Irenaeus Against Gnosticism and the Power of New Testament Scriptures
- Ken Kalis
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
The Devil is a liar and tricks people into sin and Hell.
He does this through Heresy, a lie about Christian doctrine.
Gnosticism says Jesus is only a Spirit without human body.
The bible tells us how to know this is a lie.
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: 1 John 4:3
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A Closer Look at Irenaeus' Fight Against Gnosticism
The early Church faced significant challenges, especially with the rise of Gnosticism, a movement that distorted Christian teachings by teaching Jesus did not have a physical body.
Among the defenders against this lie was Irenaeus* (130-202), the bishop of Lyon. His work, “Against Heresies,” is a crucial resource that highlights the teachings of the New Testament. This post examines how Irenaeus employed Scripture to critique Gnostic ideas, assert apostolic authority, and highlight the significance of Jesus’*(4BC-30AD) life and teachings.
An asterisk* after a name means the person is in SPIRITUAL LIVES.
The Use of Scripture as a Weapon Against Gnosticism
Irenaeus relied heavily on the New Testament to combat Gnostic teachings, citing 21 of the 27 books of the New Testament. He focused particularly on the epistles of St. Paul,* (5-67) quoting them over 1,000 times. This extensive referencing showed his profound understanding of Scriptural context, which sharply contrasted with the Gnostics’ vain opinions.
The Gnostics often twisted Scripture to justify their beliefs, presenting a misleading version of Christianity. Irenaeus countered this by providing a thorough interpretation of the New Testament.
For example, he refuted the Gnostic claim that the physical world was evil by citing Genesis 1, where God repeatedly called creation "good." Such interpretations highlighted the inconsistencies in Gnostic teachings and reinforced the reliability of Scripture.
However, it was the Incarnation that completely refuted the Gnostic heresy. The Gnostics taught that Jesus did not have a physical human body, but an ethereal, spiritual one.
This idea gained wide acceptance before the New Testament was complete in the second century. When it was complete, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke dispelled this lie by documenting His birth. All of the Gospels recount in detail the bodily sufferings He went through for our sake.
St. Paul emphasizes this and explains the transition of the Son of God from glory to our world. For us who, though he was in the form of God, .
...but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.-- Philippians 2:6-8
Establishing Apostolic Authority
In “Against Heresies,” Irenaeus asserted apostolic succession to connect his authority with that of the apostles. He argued that only those with a direct link to the original apostles could provide correct interpretations of Scripture.
Irenaeus emphasized that from the beginning, Jesus was integral to salvation history, stating:
“For inasmuch as He had a pre-existence as a saving Being, it was necessary that what might be saved should also be called into existence, in order that the Being who saves should not exist in vain.”
This connection affirmed the legitimacy of Church authority and its teachings. By tracing the lineage of teaching from Jesus through the apostles to his own time, he established a framework for understanding faith.
The Centrality of Christ's Teachings
Irenaeus placed great importance on the sayings of Jesus, dedicating a significant section of his work to them. He understood that a direct connection to Christ’s teachings was vital for accurately interpreting Scripture. The Gnostics, on the other hand, lacked this link.
By underscoring Jesus’ life and teachings, Irenaeus effectively demonstrated the flaws in Gnostic interpretations. For instance, he highlighted the parables and messages of love and redemption, stressing that without the foundational teachings of Christ, any interpretation strays from truth. This focus helped early Christians identify core principles and protect them from heretical distortions.
The Impact of Apostolic Succession on Church Doctrine
Irenaeus played a crucial role in shaping the doctrine of apostolic succession, which ensured the continuity of teaching authority within the Church. This doctrine preserved the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, providing a unified understanding of faith and practice across various church communities.
His advocacy for apostolic succession played a pivotal role in maintaining the Church's integrity. In a time of rampant ideological conflicts, Irenaeus’ teachings guided early Christians, reminding them to stay true to the faith as originally conveyed.
Reflections on Irenaeus' Contributions
Irenaeus of Lyon was not only a defender of the faith, but also a foundational figure in early Christian literature, bridging the gap between the apostles and future generations. His extensive engagement with the New Testament was crucial in countering Gnostic attacks, emphasizing his commitment to Scripture and the teachings of Jesus.
By establishing authority through apostolic succession and asserting the integrity of Church teachings, Irenaeus ensured future generations remained connected to the truths found in the Gospel. His insights remind contemporary believers of the importance of adhering to authentic teachings and using Scripture as a guide in their faith journeys.
Irenaeus' legacy testifies to the power of Scripture in shaping and defending the Church's beliefs. His work serves as a reminder that, even amidst differing ideologies, the truths within the New Testament are vital to maintaining orthodox Christian faith.
In an era filled with competing narratives, the call to uphold the authentic teachings of the New Testament is as pertinent today as it was in Irenaeus' time. Embracing this foundation empowers believers to engage with their faith with confidence and ensures that the message of Christ remains vibrant throughout the ages.
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The heresy of the Gnostics is alive today in churches that emphasize the "historical Jesus," deny His miracles and healing power and demystify the Word of God through "higher criticism" that strips the Bible of its power.
We must be bold as Irenaeus was and stand up for Jesus and lead lost sould to Him and eternal life. Jesus offers salvation to all. It is a simple process, "Only Believe," and can be understood even by a little child. Commit yourself to Him today and encourage others to be ready to give the reasons***
for our faith.
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Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post,
Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:
Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain,
And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
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George Duffield, Jr., 1858.
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13