Christians Must Renounce Heresy

As the battle between Hyper-Preterism and Orthodox Christianity continues, we have to pause for a moment and ask ourselves, what are the issues at stake? Is all this strife and division simply a matter of maintaining credit in the eyes of men? --or is there something greater to be gained, which we now overlook? I think the answer is apparent to anyone who has truly learned to "take up his cross" and follow Jesus Christ (Matt. 16: 24).

To take up one's cross does not mean merely to deny pleasures to oneself. In this world there are many things for which men battle and strive daily, and without which they will not do. These fading goods are not at all needful, but have their reference to this life alone. Wealth, social status, and a reputation in the eyes of men, sometimes prevent us from following Christ, and keep us in the land of idolatry from which Abraham was commanded to depart (Gen. 12: 1).

Truly, the elect of God are called to deny themselves a great deal of what most men consider "essential." And this is an important start in learning to follow the Good Shepherd. But that is not primarily what Christ was talking about when He said that we must "take up our crosses." He is teaching that mere renunciation of worldly cares & concerns is not enough. After all, that is just the baggage of life. Our Lord declares that there must be a dying unto self.

What does this imply? Well, it means that we must follow Jesus Christ to Calvary, irrespective of our own personal agendas. Of course, let no one say that we all must partake of His crucifixion, or any kind of martyrdom. While that may be the case, it isn't always necessary. What is necessary, however, is that we stop going in our own directions, and put the cross upon our shoulders. Then, we may follow the footsteps of the Master.

This is what the false teachers of the world have never been able to understand. They think that in bearing their own gospels they are successfully serving Jesus. But they are all deceived. For there is only one Gospel, which "endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1: 25). This is the same message that Jesus Christ and His inspired apostles preached. Anyone who therefore preaches a new gospel is under the curse (Gal. 1: 8, 9).

Now, Hyper-Preterism's "new" Gospel has only been around since 1845. Therefore, it is accursed. When first taught by Robert Townley, churchmen called it the "vilest heresy that ever appeared in Christendom." It's no wonder, then, that it failed to gain any adherents, and remained buried in obscurity for over a hundred years. But it was revived again in 1971, as the Charlie Manson-era's new "take" on Christ's message.

It is the product of men, not of God. Those who preach and follow this new gospel have forgotten what it means to take up the Cross and follow Jesus. Perhaps its main proponents have never truly known what cross-bearing is about. For Hyper-Preterism was invented to maintain the personal agendas of heretics. Like all heresies, Hyper-Preterism does not support the interests of Christianity. It only showers honor upon its teachers, giving them a show of wisdom, whereby they may continue to call themselves the ministers of Christ.

But "such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11: 13-15).

What can we gain from this? Someone who preaches a false gospel is not following Christ. Therefore, he has no part in Christ. Will it pay in the long-run? Friends, don't be deceived. Except you take up the cross and follow Christ, you cannot be His disciple (Luke 14: 27). Paul explicitly declares that the deceitful workers will have "an end according to their works."

Are you really sure that by teaching a "new" Gospel you are truly following Christ? And if so, then what is the status of those who believed the Christian message of 1,900 years? It is clear than one party must be right, and the other wrong. Which one will it be? Your answer will reveal which master you serve.

Why not drop these lies and return to the truth? If any man invent a new gospel, he is accursed. There is no such thing as a new Christianity. There is no need for one. There is only one true Gospel. Renounce these delusions, and embrace the truth once more. Lay down your arms, and listen to Jesus. Obey the inward call. Instead of following ravenous wolves, follow the Good Shepherd. For He alone leads the way to eternal life.