There are two sayings I adopted years ago that to me still stand the test of time:
“In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love.”
“Where the Bible speaks we speak; where the Bible is silent we are silent.”
These two sayings would take care of a lot of “hills” people are dying on when they don’t need to.
My conclusion: We minor in majors; we major in minors.
Think that through. When it comes to doctrinal issues, there are some non-negotiables (I know that is not word but I still use it), some majors we simply cannot compromise on. The virgin birth of Christ. The divinity of Jesus-that he was fully God and fully man. Popular thought heresy says Jesus was born a man, became divine, but went to the cross as a man. (Can you say Bill Johnson?) The sacrificial, substitutionary, redemptive act of Christ on the cross for our salvation. The physical resurrection of Jesus from the grave. The ultimate return of Jesus to bring an end to life on this planet as we know it. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one. The Bible as God’s authoritative Word, inspired and inerrant. Those (and others not mentioned) are majors and should not be compromised on.
But our religious culture is fast pushing them to the side in order to major in minors.
While I believe homosexual activity is sinful and wrong, I don’t believe it is the unpardonable sin. I also don’t really make a big deal about the creation story. I believe very strongly in “In the Beginning God…” If the creation of the world was 7 24 hour days or whether “day” was a longer span of time, is not a game-changer to me. “In the beginning God.” He can do whatever He wants to do in whatever way He want to. But do I think it is a matter of salvation? No, I don’t. While I don’t think we ought to “uncouple” ourselves from the OT as Andy Stanley says we should, I also don’t believe we find our salvation there. The Law was given as a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, Paul says, so we can’t dismiss it. But I don’t go to the Law or the OT to find my salvation. I find it in Christ, in His story as told in the NT. That is a major I can’t minor in.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just be kind. 🙂
I’m in agreement with you here, Bill, about what our focus as Christians should be on, and that is the salvation offered us through Christ Jesus. It’s definitely a major we can’t minor in.
Blessings!
That about says it Martha.
Over and over, love wins out. And the older I get, the more precious Jesus becomes to me. My faith has become simpler, deeper. Stronger.
I’m so grateful …
I have to agree Linda. I don’t know that mine has become simpler but it has been redefined to a certain extent.
I’m with you, Bill. If those that are part of His church would practice the same humility as our Savior and lay down the pride of the enemy, the world would be a different place!
pride is a lot of the problem for sure Floyd.
If we all could do this, Christians would have a better reputation: “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love.” I appreciate your bravery here, Bill. 🙂