Overview
Heresy refers to false teachings that deny core Christian doctrine and lead people away from biblical truth. The New Testament warns believers to be vigilant against heretical teachers who distort the gospel and sow division in the church. Contending earnestly for the faith delivered once to the saints is a responsibility of every Christian.
Key Scriptures
"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:3-4, ESV)
"Reject a divisive man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Titus 3:10-11, ESV)
Application
Test all teaching against Scripture and distance yourself from those who persistently promote doctrines contrary to God's Word.