What is a Heretic?
 
This word has been used to describe the author of the Depart Out Teachings (DOT) and if we are to gain an understanding of this word, it must come from the Bible. We will also look at a contemporary Dictionary definition (MW version 2.5) which is very close to the biblical definition.
 
(Titus 3:10 KJV) A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;
 
The word “heretic” is the Greek word “hairetikos” which means “factious, divisive, or schismatic.” This is the only place in the New Testament this word is used. Notice that the Bible is saying that the Bible gives a man two opportunities to recant from becoming a heretic by receiving two admonitions. The word “admonition” in the Greek is the popular word “nouthesia” where we have seen this word used to describe “Nouthetic Counseling,” in which Dr. Jay Adams has written many counseling books on. It is a word that carries with it the meaning of “counsel, instruction, or warning.” The word “heretic” fits properly because the DOT is a very divisive and schismatic teaching. It has broken up friendships, come between husbands and wives, caused much dissension and consternation in the churches. Any teaching which produces an effect like this, is definitely not a teaching from the Lord. God is not the author of confusion.
 
(1 Cor 11:18-19 KJV) For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. {19} For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
 
In this verse we see a perfect consequence of the DOT. The word “divisions” is the word “schismata” which derives from the word “schisma” which means “dissension, or division.” Already in the first century there were divisions in the church because of heresies which were creeping into it. The word “heresies” is the Greek word “hairesis” which carries with it the meaning of a “religious sect or dissension.” It is used 9 times in the New Testament under the words, “sect, heresy, and heresies.” Get ready for this:
 
(Acts 24:14 KJV) But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
 
They even called the true gospel a heresy. Hold on to that thought, I will approach this verse in its appropriate section.
 
The dictionary definition of the word “heretic” is “:a dissenter from established church dogma; 2 : one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine : NONCONFORMIST”
If one dissents from an accepted belief in the church, there must be proper biblical justification for it.
 
Summary
The DOT definitely fit into the categories of heresies because of the destructive effects of the teachings. As evidenced in the Corinthian church, heresy brought division and strife to them and this teaching is bringing the same disastrous effects on the body of Christ today. Families and individuals are leaving their churches based on an incomplete study. Mr. Camping has been approached and counseled by godly men but has rejected all of it and continues to teach and develop, “as he goes along,” this divisive teaching. Therefore, he does fit the biblical paradigm of heretic, resulting in rejection of him as a teacher and his teachings, regardless of his past achievements.

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