HOLD FIRMLY · WISELY · CHARITABLY
Not all Christian doctrines carry equal weight. Some truths define Christianity itself. Others shape church life and ministry. Still others are matters of Christian liberty where believers can disagree in good conscience.
This kind of careful sorting is often called theological triage. It helps us maintain unity where God calls us to unity while respecting legitimate diversity where Scripture allows it.
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
— Often attributed to Augustine (exact origin disputed)
These truths define historic Christian faith. They unite Christians across times, places, and traditions.
The Trinity: One God in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Deity of Christ: Jesus is fully God and fully man
The Gospel: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone
The Atonement: Christ died for our sins, in our place, reconciling us to God
Bodily Resurrection: Jesus rose physically from the dead
Scripture as God's Word: God speaks truthfully and authoritatively through Scripture
Christ's Return: Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead
Key Passages: Matthew 28:19 · John 1:1,14 · Ephesians 2:8-9 · 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 · 2 Timothy 3:16-17
These doctrines are important and affect how we organize church life, but Christians can disagree on them while remaining brothers and sisters in Christ.
Baptism: Mode (immersion vs. sprinkling) and timing (believer vs. infant)
Church Governance: Elder-led, congregational, episcopal structures
Spiritual Gifts: Cessationism vs. continuationism
Women in Ministry: Complementarian vs. egalitarian views
The Lord's Supper: Understanding of Christ's presence
Predestination: Calvinist vs. Arminian perspectives
Eschatology: Pre-millennialism, post-millennialism, amillennialism
“Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5b).
These are matters of Christian liberty and personal conscience. Believers can hold different views without it affecting church membership or partnership in ministry.
Worship Style: Traditional, contemporary, liturgical preferences
Bible Translations: ESV, NIV, NASB, KJV, etc.
Diet & Liberty: Food, drink, and matters of Christian freedom
Sabbath Observance: Saturday, Sunday, or principle-based approach
Education: Public school, private school, homeschool
Cultural Practices: Dress, entertainment, holidays
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Romans 14:13).
PRACTICAL WISDOM
The biggest danger is treating tertiary matters as primary (legalism) or treating primary matters as tertiary (compromise). Study Scripture carefully to discern which category a doctrine belongs to.
On the essentials, speak with clarity and conviction. The gospel is not up for debate. Jesus is Lord, and salvation is by grace alone. Speak these truths with humility and clarity.
Study the issues, form convictions, and live by them. But acknowledge that godly Christians disagree, and extend grace to those who hold different views.
Be fully convinced in your own mind (Romans 14:5), but don't impose your preferences on others. What builds you up might hinder your brother. Love requires flexibility.
Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one (John 17:20-23). Our unity as believers glorifies God and witnesses to the world. Don't let secondary or tertiary differences become dividing lines.
The goal is not to win arguments, but to become people of truth, charity, and wisdom. Veritas helps you study carefully, hold essentials firmly, and walk patiently with believers who differ.
“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
veritas