Book 4 of Against Heresies – the longest of the five books – is a critical defense of early Christian orthodoxy, addressing and refuting Gnostic beliefs. A significant portion of the Book defends the Old Testament against Gnostic claims of its irrelevance. In light of the Gnostic claim of secret knowledge, Irenaeus hearkens to Apostolic Tradition, noting its centrality to the Christian faith. He argues that God’s revelation is intended for all believers, not just a select few with special insights.
Elsewhere, he addresses the ethical implications of Christian faith, critiquing the Gnostic disregard for moral laws. He emphasizes that true knowledge of God should lead to righteous living, distinguishing orthodox Christianity from Gnostic practices. Finally, he concludes with the economy of salvation and the important dimension of faith.
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