Moral vs Doctrine

One difference between Churches of Christ and the Unity in Diversity groups like the Disciples of Christ is the context of iniquity. In verses demonstrating false teachers Unity churches do not believe doctrine is in the context, only the morals code of the Law or Law of Christ.

Yet, Peter uses the term heresies when describing the false teachers, which is a violation of Gospel teaching vs. simply being immoral.

One teacher I heard recently even said this area is clearly defined as denying Christ, but then Peter wouldn't speak of heresies in the plural if it was only denying Christ. Peter doesn't define all the heresies possible.

"Even denying the Lord"

is a verse showing how far it can go, and does not mean they have to completely deny Christ for it to be a heresy.

2Pe 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Unity in Diversity does not see this as heresies of minor deviations from the Gospel, but insists it is the full denial of Christ, thus allowing multiple heresies to infiltrate the Church. Yet, Peter in connecting verses ties this to "the way" we were supposed to go.

2Pe 2:21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Paul actually says iniquity is the teaching of false Gospel elements, and not just a false moral code when addressing Timothy. Those teaching the resurrection was already past were those teaching iniquity.

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 2:16  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2Ti 2:17  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

2Ti 2:18  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Vain babblings were false Gospel elements that deviated from the truth, such as the resurrection being passed, leading to ungodliness. This is just one example , however, since there can be many such deviations.

Any deviation from the apostolic record is a precedent away from following our given authority, into following seditions, turning away from the Apostolic record. It always leads to more ungodliness.

2Pe 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

One problem with the use of musical instruments is it caused leaders to be spoken against and undermined; and it denied the difference between New Testament worship and Old Testament.

There is more wrong with these theological deviations than meet the eye.

It denies Christ's death removed the old and established the new, which is a big heresy. Instruments undermined the foundation that Christ came to change covenants into something new, which he did.

Heb 10:9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

The old sacrifices along with the priestly musical accompaniment were removed. They are no longer examples for our worship. Catholics added them back in by copying the old in developing the heresy of the eucharist, where the priest offers Christ with musical accompaniment every eucharist.

Christ offered himself, he doesn't need a priest to offer him.

Heb 10:10  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

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