A.C.Pike
Introduction
Recently, I am seeing more and more Christians disagreeing on certain biblical topics. Some of these disagreements are variant secondary issues known as 'Adiaphora' and they don't affect a person's salvation. However, some of these are important core doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. In this brief article, I will take a look at some of these issues.
Primary Issues
Over the years, I have seen people reject the doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is a core orthodox doctrine that all Christians should believe in. There has been a growing movement of some who claim to be King James Bible believers, but deny the doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity was taught by the early church. It was defended at the Council of Nicea in 325AD. It was taught and defended throughout the ages by the Catholic church, the Orthodox church, and the Protestant and Reformed Churches. The doctrine of the Trinity is denied by Christadelphians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormoms, Oneness Pentecostals, Unitarian Christians, and Seventh Day Adventists.
A more recent one is the doctrine of Anihilationism. This is the belief that when a person dies, their body breaks down and goes back into the ground. They believe that their spirit doesn't live on. The early church fathers, as well as the three main denominations (Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants) have all believed in 'Eternal Torment.' That a person suffers in Hell. It is the Christadelphians, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Seventh Day Adventists who deny this doctrine.
There are some doctrines that Christians cannot disagree on. These are:
A) The Trinity, *1
B) The virgin birth.
C) The sinless nature of Christ,
D) Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
E) Jesus' return to earth.
F) The resurrection of the dead.
G) Judgement Day.
H) A literal Heaven and Hell.
I) Saved by grace.
J) Eternal Security (what we Calvinists call 'Perserverance of the Saints').
K) The belief that the Devil, Angels, and Demons are real beings.
L) Young Earth Creationism.
M) Christ's Kingdom.
N) That the Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God.
O) Jesus died for our sins.
P) The preaching of the Gospel Message to the entire world.
* That Jehovah is a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He is eternal (no beginning or end). He is immutable (he does not change). He is omnipotent (all powerful). He is omniscient (all knowing), and he is omnipresent (all seeing).
The above are beliefs and doctrines that a Christian can not divide on. They are core essential doctrines to the Christian faith and religion.
Secondary Issues
These are matters that are not core doctrines and not essential to salvation. These are things such as: Do we have a Presbytery or Episcopalian structure in our church? Do we baptise adults and children, or just adults? Do we hold to a Premillennial, Amillennial, or Postmillennial view of eschatology? Which Bible version do you use?
Circunstance
This is where Christians should never divide. For example, where do we meet together for worship and fellowship in a house or a non pagan building? What time do we meet? What is the structure of the meeting? Do we sit on wooden or plastic chairs? This is what's known as 'circumstance' and has no bearing on the worship in the Church. *2
Conclusion
As Christians, we can respectfully disagree with one another. We can still have fellowship with each other and come together to worship at the Lord's table.
Some things, however, are outside the realms of Christian orthodoxy and therefore would constitute error or even heresy. These things are not tertiary issues and, as a result, would mean that a Christian with orthodox beliefs could not fellowship or worship with such a person.*
*1 As Christians, we are to show love and help to anyone in need.
* 2 The Church is the people and not the building (Acts 20:28 & Romans 16:23).
Disclaimer
I am not endorsing the teachings/doctrines or worshipping/fellowship with the Roman Catholic or the Orthodox churches.
No comments:
Post a Comment