Let Us Stand Aloof From Such Heretics
We should keep aloof from heretics and flee from all abominable heresies to avoid the spirit of evil and its consequences.
Ignatius of Antioch warns against those who mock the cross, passion, and resurrection of Jesus, attributing their actions to the evil spirit who has been the source of sin and rebellion since the beginning. He urges believers to distance themselves from such individuals, focusing instead on the teachings of the law, prophets, and those who proclaim salvation. Ignatius emphasizes the importance of avoiding heresies and divisions, recognizing them as the root of many evils.
Text
They are ashamed of the cross; they mock at the passion; they make a jest of the resurrection. They are the offspring of that spirit who is the author of all evil, who led Adam, by means of his wife, to transgress the commandment, who slew Abel by the hands of Cain, who fought against Job, who was the accuser of Joshua the son of Josedech, who sought to "sift the faith" of the apostles, who stirred up the multitude of the Jews against the Lord, who also now "worketh in the children of disobedience; from whom the Lord
Jesus Christ will deliver us, who prayed that the faith of the apostles might not fail, not because He was not able of Himself to preserve it, but because He rejoiced in the pre-eminence of the Father.
It is fitting, therefore, that ye should keep aloof from such persons, and neither in private nor in public to talk with them; but to give heed to the law, and the prophets, and to those who have preached to you the word of salvation. But flee from all abominable heresies, and those that cause schisms, as the beginning of evils.
Sermon Outline
- The Characteristics of Heretics
- The Origin of Heresy
- The Call to Separation
- The Importance of Fleeing Heresy
- Flee from all abominable heresies
- Flee from those that cause schisms
- They make a jest of the resurrection
Key Quotes
“They are the offspring of that spirit who is the author of all evil, who led Adam, by means of his wife, to transgress the commandment, who slew Abel by the hands of Cain, who fought against Job, who was the accuser of Joshua the son of Josedech, who sought to ''sift the faith'' of the apostles, who stirred up the multitude of the Jews against the Lord, who also now ''worketh in the children of disobedience; from whom the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver us, who prayed that the faith of the apostles might not fail, not because He was not able of Himself to preserve it, but because He rejoiced in the pre-eminence of the Father.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“But flee from all abominable heresies, and those that cause schisms, as the beginning of evils.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should be cautious of those who mock at the cross, the passion, and the resurrection.
- We should give heed to the law, the prophets, and those who have preached to us the word of salvation.
- We should flee from all abominable heresies and those that cause schisms.