Theological error refers to beliefs or teachings that deviate from the orthodox doctrines of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. These errors can arise from misinterpretations of Scripture, cultural influences, or deliberate distortions of biblical truth. Theological errors have been present since the early church and continue to challenge believers today.

Biblical Warnings Against Theological Error

The Bible provides numerous warnings against false teachings and theological errors. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses these issues. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns against turning to a different gospel, stating, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" (Galatians 1:8). This underscores the seriousness of adhering to the true gospel.

Similarly, in his pastoral epistles, Paul advises Timothy to guard against false teachings. He writes, "If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing" (1 Timothy 6:3-4). This passage highlights the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of deviating from it.

The Apostle Peter also addresses theological error, warning believers to be vigilant. He writes, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves" (2 Peter 2:1). Peter's warning emphasizes the covert nature of false teachings and their potential to lead believers astray.

Historical Examples of Theological Error

Throughout church history, various theological errors have emerged, challenging the core tenets of the Christian faith. One of the earliest and most significant was the Arian controversy in the fourth century, which questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was a created being and not co-eternal with the Father. This view was condemned at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, which affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity and the full divinity of Christ.

Another historical example is the Pelagian controversy in the fifth century. Pelagius, a British monk, denied the doctrine of original sin and asserted that humans could achieve salvation through their own efforts without divine grace. This teaching was opposed by Augustine of Hippo and was eventually condemned as heretical at the Council of Ephesus in AD 431.

Contemporary Theological Errors

In modern times, theological errors continue to manifest in various forms. One such error is the prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith in God will invariably lead to material wealth and physical health. This teaching distorts the biblical understanding of suffering and the Christian life, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 3:12, which states, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" .

Another contemporary error is the denial of the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. Some theologians and scholars argue that the Bible contains errors and should be interpreted in light of modern cultural norms. This view undermines the foundational belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" .

Guarding Against Theological Error

To guard against theological error, believers are encouraged to study Scripture diligently and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. The Bereans are commended in Acts 17:11 for their approach: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true" . This example highlights the importance of verifying teachings against the Word of God.

Additionally, the role of church leadership is crucial in maintaining doctrinal purity. Elders and pastors are tasked with teaching sound doctrine and refuting those who contradict it, as outlined in Titus 1:9: "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" .