E-mail from Heaven: Is your computer on?
Heresy is a serious matter. It has the potential to kill the soul and cast many into hell. Jesus and the saints did not take it lightly. Neither should we. God’s champions refuse to be silent when error attempts to suppress truth .Listen to Jesus and his friends.
Jesus Christ: “Take care that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. …many will fall away, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. And because iniquity will abound, the charity of the many will grow cold. But whoever preserves to the end, he shall be saved. (Matt. 24:11) Not everyone who claims to speak the authentic words of the Gospel does so. Christians have an obligation to know the faith so they can recognize when they’re being fed twaddle by people like Anthony Tambasco. Jesus doesn’t address the heretics here; He warns the serious believer not to be fooled. Be on guard.
St. Paul: “There are some who trouble you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel to you other than that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema! As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone preach a gospel to you other than that which you have received, let him be anathema! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I should not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:9) The Apostle to the Gentiles is so anxious for his message to be heard that he repeats it twice for emphasis. We must not allow ourselves to be taken in by smooth-talking credentialed heretics and dissenters. And since we often can’t depend on those with the responsibility to defend us, we need to defend ourselves armed with doctrine. Study it.
St. John:“Every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh, belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist, which, as you have heard, is to come; in fact it is in the world already…. Look out that you yourselves do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who is so ‘progressive’ that he does not remain rooted in th teaching of Christ does not possess God, while anyone who remains rooted in the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you who does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house; do not even greet him, for whoever greets him shares in the evil he does.” (1 John 4, 2 John 7) The beloved apostle isn’t afraid to use strong words. He gives us our life preserver – DOCTRINE. Study the faith. Know the doctrine. It is your refuge in times of trouble and confusion. And never welcome heresy into your home or your parish.
St. Peter: “There were false prophets also among the people, just as among you there will be lying teachers who will bring in destructive sects…. And many will follow their wanton conduct, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned.” (2 Peter 2) Peter reminds the early Christians that there were false prophets among the Jews. There will also be false prophets coming from within their own ranks. Remember, the apostles lived for three years with Judas. They knew what betrayal from within was like. Don’t be taken in by those who pretend to be among the faithful. If they dissent from Church teachings and have never recanted, why should you believe anything they say. Pray for them and flee their presence.
St. Justin Martyr: “[Heretics] attempt nothing else than to seduce men from God who made them.”