What Does the Bible Say About Orthodox Christianity?

Orthodox Christianity is often discussed in the context of its devotion to the truth found in the Bible. It is a deeper and more nuanced belief system that emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original teachings and practices as originally intended.

Defining Orthodox Christianity

While there is a common misconception that the Church with the title 'Orthodox' developed much later, the roots of Orthodox Christianity are deeply embedded in the teachings and practices of the early Church as described in the Bible. The Bible itself does not provide specific references to the term Orthodox Christianity, yet it contains implicit guidance and requirements that align closely with the principles upheld by the Orthodox Church.

The Importance of Orthodoxy

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

This passage from the Bible encapsulates the essence of Orthodoxy: living a pure and faithful life that is free from worldliness, while also loving and supporting the vulnerable in society. The concept of orthodoxy (from the Greek aselgeia, meaning "deficiency,") in the biblical context refers to the strict adherence to the truth and righteousness of God's will.

The Bible as the Source of Truth

The Bible, as a collection of books, is the foundation upon which Orthodox Christianity is built. Just as Preda Mihailescu asserts, the Bible is not just a historical account; it is a living document that guides and informs the faithful.

The Bible is more than a collection of stories and prophecies; it is a consistent narrative that points to a single, unifying truth—the orthodox faith. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original orthodoxy of the Church as it was in the early days of Christianity.

What the Bible Says Regarding the Importance of Orthodoxy

There are several key biblical figures who championed the concept of orthodoxy in their teachings and writings:

Paul: In his letters, Paul constantly warns against heresy and false teachings, emphasizing the importance of holding to the orthodox faith. (Philippians 3:2; Galatians 1:6-9)John: John, in the Book of Revelation, warns about false prophets and false Christs, highlighting the need to maintain orthodoxy in the face of opposition. (Revelation 2:2-3, 22:15)Jesus: Jesus himself reinforced the importance of the orthodox faith, stating, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

These teachings underscore the importance of maintaining Orthodoxy as a foundation for true spiritual life and the attainment of salvation.

The Bible and the Emergence of the Church

The Bible does not provide explicit references to the Orthodox Church as it is known today, but it describes the Church as the enactor of the orthodox faith. The New Testament presents the Church as the kept holy and set apart for God. (Revelation 21:27)

The Bible outlines the early beginnings of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41-47) and its spread to places like Corinth, Alexandria, and other cities, where the faithful maintained the orthodox traditions. The Church was a united body, characterized by its unwavering commitment to maintaining the teachings and practices handed down from Jesus and the apostles.

The Canon of the Bible

The formation of the New Testament canon was a crucial event that further solidified the orthodox faith. This process involved the closed canon established by figures like St. Athanasius, Archbishop of Alexandria. In 397 AD, the Third Council of Carthage declared the 27 books of the New Testament as canonical, reaffirming the orthodox-faith based on these texts.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was another pivotal event, where the term homoousios (meaning "of the same substance") was adopted to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing their orthodox unity. This concept remains a cornerstone of Orthodox Christianity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly mention the term Orthodox Christianity, it provides the foundational principles that undergird the Orthodox Church. The quest for orthodoxy in the face of heresy and false teachings is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the original truth and righteousness of God's word.

The Orthodox Church is unique in that it has maintained consistent orthodoxy without altering the Bible or its essential doctrines. Its history and teachings align closely with the biblical narrative of a true and faithful Church.

The term orthodox in the Bible and in the Orthodox Church is a testament to the unchanging truth and virtue that has guided believers throughout history. It is a beacon of light in a world often clouded by heterodoxy.