Gnosticism: Ancient Heresy and Modern Deception

Gnostics were a sect in the first two Christian centuries who believed they had special or secret knowledge from God. Although not mentioned by name in the Bible, portions of the New Testament reflect a strong denunciation of their teachings, contrasting empty human regulations with the fullness of life in Christ (Col 2:8-23).

Origins and Core Beliefs

Gnosticism emerged during the formative period of early Christianity, teaching that true salvation came through secret knowledge (gnosis) rather than faith in Christ. This heretical movement claimed that 'spirit' was inherently good but physical 'matter' was evil, directly contradicting the biblical declaration that everything God created is good (1 Tim 4:1-4).

Paul refuted the Gnostic myths and endless genealogies that hindered God's work. Their false teachings included forbidding marriage and commanding abstinence from certain foods—practices directly contrary to God's design for creation and Christian freedom (1 Tim 4:1-11).

The Gnostics challenged fundamental Christian doctrines including Christ's incarnation, physical death, and bodily resurrection. The apostle John explicitly warned against such teachings, stating that every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh is not from God (1 Jn 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7). These early heretics were characterized by being "always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim 3:7). Timothy was specifically instructed to guard against such people who had wandered away from the faith (1 Tim 6:20).

Knowledge should lead to God, not away from Him

The Gnostic Gospels

Orthodox Christianity accepts the sixty-six books of the Bible as divinely inspired Scripture. In contrast, the Gnostic gospels were created after the first century and embraced a distinctly different view of Jesus Christ, salvation, and virtually every major Christian doctrine.

Some present these Gnostic gospels as the supposed 'lost books of the Bible,' but they should be rejected outright. They do not belong in the biblical canon and do not represent genuine Christian faith. Their teachings contradict the revealed Word of God on numerous essential points.

These writings lack apostolic authority and legitimacy. To deceive readers, names of famous early Christians were attached to these texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, and the Gospel of Mary. None of these works were written by the Apostles or their companions. It is important to distinguish Gnostic gospels from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which share similar structure and content as authentic apostolic witnesses. John's gospel, while distinct in style and emphasis, remains fully consistent with orthodox Christian theology and the other biblical writings.

False teachings disguised as scripture

Modern Gnosticism

Contemporary forms of Gnosticism continue to influence modern thought and spirituality. Modern Gnosticism can be described as pursuing goodness through searching within the flawed 'inner self' for answers, man-centered purposes, and truth apart from God.

Self-centered spirituality vs. biblical truth

This approach makes people "wise in their own eyes" (Isa 5:21; Rom 1:21-25), rejecting the biblical foundation of true knowledge. The apostle Paul warned that those who suppress the truth about God become futile in their thinking and their senseless minds are darkened.

The Bible clearly states: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil" (Prov 3:7). The Christian approach begins with regeneration by Christ, recognizing that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov 1:7).

Believers must test everything against the revealed Word of God, which alone is the source of spiritual truth. Jesus prayed to the Father, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth" (Jn 17:17). Christians are instructed to examine everything carefully and hold fast to what is good (1 Thes 5:21), while rightly handling the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).

Reflection and Application:

True knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord, not secret information.
All teachings must be tested against Scripture, which is the only authoritative source of spiritual truth.
The physical creation is good because God made it; matter is not inherently evil.
Salvation comes through faith in Christ's finished work, not through human wisdom or hidden knowledge.