In Essentials Unity.....

...in non essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

Christians can become so focused on secondary issues, that we unwittingly cause deep division and hurt in the Body of Christ. We need to be better at discerning what is essential and what is non essential. What are the things which are a true test of orthodoxy, and what is little more than our own biases and prejudices?

The easiest way to discern these things is, what does Scripture have to say? Is doing a particular thing a sin? Is not doing it a sin? There are plenty of things that we are told to do--encourage, pray, help, care for the helpless, teach sound doctrine and show mercy are just a few examples. Not doing these things is sin. Likewise, there are plenty of things we are told not to do--lie, cheat, steal, show favoritism, gossip, covet--the list goes on. Doing these things is sin. The Scriptures are clear that certain things are to be done, while others are to be avoided. If we are in constant, unrepentant rebellion, our very salvation is to be questioned.

But, what about our beliefs on issues such as election vs. free will? The timing of the Second Coming? Women in ministry? Leadership? Israel and the Church? Tongues? Although not unimportant, these things are not vital to the faith--Christians can disagree and still be Believers with a high view of Scripture.  Too many times, we make these secondary issues, primary, and even a test of one's orthodoxy. When we do, we are often guilty of causing division.

But, since Scriptures teaches on them, we would be wrong to disregard them. In my opinion, two good resources to help us are the Apostles Creed, which is a summary of the Apostles' teachings, and the much more recent Fundamentals of the Faith. If they do not mention a specific item, I think we can allow freedom in diversity.

Jesus prayed for love and unity in the Church, so that the world may believe (John 17:20-26). We are like Him when our priorities are in line with His.  As a lover of good, theological debate, I know what it feels like to want someone to believe rightly, they will be more secure in their faith because of it.  But, if I cross the line and begin to mock and demean someone because they believe differently, who is the one who sins?  If I break fellowship with them because of their views on non essentials, again, who is the one who errs?

In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity is a good rule to live by and will go a long way in building up the Body of Christ for His glory, so that the world may believe.

Apostles' Creed

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit:

9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

1l. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

The Five Fundamentals of the Faith

1. The inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture

2. The deity of Jesus Christ

3. The virgin birth of Christ

4. The substitutionary, atoning work of Christ on the cross

5. The physical resurrection and the personal bodily return of Christ to the earth.