The Resurrection Already Past by G. B. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1916

The Resurrection Already Past

By G. B. T.

ONE instance of apostasy and disaffection in the apostolic church is stated in the following words,—

“Shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” 2 Tim. 2:16-18.

There were leaders in this apostasy—Hymenæus and Philetus. The Hymenæus here mentioned is doubtless the same one referred to in 1 Tim. 1:20, where with him is associated another leader named Alexander. Hymenæus being first mentioned in each instance, it is reasonable to conclude that he was the leader in propagating the errors which they were seeking to bring into the church.

The damaging effect of departing from the truth and becoming an advocate of some error is very clearly and forcefully stated in this connection. The “faith of some” was overthrown. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” Verse 19. Shipwreck is a strong figure. It is always a sad picture to see a great ship, which left some port under full sail, with passengers and valuable cargo and with the well wishes of those on shore, lying crushed and torn upon some rock-bound shore, with loss not only of the cargo, but of the lives of passengers and crew.

That the error which was here taught and received into the heart greatly blinded the spiritual perception is evident from the statement that they not only lost their faith in God, but “put away” a “good conscience” as well. Their moral perception seemed to be deadened by the apostasy, to what extent we do not fully know. It is stated however that Hymenæus and Alexander were “delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” Verse 20. The conclusion is warranted therefore that while claiming to be the promoters of additional light for the church, and naming the name of Christ (2 Tim. 2:19), they were at the same time blaspheming God. It is not to be supposed that they got so far from God as this all at once. Departure from God is a gradual process. Doubtless they began to misstate the truth; to prevaricate in various ways. The teaching and conclusions of their former brethren were ridiculed and misrepresented. Their motives were denounced, and untruthful reports circulated. Having put their conscience to sleep, they could misstate, prevaricate, and falsely insinuate without being bothered by any conscientious scruples. If their attention was called to the fact that, either intentionally or otherwise, they had not stated the facts correctly, they had no conscientious misgiving, and made no efforts to correct that which did an injustice to their former fellow laborers. The darkness which surrounded them deepened, and they finally reached that place in their experience when it is said of them that they blasphemed God, whom they claimed to worship. This is the sad lesson before us of those who failed to “depart from iniquity,” lost their spiritual eyesight, and began the work of sowing error among former brethren.

But what was the heresy being taught? It was “that the resurrection is past already.” Going back to the time when this heresy was taught, we can see how they could build up an argument that looked plausible, and was calculated to deceive the unwary. We read, “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” Matt. 27:50-53.

Here was a partial resurrection. These resurrected saints, we are told, went into the city of Jerusalem, where the Roman guard had spread their lying report about the theft of the body of Jesus, and “appeared unto many.” It must have been somewhat startling and disconcerting to have a stalwart resurrected saint appear before some proud Pharisee judge or accuser of Christ, and state that Jesus had come forth from the tomb, and as direct proof claim that he himself had been resurrected. We are told there were “many” such witnesses, and they were seen by many. These could not be bribed. Later they ascended with Christ.

Now, when the heresy that the resurrection is past already was taught in the days of Paul, no doubt some were living who saw these resurrected ones and conversed with them. These stood up, and confirmed the heresy taught by Hymenæus' and Philetus, saying they knew these brethren were teaching the truth, that the resurrection had already taken place, for they had seen in the city of Jerusalem some of those who were resurrected. This was a strong heresy. It was a counterfeit with a semblance of the truth. There had been a resurrection. The failure to distinguish between a partial resurrection and the general resurrection at the last day, and the acceptance of these words of men who had seen something, instead of the plain teaching of the Word of God, laid the foundation for a heresy which wrecked the hopes of some.

The lessons which may be drawn from these experiences of the apostolic church should be carefully studied. Satan is still in the field destroying souls. Every error and device used to delude and ensnare and beguile souls is being brought to the front in a last mighty effort to destroy God’s people. He hates the remnant people, and centers upon them his fiercest assaults. False teachers will be used to confuse and mislead today as truly as in apostolic days. Truth mixed with error will be taught in the name of Christ and set forth as advanced light. There will be circulated counterfeits so nearly like the genuine that only those who have their eyes anointed with eyesalve will be able to distinguish the true from the spurious. If possible, even the very elect will be deceived. These things “are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Our only safety is in keeping the heart clean, in studying the Word diligently, and in prayer.

G. B. T.