It has become a passion of mine in the past year to really assess the aspects of Christianity of which Christians should have no debate or disagreement. While I acknowledge there will always be disagreement present, this at least lays a bit of framework with which we can began to approach one another in the faith peacefully.
The mindset with which we should approach doctrine according to this phrasing is as follows:
In essentials, Unity; In nonessentials, Liberty; in everything, Charity.
The first thing that stands out to me here is the idea of Unity on the essentials. These days within the body of Christianity, there are many essential doctrines beginning to be compromised in favor of pleasing the general public and man's opinion. Biblical pastors, theologians and scholars have started looking to popular opinion instead of scripture to determine each one's idea of essential doctrines.
Because of the changing cultural climate of the day, it is more important than ever to unite on the essentials of the faith. After all, if we cannot agree on elements that make Christianity what it is, how can we be representative of the faith to the rest of the world? We cannot go out and disciple the nations if we can't agree on what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
The second part of the statement that stands out to me is that of Charity. This one I struggle with a bit because I know all too well what happens in the heat of a debate on some issue of theology. Most of what I write that is convicting or edgy, gets met with a hearty dose of argument. Some for positive, some for negative. In those instances, sometimes being charitable to the person engaging you is not the simplest of things. Sinner that I am, sometimes I'd rather just smack someone with a Bible and say, "because Christ said so." I think that's an honest assessment so I won't delete that, though I know it may paint me slightly less "perfect" in people's eyes (sarcasm included). My point simply is this. Charity, in the midst of an argument or debate on something one is passionate about, is often difficult, but decidedly necessary. Without charity, we risk losing the opportunities to really assess our faith and what it means to be a Christian. We also lose any touch we may have with those who do not know Christ, as they tend to run at the first sign of a believer who doesn't appear perfect. This is society's misconception that Christians are somehow perfect. We in the faith know, of course, that we are fallen just as everyone else, and that without Christ's grace, we'd be no better off.
The final part of the statement to address before citing some specific examples is that of liberty. I will ask for forgiveness ahead of time for this because it is certainly my least favorite aspect of that statement. The word liberty makes me imagine situations in which Christians continue to throw out essentials because they perceive some truths of the faith as non-essential. When given the "liberty" to do so, it become s difficult to address serious problems within the faith when they do arise. A repetition of the statement above will silence any attempt for someone to appeal to an individual who thinks an essential doctrine is non-essential. In my opinion, more liberty leads to more subjectivism, which leads to pluralism, which undermines everything Christ stood for. That probably makes me part legalist, and I pray each day I don't let my study of theology paint me that way. But, I am fallen, and try though I might, I am passionate about correct theology. And, lest anyone challenge that statement immediately, my "correct theology" is scripturally based, not something I invent myself. I'll try to cite proofs for that as we dive down the rabbit hole to look at some more specific examples. The verses used are meant as a reference, and are by no means exhaustive. In many cases there are quite a few more relevant verses to each doctrinal statement. I've included links to past blogs for some as well when it is relevant for additional info on what I've written for some of these. So grab those Bibles and let's get to learning.
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1) In Essentials: UNITY- To clarify, essential is any teaching which cannot be disregarded if one desires to go by the title "Christian," and reflect, in many cases, issues that can be detrimental to one's salvation if rejected. At the very least they become a slippery slope into disbelief. Many of these were Christ's direct teachings, and a rejection of the concept, is a rejection of the one who taught us.
Some essentials are general in nature initially. When we get further into them, some elements may become non-essential.
Ex: We believe Christ will come again, we disagree on the framework for how. Coming is essential, how he comes, non-essential.
Biblical Inerrancy-
Primary Proof Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16
Other Proof Verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Galatians 1:11-12
Explanation: Christians believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, inerrant and infallible.
*The source was God the Holy Spirit. The agent was human writers (sinful but still used by God). The process was guidance by the Holy Spirit. The result is inerrant and infallible scripture.*
It was broken down well in a recent sermon which I think will help define this better. We look at it with 4 I's: Inspiration, Illumination, Interpretation and Implementation. I'll do a quick individual breakdown here (Thanks Pastor Brian for the sermon).
Inspiration is a supernatural act in which God, without overriding individual personality or literary style, directed human authors in the receiving and recording of Divine Truth in such a manner that what was written in the original manuscripts was without error, resulting in documents that are the very Word of God.
Illumination is A supernatural act of God in which the Holy Spirit influences believers who are in right relation with God to understand the word of God.
Interpretation is a supernatural act of observing the context (historical and literary) and content (grammar and words) to discover what it meant to them (early believers) so I can determine what it means to me. It cannot mean to me what it did not mean to them.
Implementation is a supernatural act of letting the Word of God to work in you so that you can apply it to your life.
I spent slightly more time on this one because if a Christian does not believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God's word, they will likely discard the other essentials.
Belief in Trinitarian God-
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 28:19
Other Proof Verses: Genesis 1; John 1:1; http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-text-triadic.htm
Explanation: Christians believe in God in Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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| I find this diagram quite helpful to explain the concept of Trinity |
Divinity of Christ-
Primary Proof Verse: Colossians 1:15-20
Other Proof Verses: John 1:1-3; 1 John 2:23; Hebrews 1:2; John 8:58
Explanation: Christians believe Christ is God, second person of the Trinity
Blog Reference: Our Own Personal Jesus
Virgin Birth
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 1:18-25
Other Proof Verses: Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 7:14;
Explanation: Christians believe that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
Christ as the only means of reconciliation with God
Primary Proof Verse: John 14:6
Other Proof Verses: Acts 4:12; John 8:24, 58; John 10:30-33; John 11:25; John 5:18; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 John 4:14; John 10:9
Explanation: Christians believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be reconciled with God and inherit eternal life with Him.
Blog Reference: No Other Name ; The Non-Negotiable Doctrine
Resurrection
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3-28
Other Proof Verses: Matthew 27:50-53; Romans 6:8-11; Zechariah 12:10; John 19:36-37; Luke 24:2-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
Explanation: Christians believe that Christ died (crucifixion), was buried (tomb), resurrected (after 3 days), and ascended into Heaven (disciples witnessed this)
Blog Reference: Did It Really Happen?
Second Coming
Primary Proof Verse: John 14:1-4
Other Proof Verses: Matthew 24: 43-44; Mark 8:38; Hebrews 9:28
Explanation: Christians believe Christ will return someday to judge the living and the dead
Forgiveness of Sin
Primary Verse: Acts 2:38
Other Verses: 1 John 1:9; Acts 10:43; Romans 10:9, 13; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 8:24; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Explanation: Christians believe that those who put their faith in Christ's atoning work on the Cross, and express true repentance and desire to leave sin and be reconciled with God, will be forgiven their sins.
Future Resurrection
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Other Proof Verses: Daniel 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:14-15; Revelation 20:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Explanation: Christians believe in the future resurrection of our bodies into their original intended form (we see Christ's resurrection body as an example of our future eternal bodies)
Realities of Heaven and Hell/ Judgment of Life
Primary Proof Verse: Hebrews 9:27
Other Proof Verses: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 21:1-8; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:41, 46; Luke 16:1-31; Luke 23:43; Daniel 12:2; Romans 6:23; John 14:2-3; John 3:16; Mark 16:16
Explanation: Christians believe in Eternal life, both for those saved by Christ, and those dead in sin. We acknowledge existence of Heaven and Hell as one of two options for the final resting place of an individual. Christ's atonement is the only means by which we can be reconciled to God and inherit eternal life in Heaven. Rejection of Christ is rejection of God and condemns one to Hell. There is no in- between, and there is no leaving one for the other. Eternal is the key word.
Blog Reference: A Helluva Situation ; Heaven: Our Hope in Christ
This is not an exhaustive list of what Christians believe as essential doctrines, but they are some of the big ones. I'll briefly look at some non-essentials below to balance this out, but pay special attention to those mentioned above. Any Bible-believing Christian or Pastor, should have no trouble in accepting those and some others that were not explored. We are by no means perfect, so if there is some disagreement with those, it would be wise to search God's word and come to God in prayer so that the truth of it can be revealed to you by His spirit. We worship Him in spirit and in truth.
2. In Non-Essentials: LIBERTY
I may not go as in depth with these, as there is still obvious debate on some of this. I personally find some of these essential to my faith, but understand others may disagree. These are not salvation issues, but rather doctrines that are important, but not essential to calling oneself a Christian.
Genesis Account
Primary Proof Verse: Genesis 1, 2
Other Proof Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20;
Explanation: Christians disagree as to whether God created ex nihilo (out of nothing) or used natural evolutionary processes to bring about creation. While I believe a literal interpretation of the Genesis account shows reverence for God's authority, and is the best explanation for how the world came to be, especially in regards to how one views the Gospel as it is interwoven between the Old and New Testaments, I also acknowledge many will disagree. Multiple theories within the church exist on this topic.
Blog Reference: No Refutation for Creation ; The Quiz Heard 'Round the World
Rapture of the Saints
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Other Proof Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 3:10; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Explanation: Some Christians believe in a Rapture, in which Christ returns for his faithful church, prior to a period of Great Tribulation on the earth, which previews his Final coming to restore creation and bind Satan. There are three primary views (Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation). I like the idea of it, and continue to study it, but am not quite as tied down by the idea as I may have been in college when I was deeply studying it. I am in favor of Pre-Tribulation Rapture.
Baptism
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 28:19-20
Other Proof Verses: Romans 6:3-6; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-33
Explanation: Christians will agree that Baptism is a part of one's being a Christian, and is an outward expression of faith in Christ. Christians disagree on the method by which one is baptized (sprinkling -v- immersion), and some believe Baptism is Equivalent to Salvation whereby, one cannot be truly saved without Baptism. Others understand it simply as an outward expression of salvation, but not damning if saved, but not baptized.
Blog Reference: Joy Comes in the Mourning
Hell/Heaven (Not their existence, but what it will be like)
Primary Proof Verse: see Above section Heaven and Hell
Other Verses: See above section on Heaven and Hell
Explanation: Christians acknowledge Heaven and Hell exist and are the two options for eternal resting place. Christians often disagree on the forms they will take, and what exactly each of these places will be like. The Bible gives us many clues, but it is still a source of heated debate. There is also a false view circulating that suggests God will eventually empty Hell and save everyone. This Universalist view is a false teaching, and should generally be avoided for Bible-believing Christians. The idea itself negates the atoning work of Christ on the cross by suggesting we needn't do anything to be reconciled with God other than going through a period of punishment. This is not Biblical.
Blog Reference: See Above: A Helluva Situation and Heaven and Our Hope in Christ
While there are many other topics on which Christians disagree, these are a few of the more common ones. Again, they sometimes overlap with essential doctrines, and unfortunately many Christians today even want to debate the essentials. However, looking back at our statement from the beginning, we need to maintain an attitude of Charity toward one another when discussing these matters.
3: In Everything: CHARITY
Before I type the last word of this, I understand that many of my Christian brethren are not going to agree with everything I've stated above. I would hope on the essentials we have agreement, but I know in my heart that may not even be the case. Why do I have a passion for corrective teaching? I'm not sure, but I know God keeps pressing on my heart to discuss and write about these things. The cultural shift today says many false things about what it means to be a true follower of Christ. It is easy to get caught up in false teaching, just as Paul warned us many times.
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" Galatians 1:8
Misrepresented and false doctrine was a problem for Paul, and the Bible tells us it will be a continuing problem. I see more of it in the past few years than I ever noticed before. Christians really need to learn to stand firm on the foundational doctrines that the Bible presents as essential to the faith. We cannot begin to disciple others in and out of the faith, until we have a strong foundation in God's word and counsel. My prayer today is that my Christian brethren will so a little soul-searching to really find out what they believe. Then, that they would search God's word and pray for understanding, so that we may regain lost ground, and live out true Christianity. In everything, with grace and understanding, we address these issues with a charitable, positive attitude. In doing so, we maintain Christ's love, even in the midst of dividing theological issues.
Paul's prayer to the church leaders in his day is a hopeful one, that we can still strive toward.
"I appeal to you, my brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10
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