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  AVOID THE DEADLY ERRORS OF THE DOCETAE
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: Avoid the errors of the Docetae and their false teachings that
deny the cross and passion of Christ, and instead, embrace Christ's
immortality through His passion and resurrection.

Topics: "False Teachings", "Christian Orthodoxy"
Scripture References: Matthew 15:13, John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Philippians 3:18, 1 Peter 2:24

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch warns the congregation to avoid false teachings and
evil influences, specifically mentioning individuals like Simon,
Menander, Basilides, Nicolaitanes, Theodotus, and Cleobulus, who lead
people astray with their wicked ways. He emphasizes the importance of
staying rooted in the true teachings of the Father and not being swayed
by those who deny the cross of Christ or the significance of His passion
and resurrection. Ignatius urges believers to reject the teachings of
those who go against the core beliefs of Christianity and instead
embrace the invitation to share in Christ's immortality through faith
and obedience.

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CONTENT
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Do ye also avoid those wicked offshoots of his, Simon his firstborn son,
and Menander, and Basilides, and all his wicked mob of followers, the
worshippers of a man, whom also the prophet Jeremiah pronounces
accursed. Flee also the impure Nicolaitanes, falsely so called, who are
lovers of pleasure, and given to calumnious speeches. Avoid also the
children of the evil one, Theodotus and Cleobulus, who produce death-
bearing fruit, whereof if any one tastes, he instantly dies, and that
not a mere temporary death, but one that shall endure for ever.

These men are not the planting of the Father, but are an accursed brood.

And says the Lord, "Let every plant which my heavenly Father has not
planted be rooted up." For if they had been branches of the Father, they
would not have been "enemies of the cross of Christ," but rather of
those who "killed the Lord of glory." But now, by denying the cross, and
being ashamed of the passion, they cover the transgression of the Jews,
those fighters against God, those murderers of the Lord; for it were too
little to style them merely murderers of the prophets. But Christ
invites you to [share in] His immortality, by His passion and
resurrection, inasmuch as ye are His members.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/avoid-the-deadly-errors-of-the-docetae/
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