"Did you know that they believe that...?" My friend had been to a Membership Class at the church she had attended for a year where she discovered that some of the doctrines of that church body were quite different from what she had been taught from childhood in a different congregation. She was surprised, even shocked, by some of the more unique understandings of that denomination. As we discussed the things she was hearing, I walked a tightrope! I did not want to cause her to think that doctrine is unimportant. What we believe to be true has a real effect how we live. But, I also wanted to help her to understand that within the Church, there are variations of understanding about secondary doctrines that need not divide us. So, I asked about her new church's view of Jesus Christ. Did they believe He was "God, come in flesh?" Did they teach that the work Jesus Christ on the Cross was completely sufficient to restore us to right relationship to our Heavenly Father? Did they hold up the Scripture as the authoritative guide for the Believer's life? These are the essential truths around which Christians join in unity. Doctrines about spiritual gifts, about prophetic matters, about modes of baptism, about worship practices, are, in my opinion, secondary and should never be made the test of being a Christian.
The Bible tells us to allow for latitude in understanding and practice within the Church. Paul specifically mentions holy days and matters of 'right foods' as being secondary matters. He says,
"Some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. Each person should have a personal conviction about this matter. Those who have a special day for worshiping the Lord are trying to honor him. Those who eat all kinds of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who won’t eat everything also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we are not our own masters when we live or when we die. While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. .... Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path. ... For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:5-17, NLT)
Please do not read this as dismissing the need for careful study of the Word or for the formation of statements of faith! I am so thankful for those scholars and theologians who study the Scripture and help us to formulate sound doctrines. Their work is of great value to us and we benefit tremendously from their work in helping us to understand the ways of God as revealed to us in the Holy Bible. Much evil work has been done in the Church down through her history as a result of willful ignorance and/or lazy minds! It is both good and right for Believers of like-mindedness to gather together in fellowships where they publish their understandings of both the essential truths and secondary understandings. The destruction comes when any group proclaims that they alone are True Believers based on their unique practices or understandings about the secondary matters.
Take this word from the Word and meditate on it today, asking the Spirit to open your heart and mind.
"Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ....God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” " (2 Timothy 2:14-19, NIV)
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In eternity, those things which we have worked so hard to discern will be wonderfully and simply known. Until then -
Walk in the Light!
Keep step with the Spirit.
Stay accountable to God and His Church. Amen!
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