During our study of Titus 3:8-11, we came across the need to avoid heretics. As mentioned earlier, “The term hairetikos is based on a root meaning ‘choice.’ In the literal and original sense, a heretic was one who makes a choice which pleases him, independent of other considerations.”1 With this definition in mind, a heretic is not only someone who promotes unbiblical doctrine but also someone who overemphasizes certain doctrines without looking at the whole picture. This brings up an important question for today. Are there modern-day heretics among us? Here are several heresies which are being taught today.
- Extrabiblical Revelation
Definition – This heresy teaches that God gives extrabiblical revelation in dreams or experiences that adds to or replaces what the Bible says.
Scripture – 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:3-4
To begin with, we must recognize that the Bible is the foundation for our understanding of who God is and what He desires (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It was inspired by God and is what will instruct us and equip us as Christians. It is sufficient for everything we need. That is why we base our beliefs on the Bible. This is also why Paul told Timothy to preach the word. Too often people have itching ears (2 Tim. 4:3-4) that lead them to whomever is preaching what they want to hear. People will look outside of what God has codified in the Bible for instruction.
Example – Jenn Johnson
Jenn Johnson “is a cofounder of Bethel Music and Bethel Music Worship School, headquartered in Redding, California.”2 From what I have seen, she is part of the worship program at Bethel Church. In an interview with Michael Koulianos, Jenn Johnson stated that she saw a vision where their corporate praises went to heaven and “the Lord absorbed our praises and He even more so became what we declared Him as.”3 She also stated that God has a mirror under his armpit that reflects their praise back to those offering it. Whatever was said to God, He said back to them.
Warning – If you hear something that sounds a bit odd or even convincing, compare it to what is taught in the Bible. Rely on what God has revealed in the Bible as opposed to what comes to your mind or what someone says God told them. Then ask yourself if the Bible is enough. Think also of what Paul told Titus. After warning such people, you should avoid them because of their influence on your life (Titus 3:9-11). - Prosperity Gospel
Definition – This heresy teaches that “the atonement of Jesus covers illness and poverty. False teachers will say that at the cross, Jesus died for our iniquities, sorrows, illnesses, sicknesses, and poverty. This leads to believing that true Christians should never be sick, or struggle financially.”4
Scripture – Isaiah 53:5; John 6:25-27; Matt. 6:33; 2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Pet. 2:14-16
Does the Bible teach that all believers will be healthy and wealthy? If that were the case, then what do we do with Job and Paul. Both faced crippling health and financial problems. Regarding wealth, Jesus promised to provide for our needs as we seek His kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33). But he also mentioned losing friends and homes and being rewarded after the regeneration (Matt. 19:28-29). Regarding health, the Bible talks about healing our iniquities (Isa. 53:5) and about God healing the Israelites’ diseases (Psa. 103:3), but the New Testament promise is that the godly will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). There is never a promise that Christians will not be sick. In fact, one of Paul’s coworkers was sick almost to death (Phil. 2:25-27).
Example – Joel Osteen used Deuteronomy 1:11 to state that God would give you “1000 times more resources. That means you have plenty not only to pay off your house but to pay off your family members’ houses.”5 Joel Osteen seems to think that Moses’ prayer for the numeric growth of the Israelites applies to Christians becoming wealthy today. Other preachers to watch out for are Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, and Joseph Prince. I have heard that some believe that a lack of faith keeps people unhealthy and poor. Others tell their congregants to bring money to the front of the church as seed money. As they give, God is supposed to multiply their money for them.
Warning – Many of the prosperity preachers are very wealthy. They seem to fleece their flocks with ideas of seed money and God’s blessings for those who give. This should be a red flag of warning to us as the Bible warns about false teachers who are covetous (2 Pet. 2:14-16) and that some people only come to Jesus for what they can get (John 6:25-27). This is not what following Christ is all about.
Conclusion
Heretics are actively reaching people in America today. What they teach is exciting, enticing, and desirable. But it is false. Now that you have been warned, be careful to guard yourself from these and other false teachings. Make sure that you are grounded in the Bible. And make sure that you are avoiding those who are teaching false doctrine.
Bibliography
“Debunking the Prosperity Gospel” as viewed at https://www.highview.org/discipleship/resources/1734/debunking-the-prosperity-gospel on 6/1/2025.
“EVERYTHING WRONG w/ Creflo Dollar’s Repenting for False Teachings on Tithing” as viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efw_KCv3k6A&ab_channel=WhaddoYouMeme%3F%3F on 6/1 2025.
“How Joel Osteen Rips Bible Verses Out of Context to Teach the Prosperity Gospel” as viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jmx1pqctTQ&ab_channel=PastorMichaelGrant on 6/1/2025.
“Jesus Has Armpit Reflectors Says Jenn Johnson” as viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIe2x9MX3GE&ab_channel=RevealingTruth on 5/31/2025.
Kent Jr., Homer A., The Pastoral Epistles, Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, orig. 1958.
“Why Are Charismatics So Weird? What Jenn Johnson Has To Say About Jesus and Angels” as viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSsd5xpdGgA&ab_channel=JustinPetersMinistries on 6/1/2025.
Footnotes