Page "Cerinthus" Paragraph 13

Cerinthus instructed his followers to maintain strict adherence to Mosaic law for the attainment of salvation.

This soteriological worldview is termed legalism.

This view contradicts the soteriology conveyed at the Council of Jerusalem ( c. 50 AD ), when Paul of Tarsus established the understanding that Christians are not required to be circumcised to attain salvation.

The Apostles in Jerusalem were beforehand asserting that circumcision and strict compliance with Mosaic law should not be discontinued upon conversion to Christianity.

The Book of Acts chapter lists only four lifestyle requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity for the purpose of their attending synagogue, after which they would learn the law of Moses as it was preached every Shabbat ( Acts 15: 21 ).

Many scholars see these four requirements set out by the Jerusalem Council as a parallel to Noahide Law.

Conversely, certain Jewish Christian sects, including the Cerinthians, recognized Mosaic law as both practicable and necessary.