World Mission Society Church of God

World Mission Society Church of God follows teachings of Christ Ahnsahnghong and Mother.

What Is Heresy?

The word, "heresy," has historically never been used as frequently as it is today. Since the advent of Christianity, even non-Christians have thoughtlessly used the word, without ever considering its true meaning.

The Church of God believes in Christ Ahnsahnghong, who came, wearing the flesh, in accordance with the prophecies of Jesus’ second coming. The Church of God keeps the Passover and the Sabbath day, as Christ taught; however, the world rejects the Church, arguing, "They believe in a man," and, "They keep the Sabbath." The Bible testifies that the churches keeping Sunday service, Christmas, and Thanksgiving Day, and who revere the cross and the Virgin Mary—without ever referring to the Bible—are the true heretics.

We need to come to understand what "heresy" truly is. If we do not realize what is seen as heresy in the eyes of God, we will be led into destruction. The word "heresy" means the dissent or deviation from a dominant truth of God—that is, the adherence to lawlessness.

Definition of Heresy

1) The dictionary’s definition
① adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
② dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice
③ an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generallyaccepted beliefs or standards

2) The origin of the word
The word "heresy" comes from the Greek αἵρεσις, hairesis (from αἱρέομαι, haireomai, "choose"), meaning either a choice of beliefs, or a faction of dissident believers.

3) The Bible’s interpretation
Looking in the Bible, let us first locate the verses which mention the word "heresy."
Gal. 5:20, KJV 『Idolatry, witchcraft...wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,』
2 Pet. 2:1 『...They will secretly introduce destructive heresies...』
Tit. 3:10, KJV『 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject...』

4) The Doctrine of Christianity
At the time of the Early Church, heresy was considered to be any opinion or doctrine which deviated from the truth of the Early Church, from those who followed only the teachings of Jesus. In other words, the religious organizations that do not follow the words of God, which have been written in the Bible, are heretical.