2 Timothy 2:18 (KJV) This False Doctrine Can Destroy Faith

2 Timothy 2:18 (KJV)

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

My copy of Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (in e-Sword) reaches into the writings of Augustine of Hippo and attributes this belief—that “the resurrection is already past”—to the Seleucians or “Hermians,” stating that this was the beginning of what later developed into Gnostic heresy.

Exactly what they meant by this “resurrection” that had already passed is unknown, at least to any writer I have found.

-Was it a reference to those who were raised at the crucifixion?
-Was it an attempt to redefine the resurrection as spiritual rather than literal?

I am reminded of what I consider to be the dangerous error of preterism, which claims that the prophecies of the tribulation period, the millennial kingdom, and perhaps even the culmination of God’s promises were all fulfilled in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem.

This line of thinking suggests that the path the world is on now is the only one it will ever know. It leaves “the church” (at least in its Catholic form) as the continuing authority in this ongoing age, minimizes the afterlife, and shifts the focus toward shaping the world as we desire in the present.

It is naturalism dressed in religious language.

Albert Barnes writes:
“Whatever was the form of the opinion, the apostle regarded it as a most dangerous error, for just views of the resurrection undoubtedly lie at the foundation of correct apprehensions of the Christian system…”

May I state it more plainly?

• The literal, biblical doctrine of the resurrection is foundational to all Christian truth.
• The resurrection of Christ, in victory over sin.
• The resurrection of believers, to live eternally with Christ.
  

And even,

• The resurrection of the damned, to be cast forever into the lake of fire.

#ResurrectionTruth #RightlyDividingTheWord #BiblicalDoctrineMatters #FutureHopeInChrist #StandOnScripture

This False Doctrine Can Destroy Faith: Why This Teaching Is So Dangerous

What do you believe about the resurrection—and why does it matter?

Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear how you understand 2 Timothy 2:18 and how this truth has shaped your faith.

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2 Timothy 2:18 (KJV) This False Doctrine Can Destroy Faith