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The word αἱρεσις is from 'to choose.' The same Greek word is translated 'sect' and is applied to the sects among the Jews, as the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Acts 5: 17; Acts 15: 5; Acts 26: 5. It was employed by the Jews respecting Christianity. Acts 24: 5, 14; Acts 28: 22. Heresies and sects were developed early in the church, they were the result of the working of the will of man in some form. The root of the Greek word being 'to choose' shows that a heresy is something peculiar. The doctrine held and enforced may be true in itself but may be exaggerated or put out of its connection. The
common result is, a party or sect is formed. 1 Cor. 11: 19; Gal. 5: 20; 2 Peter 2: 1. One who adheres to a heresy is a heretic, and after the first and second admonition is to be rejected. Titus 3: 10. God having given in His word all things needed for the church, there is no room for man's choice or man's will: he must be a humble receiver: cf. 1 Cor. 4: 7.