Avoid the Deadly Errors of the Docetae
Avoid the errors of the Docetae and their false teachings that deny the cross and passion of Christ, and instead, embrace Christ's immortality through His passion and resurrection.
Ignatius of Antioch warns the congregation to avoid false teachings and evil influences, specifically mentioning individuals like Simon, Menander, Basilides, Nicolaitanes, Theodotus, and Cleobulus, who lead people astray with their wicked ways. He emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in the true teachings of the Father and not being swayed by those who deny the cross of Christ or the significance of His passion and resurrection. Ignatius urges believers to reject the teachings of those who go against the core beliefs of Christianity and instead embrace the invitation to share in Christ's immortality through faith and obedience.
Text
Do ye also avoid those wicked offshoots of his, Simon his firstborn son, and Menander, and Basilides, and all his wicked mob of followers, the worshippers of a man, whom also the prophet Jeremiah pronounces accursed. Flee also the impure Nicolaitanes, falsely so called, who are lovers of pleasure, and given to calumnious speeches. Avoid also the children of the evil one, Theodotus and Cleobulus, who produce death-bearing fruit, whereof if any one tastes, he instantly dies, and that not a mere temporary death, but one that shall endure for ever.
These men are not the planting of the Father, but are an accursed brood.
And says the Lord, "Let every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted be rooted up." For if they had been branches of the Father, they would not have been "enemies of the cross of Christ," but rather of those who "killed the Lord of glory." But now, by denying the cross, and being ashamed of the passion, they cover the transgression of the Jews, those fighters against God, those murderers of the Lord; for it were too little to style them merely murderers of the prophets. But Christ invites you to [share in] His immortality, by His passion and resurrection, inasmuch as ye are His members.
Sermon Outline
- Avoid the Errors of the Docetae
- Understand the Consequences of Their Teachings
- Recognize the True Planting of the Father
- Embracing Christ's Immortality
- Through Passion and Resurrection
- As Members of Christ
- Theodotus and Cleobulus - Children of the Evil One
Key Quotes
“Let every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted be rooted up.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Christ invites you to [share in] His immortality, by His passion and resurrection, inasmuch as ye are His members.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Be aware of false teachers and their teachings that deny the cross and passion of Christ.
- Recognize the consequences of their teachings, which produce death-bearing fruit.
- Embrace Christ's immortality through His passion and resurrection, and become a member of Christ.