Marcionism is one of the earliest heresies that arose within the Christian church, challenging foundational beliefs about Scripture and the nature of God. Originating with Marcion of Sinope in the second century AD, this movement denied the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and introduced controversial ideas about the character of God. Understanding Marcionism not only helps us grasp the importance of Scripture’s unity but also serves as a warning against modern teachings that may echo similar distortions of God’s Word.
1. The Roots and Beliefs of Marcionism
Marcion of Sinope, a wealthy shipowner from Asia Minor, became prominent around AD 140. He held the belief that the God of the Old Testament was fundamentally different from the God revealed in Jesus Christ. In Marcion’s view, the Old Testament God was vengeful, wrathful, and overly concerned with law and judgment, while the God of the New Testament was loving, merciful, and focused on grace.
As a result, Marcion taught that there were two separate gods: the Creator God of the Old Testament and the loving Father of the New Testament. He believed that Jesus came to save humanity from the Creator’s demands and restrictions, presenting a radical separation between the two Testaments. Marcion’s teachings included a rejection of the Old Testament and a heavily edited New Testament, consisting only of parts of Luke’s Gospel and Paul’s letters—omitting anything he thought too “Jewish” or incompatible with his views.
2. Marcion’s Distortion of Scripture
One of Marcionism’s most troubling aspects was its rejection of the Old Testament as Scripture and its selective approach to the New Testament. Marcion’s “canon” consisted solely of a modified version of Luke’s Gospel and ten of Paul’s letters. He discarded the other Gospels and even removed certain passages that referenced the Old Testament or portrayed Jesus as fulfilling its prophecies.
This selective approach to Scripture undermined the church’s understanding of the Bible as a unified, divinely inspired whole. The church teaches that the Old and New Testaments reveal the same God, and that the New Testament fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old. Marcion’s teachings, however, distorted this unity and promoted a fragmented view of God’s Word.
3. The Church’s Response to Marcionism
Marcion’s teachings quickly sparked controversy. Early church leaders recognized that Marcionism undermined key doctrines, such as the goodness and unity of God, the authority of all Scripture, and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. Figures like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian wrote extensively against Marcionism, arguing that the Old and New Testaments are interconnected and that God’s character is consistent throughout Scripture.
One of the significant outcomes of the church’s response to Marcionism was the formal development of the biblical canon. By affirming the authority of all four Gospels, the writings of the apostles, and the Old Testament, the early church made a clear statement about the unity of Scripture and the nature of God. The Nicene Creed, established later in AD 325, also reinforced the belief in “one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,” countering the idea of separate gods for the Old and New Testaments.
4. Modern Dangers: A Warning to Believers in the Philippines
Unfortunately, the ideas of Marcionism have not faded entirely and, in some cases, are embraced by contemporary preachers. Ed Lapiz, a prominent figure in the Philippines, has espoused teachings that align with Marcionist ideas by separating the character of the Old Testament God from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. By focusing solely on the aspects of God’s love and mercy while downplaying His holiness, justice, and the authority of the Old Testament, such teachings can lead believers away from the fullness of biblical truth.
Believers in the Philippines—and everywhere—should be cautious when listening to any teaching that encourages a selective reading of Scripture or downplays God’s justice in favor of a more comfortable or culturally appealing message. The Bible is clear that God’s character is consistent throughout Scripture. Hebrews 13:8 assures us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The Old and New Testaments reveal one God, whose holiness, justice, and mercy are evident from Genesis through Revelation.
5. Why Marcionism and Similar Teachings Are Dangerous
When we attempt to separate the Old and New Testaments or diminish certain parts of Scripture, we risk crafting a version of God that suits our preferences rather than submitting to the God who reveals Himself fully in the Bible. Marcionism undermines the message of the gospel by rejecting the foundation laid in the Old Testament, where we see humanity’s need for redemption, God’s covenant promises, and prophecies pointing to Christ.
Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament’s authority and continuity with His mission, stating, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). By attempting to distance ourselves from the Old Testament or reject parts of God’s revelation, we miss the full picture of His redemptive plan and the depth of His character.
Upholding the Unity of Scripture and Guarding Against Modern Marcionism
Marcionism serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of approaching Scripture as a unified whole, embracing both Testaments as essential revelations of God’s character. As believers, we must uphold the truth that the God of Abraham, Moses, and David is the same God who sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. He is a God of justice and mercy, of holiness and grace.
For Christians in the Philippines and beyond, this is a call to discernment. Be cautious of teachers who offer a limited view of Scripture, encouraging a selective approach that appeals to personal preferences rather than the truth of God’s Word. Seek out teaching that values the entire counsel of Scripture, recognizing that God’s attributes work together to reveal His perfect nature and will.
Reflection Questions
- How does understanding the unity of the Old and New Testaments shape your view of God?
- Why is it important to approach all of Scripture as God’s inspired Word?
- In what ways can you practice discernment when hearing or reading teachings that may diverge from biblical truth?