|
|
|
|
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE
"Essential Doctrine" is doctrine that is "equated" with (equal to) salvation or "stated" (the word is in the verse or context) as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary. This is essential doctrine because it involves being saved and/or entering God's everlasting kingdom. 1. GOD'S STATED PROVISION FOR THE WORLD'S SALVATION (There is only one provision). Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: No one comes to the Father except though me (John 14:6). 2. STATED INITIAL REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE SALVATION (4). Then Peter said to them (those who believed that Jesus was Lord and Christ), "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized (immersed, Rom. 6:3,4) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). All who are saved are added to the church (Ac. 2:41,47) and registered in heaven (Heb.12:23). 3. STATED CONDUCT FOR THOSE SAVED TO REMAIN SAVED (21 in the complete study). Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). 4. STATED COMMANDS, CHARGES AND/OR ORDERS (55 total). And this is His commandment; that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He gave us commandment (1 John 3:23). Blessed are they who do His commandments…they may enter into the city (Rev. 21:14). 5. STATED MANDATORY DOCTRINE (35 total). Marvel not that I said, "You must be born again" (John 3:7). 6. STATED EXCLUSIONARY DOCTRINE (76 total). But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Rev. 21:8). Whatever God's word states as being equated with (equal to) salvation, or states as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary, we have no authority to change, minimize or reject. Doctrine that is not classified, that is, the Scripture does not equate this doctrine with salvation or state it to be a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary, we have no authority to classify as "essential" doctrine. B. EXAMPLES OF UNCLASSIFIED DOCTRINE (51 in the complete study). Unclassified doctrine is doctrine that is not equated with salvation or stated as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary. God could have equated the doctrine listed below with salvation or stated it as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary. God didn't! If God didn't how can we? We have no authority to make a doctrine a command or matter of salvation if God has not done so. 1. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common (Acts 2:44; 4:32). 2. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:3). 3. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together (Acts 20:8). 4. Likewise greet the church that is in their house…(Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Phile. 2). 5. Greet one another with a holy kiss…(Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Th. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14). 6. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do as often as you drink it in remembrance of Me" (1 Cor. 11:25). 7. Even things without life, whether flute (aulos) or harp (kithara), when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped (auleo) or played (kitharizo) (1 Cor. 14:7)? 8. Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm (psalmos), has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation (1 Cor. 14:26). 9. Speaking to one another in psalms (psalmos) and hymns (humnos) and spiritual songs (ode), singing (ado) and making melody (psallo) in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). 10. I desire...that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Timothy 2:8). 11. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing (1 Timothy 2:9). 12. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord (James 5:14). We should be free to believe, practice and support our convictions about unclassified doctrine, but not withdraw fellowship from one another and create divisions in the church because of differences of beliefs regarding unclassified doctrine. C. NOTE, AVOID, WITHDRAW, REJECT AND COME OUT OF BABYLON. 1. Note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned (Rm. 14:1-6) and avoid them (Rm. 16:17). 2. We command you brethren…withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6). 3. Reject a divisive man (one who creates divisions over self-willed opinions) after the first and second admonition (Titus 3:10). 4. Come out of Babylon (organized apostasy [desertion from principles or faith] from Christ), my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues (Rev. 18:4). Her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities (Rev. 18:5).
Arranged by Eugene Lockling |
|
Site design by: The Tentfactory |
