, is inspired by God and valuable for instruction.
Application Today: The Old Testament remains essential to a comprehensive understanding of God’s nature, His covenant promises, and His plan of redemption. Removing or ignoring it impoverishes the Christian faith by disconnecting believers from the rich context that illuminates the gospel. By retaining the Old Testament as part of God’s inspired Word, Christians gain a fuller understanding of Christ’s mission and God’s faithfulness across history. Embracing the whole Bible equips believers to engage in a robust, grounded faith that acknowledges God’s consistent character from Genesis to Revelation.
7. Beginnings of Arianism and Modern Denials of Christ’s Deity
Arianism emerged in the early centuries of the Church as a doctrine that denied Christ’s eternal deity. Arius, a priest in Alexandria, taught that Jesus was not fully God but a created being, subordinate to the Father. This doctrine conflicted with Scripture’s teaching that Jesus is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father. Arianism questioned the fundamental Christian doctrine of the Trinity, reducing Jesus to a lesser divine figure and creating a hierarchy within the Godhead.
Modern Equivalents: Although the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 condemned Arianism, similar teachings persist today, particularly within groups that deny the full divinity of Christ. Examples include:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses: This group teaches that Jesus is the archangel Michael, a created being inferior to Jehovah. They deny the Trinity and do not believe in Christ’s eternal deity, aligning closely with the ancient Arian doctrine.
- Mormonism (LDS Church): The LDS Church teaches that Jesus is a distinct being created by God the Father and is one of many potential “gods.” Their belief in a hierarchy within the Godhead parallels some aspects of Arian thought.
- Certain Liberal Christian Movements: Some liberal theological perspectives see Jesus as a moral teacher or a significant prophet but reject His unique divine status as fully God and fully man.
Apostolic Strategy: The Apostle John and the Apostle Paul both emphasized Christ’s deity, preexistence, and oneness with the Father. John opened his Gospel with a bold declaration of Jesus’ divinity, writing, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Paul also affirmed the divine nature of Christ, referring to Him as the image of the invisible God and stating, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). The apostles emphasized that Jesus is not merely a part of God’s creation; He is the Creator Himself, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.
Scriptural Defense:
- John 1:1-3: John’s opening words affirm Christ’s eternal existence and identity as God.
- Colossians 1:15-17: Paul describes Jesus as the “image of the invisible God” and the Creator of all things, countering the idea that He was created.
- Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” This passage underscores Christ’s divinity and sustaining power, qualities unique to God.
Application Today: Denying Christ’s full deity undermines the gospel by reducing the saving power of the cross. Only if Jesus is both fully God and fully man can He serve as the perfect mediator between humanity and God. Understanding the biblical teaching of Christ’s deity is essential to a correct understanding of salvation. Believers are called to uphold the truth that Jesus is God incarnate, rejecting teachings that diminish His divine identity. Recognizing Jesus as Lord over all reinforces the gospel’s message of reconciliation and the hope of eternal life.
8. Mysticism and Secret Knowledge in Modern Spiritual Movements
Gnosticism was an early heresy marked by an emphasis on secret or hidden knowledge (gnosis) as the path to spiritual enlightenment. Gnostics believed that salvation came through mystical insight rather than faith in Christ alone, viewing the material world as inherently corrupt and elevating spiritual knowledge above Scripture. The early Church faced Gnostic influences that distorted the gospel by presenting salvation as attainable only by an elite few with special knowledge.
Modern Equivalents: Today, various New Age and mystical movements emphasize hidden spiritual knowledge, “higher consciousness,” or mystical experiences. This modern mysticism often parallels ancient Gnosticism by promising enlightenment through secret paths or higher revelations. Examples include:
- Scientology: Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology emphasizes ascending through “levels” of knowledge to attain spiritual freedom. Knowledge and secret teachings are withheld until adherents reach advanced stages.
- New Age Spirituality: Many New Age teachings emphasize “awakening” and “secret knowledge” accessible through practices like meditation, crystals, and chakra alignments.
- Kabbalah (New Age Interpretation): Some New Age interpretations of Kabbalah present it as a mystical path to hidden divine wisdom, different from traditional Jewish teachings.
- Freemasonry: Freemasonry includes secret rites, symbols, and hidden knowledge intended for members only, promoting a spiritual journey distinct from biblical salvation.
Apostolic Strategy: Paul directly addressed the dangers of mysticism and secret knowledge in his letters, especially in Colossians, where he warned against teachings based on human wisdom and not on Christ: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Paul emphasized that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone, dismissing the need for hidden knowledge. John’s Gospel also countered Gnostic ideas by affirming that Jesus is the full revelation of God to all believers, accessible to everyone, not just an elite few.
Scriptural Defense:
- Colossians 2:8-10: Paul warns against hollow philosophies and affirms that all knowledge is found in Christ, who is fully accessible to every believer.
- 1 Corinthians 1:20-25: Paul contrasts human wisdom with God’s wisdom, stating that God’s wisdom is accessible through Christ rather than mystical teachings.
- Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Biblical wisdom is given by God and does not require hidden paths.
Application Today: Mystical teachings and secret knowledge divert attention from Christ, creating a false path to spiritual fulfillment that excludes the gospel’s simplicity. The apostolic teaching emphasizes that all believers, regardless of status or knowledge, have access to the fullness of God through Christ alone. Recognizing that God’s wisdom is freely available in Scripture, believers can resist modern mysticism and seek true spiritual growth through their relationship with Christ. By focusing on Scripture and the gospel’s clarity, Christians can guard against distractions and deceptions that promise secret paths or special knowledge.
Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Apostolic Doctrine
The early apostles confronted a range of false teachings, each one presenting a unique threat to the simplicity and purity of the gospel. From the legalistic demands of the Judaizers to the secretive elitism of Gnosticism, these heresies risked undermining the foundation of salvation by grace through faith. Today, similar movements continue to challenge the Church, whether by distorting Christ’s humanity, adding works to grace, or encouraging cultural compromise. Apostolic teaching provides us with a clear guide for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the centrality of Scripture and the sufficiency of Christ’s work.
The apostles called believers to vigilance and faithfulness, urging them to contend for the faith in every generation. Jude’s exhortation resonates as strongly today as it did in the first century: “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3).
The Bible’s consistency provides a steadfast foundation, reminding us that God’s Word and the gospel do not need additions, enhancements, or secret interpretations. Each time we hold fast to apostolic doctrine, we stand against the tide of heresies, new and old, and proclaim a faith grounded in God’s revealed truth. In doing so, we uphold the gospel’s transformative power, inviting others to experience the freedom found in Jesus Christ, free from human-made distortions and deceptions.
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Jude 1:3-4
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