What does the Bible say about heresy?

In the New Testament, heresy is referenced to highlight the necessity of maintaining sound doctrine that aligns with the teachings of Scripture. A key passage is found in Acts 24:14, where the Apostle Paul states, 'But this I confess unto thee that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.' This reflects the early church's understanding that deviation from the biblical teachings was significant and should be closely scrutinized. Heresy often leads believers away from the core truths of the faith, and the consequences can be profound, as it affects both personal faith and the wider community of believers.