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CONCLUDING SUMMARY
There is doctrine that is stated as being equated with salvation, doctrine that is based on a stated command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary and doctrine that is based on a Scriptural example or Scriptural statement. If the Scriptural example or Scriptural statement is not equated with salvation or stated as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary then we cannot arbitrarily decide it is a doctrine or practice that is commanded of God and make this doctrine or practice a matter of salvation and fellowship with one another. Whenever God chose to make a certain belief or practice a matter of salvation, a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary He stated it as such. He has done so around 200 times. If God has not equated a belief or practice with salvation, or stated a belief or practice as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary, then it should be a matter of "liberty" in Christ. We are to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and not be entangled with a yoke of bondage of the uninspired commands of human beings (Gal. 5:1). We have been called to liberty (Gal. 5:13). We should be free to believe, practice and support our convictions about what I call "unclassified doctrines" (doctrines that are not equated with salvation or stated as a command, charge, order, mandate or exclusionary). When we teach an "unclassified doctrine" to be a condition of salvation and fellowship then we are adding to what God has said. Not every New Testament Doctrine is a matter of salvation and fellowship. As has been shown in Category No. 10, eating of meat, observing of days, circumcision, marriage, etc. were beliefs and practices that were not matters of salvation. Christians were to receive one another regardless of their beliefs about these matters (Rom. 14:1-6). We are not to judge one another but receive one another, being willing to bear with the weaknesses of a brother or sister in Christ and not to please ourselves, but to please our neighbor for his or her good, leading to edification (Rom 15:1,2,7). This is the way of Christ (Rom. 15:3). No Christian has perfect knowledge and understanding. If we did, we would be as God. We may be right or wrong in some of our beliefs and still be in fellowship with God and with one another. This does not mean we can be right or wrong about every belief or practice. God is clear about that. There are many divisions in the body of Christ because some believe that they must separate from everyone who does not believe exactly as they do. This is wrong and it must be corrected if there is ever going to be the unity in the body of Christ that Christ prayed for and that we are to endeavor to maintain. All Christians have a responsibility in this matter. We can either be working with those who promote unity in Christ or among those who cause division in the body of Christ. When we cause divisions we are to be pointed out and avoided (Rom. 16:17). When we promote division we are carnal and behaving like mere men (1 Cor. 3:3). Heresies (self-willed opinions that lead to division and the formation of sects) are listed as a work of the flesh that precludes one from inheriting the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). Titus, a New Testament evangelist was instructed to reject a divisive person after the first and second admonition (Titus 3:10). WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO STAND? WITH THOSE WORKING FOR UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS OR WITH THOSE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AMONG BELIEVERS? WE ALL STAND SOMEWHERE! Arranged by Eugene Lockling |
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