The Standard June 24, 2023
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.” This saying, possibly first written in 1617 by Marco Antonio De Dominis, expresses a worthy yet lofty goal. Many Christian denominations and organizations quote it, hoping to attain a wonderful reality of being unified in foundational doctrines while giving freedom to fellow believers concerning secondary or gray issues. To operate this way, while maintaining an over-arching attitude of charity, would be phenomenal.
A major sticking point often becomes the question, “What exactly are the essential tenets of the Christian faith?” That answer comes from mature believers who have thoroughly studied the Bible while humbly seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Many of us can determine these essentials by carefully taking full passages in historical context, considering the intended audience, and using Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Most orthodox Christians share basic doctrine. There is one perfect, all-loving and all-powerful Triune God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, being three distinct yet equal persons in one God, is a divine mystery, indeed. Jesus Christ came to earth, fully God and fully human, to show us how to live and to die on the cross as payment for our sins, attaining forgiveness for believers through his resurrection. The Bible, God-breathed, is trustworthy and true and our sole authority in matters of faith and practice. It teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good works. When we confess our faith and entrust our lives to God’s saving grace, the Holy Spirit lives within us and enables us to obey God’s commandments.
In the second chapter of Acts, Peter addresses the crowd in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost with a synopsis of the gospel. “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:22-24)
“But he [David] was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:30-33)
“’Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.’” (Acts 2:36-39)
Jesus warned his followers that his teachings often would not be popular. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) Some believers find that in labeling certain issues “gray areas,” others are heading down a perilous path and are trying to explain away consistent points in the Bible. Throughout history there have been those not dedicated to knowing and following Scripture as fully inspired by God, yet who have expected The Church to change with culture. Certainly, we should ask God to help us continually build on biblical essentials and to analyze what we might be misinterpreting. Prevailing culture and norms, however, do not challenge sound doctrine.
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