Gnosticism is defined as believing that one is saved by having a certain knowledge. Believe it or not, this has become the rule of thumb of the modern gospel. Here is what the whole gospel of gnosticism is founded on:
Implying that knowing Jesus as Lord, or that he died for us, is salvific.
The error is great, and dangerous. This gospel implies that by a special knowledge or a special insight, we are saved, without being any different from the rest of the world. Typical sentences like 'my sins are covered my grace' use the biblical terms to make it sound right, but ultimately what is being said is that we are not required to obey, only to have 'belief'.
The truth?
Salvation is God's to give. He tells us that he gives it to those who bear his fruit. We are given gifts and power from above and we might be fruitful and give him glory. Gnosticism claims that the hearers of the law are justified. In reality, it is those who obey it who are.
Romans 1:5
Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
Implying that knowing Jesus as Lord, or that he died for us, is salvific.
The error is great, and dangerous. This gospel implies that by a special knowledge or a special insight, we are saved, without being any different from the rest of the world. Typical sentences like 'my sins are covered my grace' use the biblical terms to make it sound right, but ultimately what is being said is that we are not required to obey, only to have 'belief'.
The truth?
Salvation is God's to give. He tells us that he gives it to those who bear his fruit. We are given gifts and power from above and we might be fruitful and give him glory. Gnosticism claims that the hearers of the law are justified. In reality, it is those who obey it who are.
Romans 1:5
Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,