Recognized Leaders May Lapse into Incorrect Positions and Divisiveness

"Heresy" cannot be determined by calling anything that goes in a different direction that specific leaders a heresy, because leaders are sometimes wrong. Peter is an example, though he repented when rebuked for his divisiveness in Antioch.

It is also not safe to diagnose “heresy” by first looking to see what direction trusted Christian or denominational leaders are going doctrinally, and then labeling anyone going in a different direction as an “heretic.” Trusted leaders can and do lapse into error sometimes. The best scriptural example of this is Peter, who for a time in Antioch lapsed into the heresy of withdrawing from Gentile believers and no longer consenting to eat with them. Because of this, it was necessary for Paul to publicly rebuke Peter, to restore unity in the Body. Galatians 2:11-14. Unlike most modern Christian leaders, however, Peter repented when he was rebuked for creating division, accepted Paul as a colleague and his writings as scripture, and returned to teaching the need for sincere love and mutual service among the people of God. See, 1 Peter 2:9-10, 4:8-10; 2 Peter 3:15-16. By contrast, most leaders, when rebuked, readily agree that others should not create divisions while simultaneously justifying the urgent need for the divisions they themselves have created. In the traditional thinking of denominational leaders, all of “THEM” must wholeheartedly and unreservedly join “US”, the group that follows “ME” and my friends; then, and only then, can there be unity.

NEXT (for now): The “Winning” Faction May Be Heretical