[1Co 1:20] 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
The Gnostics are those who use scripture as an allegory. Their relationship with God is through so-called wisdom of man (to be wise in human ability). They connect through interpretation of mostly hidden meaning of scripture, through intellect, through knowledge to claim a sort of relationship with the divine. KNOWLEDGE BECOMES SALVATION as well as the relationship with God.
A true believer may have knowledge, may have interpretation, may have a connection to God through scripture (as a living Word), but a believer believes in the person of Jesus Christ as a living God, the sacrifice of sin, the essence of salvation, whom one has an ongoing personal relationship with HIS BEING, not just HIS WORDS (the scripture itself). The Word of God is the expression of Him, but taken alone does not bring faith in Him.
[Heb 4:2] 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].
Gnosticism leads to a self-determining mode of life to claim one with divinity, thus eventually making oneself as god. This is the teaching of the Serpent in the Garden to know good and evil to overcome suppression of God, transcend into divinity, and gain immortality. This “enlightenment” is a counterfeit false light. Which is why I equate it with Luciferianism (worship of Lucifer). The true character of SATANISM isn’t worship of the entity, but to take on his form of narcissism.
True believing recognizes oneself as insufficient, weak in the flesh, and needing God for salvation, therefore puts his emphasis on Jesus Christ for his merit, rather than trust in good works, knowledge, or just being “enlightened.” The Holy Spirit is the only one who can enlighten you to the true meaning (and active Word) of the scripture and there is no substitute. Any other is counterfeit.