We are coming into October, which means it is about time to celebrate Reformation Day (Oct. 31st). Hopefully, we all understand that reformation is something that God has been doing across history and continues to do in us. However, I thought it might be good to celebrate with some conversations about reformation. Look for some more posts these coming weeks.
Heresy happens when we allow our version of the truth to trump God’s revelation of Himself.
Admittedly, there are valid debates to be had on some of the less important issues in Scripture. In most cases, the less important the issue, the less detail and subsequently the less clarity we have. However, when it comes to important matters like Salvation and the deity of Christ, God is never unclear. Unfortunately, across the centuries we have found ways to read our culture, selfishness and tradition into the revelation of God, leaving ourselves susceptible to or affirming of false teaching.
While we can be wrong about some things without causing too much damage, things get pretty harry when we start denying what I call the “essentials” (“fundamentals,” “orthodoxy,” etc.).
I have heard some debate about the essentials, because everyone describes the essentials differently. The accusation is “If you guys can’t agree on what doctrines are essential, then how essential can any of them be?” While there are some who simply deny the essentials and make up their own false ones, most orthodox Christians list the essentials with different language to describe the same things. Often, various denominations list the essentials differently, lumping some together with others for communication purposes.
Essentials:
Jesus Christ (His deity, humanity, death, burial, resurrection, and all that comes with it)
The Bible (Inspired, Inerrant, etc.)
The Trinity (One God, Three Persons)
Humanity (Created for good, corrupted by sin, headed for hell, can’t save themselves, only God can save them, got to know Christ, etc.)
Note: see how I already snuck hell in there?
Also: see how a bunch of stuff about Christ keeps sneaking in?
Hell (Eternal punishment for people who deny Christ)
Heaven (Eternal life for people who know Christ)
Church (God’s team for spreading the gospel on the earth. Some leave this one out because it is inherrant in that you are usually reading a list of essentials on a church website. Adding this is like starting cooking directions by saying, “open up the book you are already reading…”)
Return of Christ (He’s coming back, details are debatable, etc.)
Different Lists:
It is really amazing how many essentials are built in to faith statments, but aren’t always listed with specifics. For instance, the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation is really important. However, we already list Him in the Trinity. We could talk about what He does, but it is already built into a lot. Other times, people get carried away listing essentials. They take an essential, and flesh out all kinds of details that aren’t essential. For instance, the fact that Christ is coming back is very important. When and how is up for debate. Sometimes, overzealous writers list timing as an essential. We’ve got to watch that.
Here’s what I’d like to do:
I’d like to have a discussion about the essentials on the comments page. List one essential (no one is asking you to make a comprehensive list), cite Scripture for why it is true, and explain why you think it is an essential. If you get on the board and feel like every essential has been listed, pick one that’s already listed and add some verses or logic to explain why it is essential. Maybe someone lists a non-essential. Lovingly explain why it isn’t.
So, when putting together a list of essentials, there are a few things to keep in mind about the attributes of essentials:
- Endurance. Essential doctrines are not new, but they aren’t aging.
- Clarity. Essential doctrines may at first glance seem impossible when described in our limited, space-time logic. However, they are never unclear.
- Centrality. Essential doctrines are thematically central in Scripture. The important things have top billing. You don’t have do dig into obscurity to find the most important things God wants us to know.
- Unity. Essential doctrines are interconnected as they relate to the person and work of Christ, they work together in that taking away one will negatively affect all others.
So, what are the essentials?
Often this happens because we think God is too weak to reveal Himself.