Hi Johann,
We just dont know what Cerinthus believed about that. He may have. John did not address it.
Paul spoke of those with what they falsely called knowledge. We sure see that in the cults today.
I think your post was in reply to Jericho's question?
@Jericho
Cerinthus was an early Gnostic teacher whose beliefs diverged significantly from mainstream Christianity. Here are some key aspects of his teachings:
Creation: Cerinthus taught that the physical world was created by a lesser divine being, not the Supreme God12.
Jesus and Christ: He believed that Jesus was a mere human, the biological son of Mary and Joseph. According to Cerinthus, the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at his baptism and left him before the crucifixion13.
Gnostic Elements: Cerinthus emphasized the need for gnosis (knowledge) of the Supreme God, which was a central theme in Gnostic thought4.
Jewish Christian Practices: He maintained some Jewish practices, such as circumcision and observing the Sabbath3.
Cerinthus’ teachings were considered heretical by early Church Fathers, and he was a contemporary and opponent of John the Evangelist1.
Here are a few more details about Cerinthus and his beliefs:
Dualistic Cosmology: Cerinthus’ teachings included a dualistic view of the cosmos, where the material world was seen as flawed or evil, created by a lesser deity (often referred to as the Demiurge in Gnostic thought). This contrasted with the higher, spiritual realm of the Supreme God.
Salvation through Knowledge:
He believed that salvation was achieved through acquiring secret knowledge (gnosis) about the divine realm and one’s own spiritual nature. This knowledge was thought to liberate the soul from the material world.
Opposition to Orthodox Christianity:
Cerinthus’ views were in direct opposition to the emerging orthodox Christian doctrine. Early Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus, wrote against his teachings, considering them heretical.
Influence and Legacy: Despite being labeled a heretic, Cerinthus’ ideas influenced later Gnostic movements. His teachings highlight the diversity of early Christian thought and the various interpretations of Jesus’ nature and mission.
en.wikipedia.org
Cerinthus was a Christian heretic whose errors, according to the theologian Irenaeus, led the apostle John to write his New Testament Gospel. Cerinthus was probably born a Jew in Egypt. Little is known of his life save that he was a teacher and founded a short-lived sect of Jewish Christians with
www.britannica.com
Site discussing the early history of Christianity
www.earlychristianhistory.net
Hope this is of help.
J.