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Doctrine Table

by | Nov 23, 2008 | Doctrine and Theology, Christian Theology

Following is a proposed table of essential Christian doctrines. The table is designed to help categorize various doctrines into levels of importance. I admit that some of these are debatable. Nevertheless, it is an attempt to develop an understanding of the essentials based on what Scripture actually says rather than what a lot of people like to declare. This table is a suggestion that I hope will aid people in discerning what is essential from what is not essential.

I divide Christian theology into two categories: Primary and Secondary Essentials. Primary essentials are doctrines that the scriptures explicitly declare are essential. But, with the secondary essentials, the scriptures do not make such statements. The secondary essentials are derived from the primary essentials and also properly define orthodoxy. (Note that this article was formally called the Doctrine Grid).

 

C H R I S T I A N    D O C T R I N E

ORTHODOXY (PROPER DOCTRINE)

RELIGIOUS GROUPS

IMPORTANCE

SUBJECT

Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphians – 1, 3, 6
Christian Science – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Islam – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 1, 2, 3, 6
Mormonism – 3, 4, 5, 6
Roman Catholicism – 3, 6
Eastern Orthodox – 3, 6
Primary Essentials
Primary Essentials are stated specifically in scripture that cannot be denied and still be a Christian. They contain a warning or a statement of exclusivity. They deal with the nature of God, the atonement, and its method of salvation applied to the believer. Anyone who denies any of the Primary essentials cannot be said to be regenerated and salvation. Note: Regeneration means the believer is indwelt by God, changed, and enabled to understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:15).
1) Jesus is still both God and man (John 1:1, 14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
2) Jesus rose from the dead physically in the same body he died in (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
3) The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
4) There is only one God in all existence (Exodus 20:3-5; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8).
5) Must be born again (John 3:3)
6) Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Rom. 3:28; 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
7) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6).
Comments: Denial of any of the above doctrines as stated in scripture constitutes being non-Christian.
Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphians – 8
Islam – 8, 10
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 8
Mormonism – 8
Oneness Pentecostal – 8
Secondary Essentials
Not stated in scripture as essential but are derivatively essential since they deal with accurately describing the true God and they are based, in part, on the Primary Essentials. Denial strongly suggests a lack of regeneration.
8) God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9) Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation).
Comments: God is a Trinity; and though a person may not understand or initially affirm the Trinity doctrine upon regeneration, he will eventually come to accept it since it is a biblically true revelation describing the true God. Jesus was born of a virgin which is essential when defending the two natures of Jesus: divine and human. If Jesus were not born of a virgin, then His patronage would be in doubt as well as His divine nature. Without a divine nature, Jesus would not be able to atone for the sins of the world.
Christian Doctrine
ORTHOPRAXY (PROPER PRACTICE)
Most Groups affirm:
Moral integrity, marriage fidelity, inerrancy, etc.
Mormonism denies – 13
Islam denies – 13 and 15
ICOC denies 14
Primary Non-Essentials
The regenerate seek to live according to God’s word (1 John 2:4) though they struggle and sometimes fail. Violating these teachings does not automatically mean a person is not saved. Further examination would be necessary. But abiding in sins with unrepentance would be evidence that the person is not regenerated.
10) Advocate moral integrity (Exodus 20:1-17).
11) Practice fidelity in marriage in heterosexual relationships.
12) The condemnation of homosexuality, and LGBTQ…
13) Inerrancy of the Bible.
14) Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Acts 10:44-48).
15) Eternal Security (If salvation is maintained through obedience, then it is outside of biblical orthodoxy)
Comments: The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God agrees in word and deed with the Scripture. The Primary Non-Essentials are those teachings that the Bible does not declare as essential to salvation. However, to openly deny them is evidence of a lack of regeneration since they are the fruit of the regenerated mind and heart.
Denominational Division
The rise of denominations often results due to differences of opinion on these issues, though they are not restricted to them.
Secondary Non-Essentials
Any of them can be denied or affirmed, and regeneration is not questioned.
16) Predestination, election, limited atonement, and free will.
17) Communion every week, monthly, quarterly, etc.
18) Saturday or Sunday Worship.
19) Pre, mid, and post-trib rapture.
20) Premillennialism., Amill., Postmill., partial-preterism.
21) Continuation or cessation of the charismatic gifts.
22) Baptism for adults or infants (not to save them).
23) Musical Instruments in church.
Comments: The subjects in the Secondary Non-Essentials area, whether affirmed or denied, have no bearing on the status of a person before God. They are opinions – various positions held. Unfortunately, it is in these non-essentials that many denominational differences result.
Christian DoctrinedddChristian Doctrinedddd
Liberal interpretation problem.
Examples of bad biblical interpretations.
Christian Heresies
These do not contradict the essentials but do contradict non-essential teachings. Generally, those who hold these positions should be avoided and urged to repent.
24) Universalism (See, Can a Christian be a universalist?)
25) Open Theism.
26) Annihilationism.
27) Possession of Christians by demons.
28) Christians are to be healthy and wealthy by the fact of being Christians.
29) Women pastors and elders.
30) Willful sin cult teaching where a single willful sin forfeits all hopes of salvation.
31) Must belong to a certain church to be a true Christian.
Comments: Affirming the doctrines in this grey section shows a significant lack of understanding of biblical theology. Nevertheless, believing them does not negate salvation.

 

C H R I S T I A N    D O C T R I N E

ORTHODOXY (PROPER DOCTRINE)

RELIGIOUS GROUPS

IMPORTANCE

SUBJECT

Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphians – 1, 3
Christian Science – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Islam – 1, 2, 3, 4
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 1, 2, 3
Mormonism – 3, 4, 5
Roman Catholicism – 3
Eastern Orthodox – 3
Primary Essentials
Primary Essentials are stated specifically in scripture that cannot be denied and still be a Christian. They contain a warning or a statement of exclusivity. They deal with the nature of God, the atonement, and its method of salvation applied to the believer. Anyone who denies any of the Primary essentials cannot be considered regenerated and salvation. Note: Regeneration means God indwells the believer, changes, and enables to understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:15).
1) Jesus is still both God and man (John 1:1, 14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
2) Jesus rose from the dead physically in the same body he died in (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
3) The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
4) There is only one God in all existence (Exodus 20:3-5; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8).
5) Must be born again (John 3:3)
6) Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Rom. 3:28; 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
7) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6).
Comments: Denial of any of the above doctrines as stated in scripture constitutes being non-Christian.
Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphianism – 7
Islam – 7, 9
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 7
Mormonism – 7
Oneness Pentecostal – 7
Secondary Essentials
They are not stated in scripture as essential. Still, they are derivatively essential since they deal with accurately describing the true God and are based, in part, on the Primary Essentials. Denial strongly suggests a lack of regeneration.
8) God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9) Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation).
Comments: God is a Trinity; and though a person may not understand or initially affirm the Trinity doctrine upon regeneration, he will eventually come to accept it since it is a biblically true revelation describing the true God. Jesus was born of a virgin which is essential when defending the two natures of Jesus: divine and human. If Jesus were not born of a virgin, then His patronage would be in doubt as well as His divine nature. Without a divine nature, Jesus would not be able to atone for the sins of the world.
Christian Doctrine
ORTHOPRAXY (PROPER PRACTICE)
Most Groups affirm:
Moral integrity, marriage fidelity, inerrancy, etc.
Mormonism denies – 13
Islam denies – 13 and 15
ICOC denies 14
Primary Non-Essentials
The regenerate seek to live according to God’s word (1 John 2:4) though they struggle and sometimes fail. Violating these teachings does not automatically mean a person is not saved. Further examination would be necessary. But abiding in sins with unrepentance would be evidence that the person is not regenerated.
10) Advocate moral integrity (Exodus 20:1-17).
11) Practice fidelity in marriage in heterosexual relationships.
12) The condemnation of homosexuality, and LGBTQ…
13) Inerrancy of the Bible.
14) Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Acts 10:44-48).
15) Eternal Security (If salvation is maintained through obedience, then it is outside of biblical orthodoxy)
Comments: The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God agrees in word and deed with the Scripture. The Primary Non-Essentials are those teachings that the Bible does not declare as essential to salvation. However, openly denying them is evidence of a lack of regeneration since they are the fruit of the regenerated mind and heart.
Denominational Division
The rise of denominations often results due to differences of opinion on these issues, though they are not restricted to them.
Secondary Non-Essentials
Any of them can be denied or affirmed, and regeneration is not questioned.
16) Predestination, election, limited atonement, and free will.
17) Communion every week, monthly, quarterly, etc.
18) Saturday or Sunday Worship.
19) Pre, mid, and post-trib rapture.
20) Premillennialism., Amill., Postmill., partial-preterism.
21) Continuation or cessation of the charismatic gifts.
22) Baptism for adults or infants (not to save them).
23) Musical Instruments in church.
Comments: The subjects in the Secondary Non-Essentials area, whether affirmed or denied, have no bearing on the status of a person before God. They are opinions – various positions held. Unfortunately, it is in these non-essentials that many denominational differences result.
Christian DoctrinedddChristian Doctrinedddd
Liberal interpretation problem.
Examples of bad biblical interpretations.
Christian Heresies
These do not contradict the essentials but do contradict non-essential teachings. Generally, those who hold these positions should be avoided and urged to repent.
24) Universalism (See, Can a Christian be a universalist?)
25) Open Theism.
26) Annihilationism.
27) Possession of Christians by demons.
28) Christians are to be healthy and wealthy by the fact of being Christians.
29) Women pastors and elders.
30) Willful sin cult teaching where a single willful sin forfeits all hopes of salvation.
31) Must belong to a certain church to be a true Christian.
Comments: Affirming the doctrines in this grey section is a sign of a significant lack of understanding of biblical theology. Nevertheless, believing them does not negate salvation.

 

C H R I S T I A N    D O C T R I N E

ORTHODOXY (PROPER DOCTRINE)

RELIGIOUS GROUPS

IMPORTANCE

SUBJECT

Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphians – 1, 3
Christian Science – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Islam – 1, 2, 3, 4
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 1, 2, 3
Mormonism – 3, 4, 5
Roman Catholicism – 3
Eastern Orthodox – 3
Primary Essentials
Primary Essentials are stated specifically in scripture that cannot be denied and still be a Christian. They contain a warning or a statement of exclusivity. They deal with the nature of God, the atonement, and its method of salvation applied to the believer. Anyone who denies any of the Primary essentials cannot be said to be regenerated and salvation. Note: Regeneration means God indwells the believer, changed, and enabled to understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:15).
1) Jesus is still both God and man (John 1:1, 14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
2) Jesus rose from the dead physically in the same body he died in (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
3) The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
4) There is only one God in all existence (Exodus 20:3-5; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8).
5) Must be born again (John 3:3)
6) Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Rom. 3:28; 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
7) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6).
Comments: Denial of any of the above doctrines as stated in scripture constitutes being non-Christian.
Groups denying these and are, therefore, not Christian:
Christadelphianism – 7
Islam – 7, 9
Jehovah’s Witnesses – 7
Mormonism – 7
Oneness Pentecostal – 7
Secondary Essentials
Not stated in scripture as essential but are derivatively essential since they deal with accurately describing the true God and they are based, in part, on the Primary Essentials. Denial strongly suggests a lack of regeneration.
8) God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9) Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation).
Comments: God is a Trinity; and though a person may not understand or initially affirm the Trinity doctrine upon regeneration, he will eventually come to accept it since it is a biblically true revelation describing the true God. Jesus was born of a virgin which is essential when defending the two natures of Jesus: divine and human. If Jesus were not born of a virgin, then His patronage would be in doubt as well as His divine nature. Without a divine nature, Jesus would not be able to atone for the sins of the world.
Christian Doctrine
ORTHOPRAXY (PROPER PRACTICE)
Most Groups affirm:
Moral integrity, marriage fidelity, inerrancy, etc.
Mormonism denies – 13
Islam denies – 13 and 15
ICOC denies 14
Primary Non-Essentials
The regenerate seek to live according to God’s word (1 John 2:4) though they struggle and sometimes fail. Violating these teachings does not automatically mean a person is not saved. Further examination would be necessary. But, abiding in sins with unrepentance would be evidence that the person is not regenerated.
10) Advocate moral integrity (Exodus 20:1-17).
11) Practice fidelity in marriage in heterosexual relationships.
12) The condemnation of homosexuality, and LGBTQ…
13) Inerrancy of the Bible.
14) Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Acts 10:44-48).
15) Eternal Security (If salvation is maintained through obedience, then it is outside of biblical orthodoxy)
Comments: The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God agrees in word and deed with the Scripture. The Primary Non-Essentials are those teachings that the Bible does not declare as essential to salvation. However, to openly deny them is evidence of a lack of regeneration since they are the fruit of the regenerated mind and heart.
Denominational Division
The rise of denominations often results due to differences of opinion on these issues, though they are not restricted to them.
Secondary Non-Essentials
Any of them can be denied or affirmed, and regeneration is not questioned.
16) Predestination, election, limited atonement, and free will.
17) Communion every week, monthly, quarterly, etc.
18) Saturday or Sunday Worship.
19) Pre, mid, and post-trib rapture.
20) Premillennialism., Amill., Postmill., partial-preterism.
21) Continuation or cessation of the charismatic gifts.
22) Baptism for adults or infants (not to save them).
23) Musical Instruments in church.
Comments: The subjects in the Secondary Non-Essentials area whether affirmed or denied have no bearing on the status of a person before God. They are opinions – various positions held. Unfortunately, it is in these non-essentials that many denominational differences result.
Christian DoctrinedddChristian Doctrinedddd
Liberal interpretation problem.
Examples of bad biblical interpretations.
Christian Heresies
These do not contradict the essentials but do contradict non-essential teachings. Generally, those who hold these positions should be avoided and urged to repent.
24) Universalism (See, Can a Christian be a universalist?)
25) Open Theism.
26) Annihilationism.
27) Possession of Christians by demons.
28) Christians are to be healthy and wealthy by the fact of being Christians.
29) Women pastors and elders.
30) Willful sin cult teaching where a single willful sin forfeits all hopes of salvation.
31) Must belong to a certain church to be a true Christian.
Comments: Affirming the doctrines in this grey section is a sign of a significant lack of understanding of biblical theology. Nevertheless, believing them does not negate salvation.

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