“A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.”
(Titus 3:10-11)
Heresy is a grave danger, as Paul warns Titus. Those who cling to doctrines contrary to the foundational truths of the Christian faith, especially after repeated correction, are to be avoided, because heresy exchanges truth for falsehood and embraces errors that lead to eternal ruin.
Heresy is not evidenced by wrong actions alone, but also in a conscience that endorses sin, believing it to be right. Persisting in minor errors makes one divisive, but defending falsehoods on essential doctrines—such as Christ’s deity or salvation by grace—marks a heretic destined for condemnation (Jude 1:4). This is no trivial matter. It is a reality that demands our vigilance to guard and uphold the faith and truths of Scripture.
The early church fathers fought tirelessly against heresies, and the apostles’ letters urged churches to hold fast to truth and shun false teachers (2 Pet. 1:12; Rom. 16:17). The Council of Constance, in its 39th session, mandated periodic councils to address emerging errors, reflecting the ongoing battle against deception.
To protect ourselves today, we must: root ourselves in God’s truth (2 Pet. 1:12), repent and examine our hearts daily, grieve over corrupted doctrines (Rev. 11:3), reject all sin (2 Tim. 2:19), test teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1), and avoid fellowship with false teachers (2 John 1:10).
Thomas Hall warns, “When we perceive that men are obstinate and incurable we must leave them lest we be infected by them” (Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10).[1] For heresy is a gangrene that spreads quickly, and the only cure is to cut it off before it corrupts the whole body. By clinging to Scripture and the true gospel, we shield our souls from destruction.[2]
Contemplations:
- Heresy’s root in idolatry. Lord, it seems that idolatry was the prevailing sin of the Old Testament. And heresy—the headstrong defense of anything contrary to the fundamental doctrines of Scripture—appears to be the prevailing sin of the New. Who would desire to take such an errant stance but the devil and his followers? Keep my heart from such deception, Lord.
- False teachers abound. Heretics abound in the church today. The Socinians deny the deity of both Christ and the Holy Spirit. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity, and they even deny that Christ has merited anything for His people. The Papists, besides their many fundamental errors like justification by works, are abominably idolatrous in their worship. And of all false teachers this last age has afforded, I do not know any more pernicious than Libertines, who promote a wholesale disobedience and disregard of God’s Law, errantly believing that they remain in Your good graces regardless of how they choose to live. Guard me from their lies.
- Antinomian errors. And then there are the Antinomians who reject the very notion of obedience under a false pretense of advancing Christ and free grace. Some even believe themselves to be perfect and free from all sin, as the glorified are in heaven. What are these people thinking Lord? Protect me from such delusions.
- Exalting human will. Finally, what of the Remonstrants that exalt man’s free will? They say that the efficacy of conversion depends upon man’s will, so that it is effectual to conversion if a man will, and ineffectual if he will not. Have they not read the Bible? Do they not understand the sovereignty of the God of heaven? Keep me grounded in Your truth.
Prayer (Confession)
O holy and true God, You are the fountain of all wisdom, whose Word reveals the unchanging truth of the gospel. Your righteousness condemns heresy, and Your grace preserves Your people in the faith once delivered to the saints. I worship You for Your unerring truth, which guards us from error, and for Your Son, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Your warnings in Titus 3:10-11 shine as a beacon to protect Your church from the poison of false teaching.
I confess that I have not always guarded my heart against heresy. My mind has entertained doubts, flirting with ideas that stray from Your Word. I have failed to test teachings diligently, at times allowing human reasoning to cloud Your truth. I have not grieved as I should over the corruption of Your gospel, nor have I always rejected fellowship with those who promote error. Forgive me for these sins, for being slow to defend Your truth. Cleanse me through Christ’s blood and renew my commitment to Your Word.
Lord, I plead for grace to stand firm against heresy. Root me in Your truth, as 2 Peter 1:12 urges, that I may be established in Your doctrines. Grant me discernment to test all teachings against Scripture, as 1 John 4:1 commands. Help me grieve over false doctrines and despise every sin. Keep me from the influence of false teachers and strengthen my faith to uphold Your sovereignty against those who exalt human will. And fill me with Your Spirit that I may walk in holiness and resist all manner of error all my days.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Titus 3:10:
2 John 1:10; 1 Cor. 11:19; 1 Thess. 5:14; 1 Tim. 1:20.
[1] Edward Leigh, A System or Body of Divinity (London: A.M., 1654), cf. 358–359.
[2] Thomas Hall, Exposition upon the Third and Fourth Chapters of the Latter Epistle of Saint Paul to Timothy (London: E. Tyler, 1658), 440.
