August 3, 2015

Anathema

Anathema

The Book of Galatians 1:6-10 HCSB

In Galatians, the Apostle Paul was confronting the fires of heresy that were spreading throughout the Roman province of Galatia (modern day Turkey), and its churches in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. He condemned those false teachers and their doctrines as anathema, or accursed, to be removed/separated from the Church, dedicated to destruction. The strong condemnation of heresy, anathema, is found not only in the Epistles, but also in the Gospels and in the Old Testament, or throughout the whole Bible. Fully devoted followers of Christ must be committed to:

Purity of Doctrine. The essence of the Gospel of Grace is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The Church is not to be driven by personalities or by pragmatism, but by pure doctrine of the saving Grace of Christ. No status, stature, position, title or credentials must sway us from that truth. “The truth is the truth and a lie is a lie.”

Rejecting People Or Practices That Are Considered Anathema. Achan put his family and the Israelite soldiers in jeopardy when he stole the spoils of war of conquered Ai. He and his family were punished for their sin. God also continues to punish any today who embrace abominable practices such as witchcraft, sorcery, illicit sex acts and human trafficking, gang-initiated murder, and the practices and activities associated with abortion.

Recognizing Repentance Can Reverse The Curse. God is the purifier and sanctifier. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as wool” through the cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus Christ.