Essentials of the faith and Secondary issues

Journey for truth

Essentials of the faith and Secondary issues

The Christian faith stands on a firm foundation. It is not built on shifting opinions or feelings but on the historical reality of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation. From these events flow the great truths that the church has confessed for centuries. These are what we call the essentials of the faith.

Yet alongside these essentials are many other topics where sincere believers have differed. These do not necessarily affect one’s salvation but they do shape how christians live and grow.

Sadly, these differences have too often led to  unnecessary division, when they should lead us to humility, love, and patient study of God’s Word.

As christians we are not called to break fellowship over matters that do not strike at the heart of the gospel. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones captured this well when he said: “I am a Calvinist… but I would not dream of putting it under the heading of essential. You are not saved by your precise understanding of how this great salvation comes to you. What you must be clear about is that you are lost and damned, hopeless and helpless, and that nothing can save you but the grace of God in Jesus Christ… Those are the essentials.”

His point is clear: doctrines like election matter, but they are not salvation issues. Our unity is in the gospel, not in perfect agreement on every doctrine.

What Are the Essentials?

The Apostle Paul summarized what is “of first importance”: “that Christ died for our sins… was buried… and rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). From this foundation, believers through centuries have recognized these essential truths:

  • The resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:14)
  • The gospel – Jesus died and rose for sinners (Galatians 1:6–9)
  • The deity of Christ - fully God, fully man (John 10:30; 20:28).
  • Salvation by grace through faith - not earned, but received (Ephesians 2:8–9).
  • Salvation through Christ alone - no other Savior (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).
  • One God - the Christian faith is monotheistic - that we believe in one God (Isaiah 44:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6).
  • The Trinity – the belief that God is one in Being with Three in Persons (one God in three persons)(Matthew 28:19) - the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

Take away any of these and Christianity crumbles. These are not negotiable.

Where Do Secondary (Non-Essential) Issues Fit?

“Non-essential” does not mean “unimportant.” Everything God reveals is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), but some matters are left to conscience and are not salvation issues. Romans 14 warns us not to quarrel over “disputable matters.” Paul here mentions food, wine and special days - areas where Scripture gives liberty.

Today, that principle stretches to things like church governance, worship style, or whether you believe Christ will return before or after a millennium. In other words, do not quarrel over matters where Scripture allows room for differences.

Some secondary issues might include:

  • Diet and observance of special days: Whether one eats meat or abstains, or whether one regards one day as more sacred than another, does not determine salvation (Romans 14:2-6; Colossians 2:16).
  • Church government and worship – Whether a church uses elders or congregational rule, sings hymns or contemporary songs, use grape juice or wine in communion, holds services on Saturday or Sunday - these practices may reflect convictions but are not tests of orthodoxy (1 Corinthians 14:40).
  • Eschatology: Differing views on the rapture, millennium, and the timing of Christ’s return vary among believers. All views must be tested by Scripture; none should overshadow the gospel. (Acts 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
  • Debates over creation – Christians differ on the age of the earth or the length of creation days. (Genesis 1; Hebrews 11:3).
  • Lifestyle Choices: Questions about playing cards, dancing, drinking alcohol, smoking, or eating certain foods are often matters of conscience. One person may abstain because of conscience; another may partake responsibly. Paul counsels us not to judge one another where the Bible grants liberty (Romans 14:13-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

These examples illustrate that secondary issues involve application rather than definition of the gospel. We can—and should—study them carefully and hold convictions, but those convictions should be held with humility and charity.

How Should We Handle Differences?

The New Testament gives us guidance on dealing with Secondary issues (Romans 14 / 1 Corinthians 8–10):

  • Welcome one another without passing judgment. We are commanded to “Accept the one who is weak in the faith” (Rom. 14:1). We must not turn away from believers who differ from us in disputable matters.
  • Do not judge your brother. Paul asks, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” (Rom. 14:4). James echoes this: judging a brother over secondary matters is tantamount to judging the law
  • Do not sit in judgment over your fellow believer. Paul asks, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” (Romans 14:4). James reinforces the same principle: when we judge a brother over secondary issues, we step into a place reserved for God alone, as if we were judging the law itself (James 4:11–12).
  • Be fully convinced and act in faith.  Each believer should prayerfully study the Scriptures, seek wisdom and form convictions. Romans 14:5 encourages us to be fully convinced in our own minds. Yet we must hold those convictions in humility and be willing to learn.
  • Live for the Lord’s glory, not for winning arguments. Whatever we decide on secondary matters, we must do it “for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Romans 14:17 reminds us that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
  • Let love govern liberty—if your freedom harms another, lay it down. If exercising a liberty would cause a brother to stumble, Paul urges us to forgo that right out of love (1 Cor. 8:9‑13). Our convictions must be exercised in ways that build up others and preserve unity.

This is where the old saying helps: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.” Unity does not mean uniformity. Liberty does not mean carelessness. Love is what binds us together.

Practicing Charity in Secondary Matters

Practicing “charity” means more than simply tolerating differences—it requires genuine love. Love bears with the shortcomings of others, seeks their good, and avoids needless controversy. 

Here are practical suggestions:

  1. Keep the gospel central
  2. Be diligent in Scripture
  3. Distinguish conviction from command
  4. Use freedom wisely, thinking of others
  5. Avoid fruitless debates
  6. Preserve fellowship

Conclusion

In a world with false teachings and controversies, Christians must discern between the vital doctrines that define the faith and the secondary issues on which we may lovingly disagree. If we are to truly express love it would mean welcoming brothers and sisters who differ, refusing to judge them on disputable matters, and glorifying God together. As Paul writes, “Let us therefore pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19). May we be people who know what is essential, show humility on secondary matters, and in all things reflect the love of Christ.

Learning to co-exist amongst disagreements

Journey for truth

Learning to co-exist amongst disagreements

They might still be your brothers and sisters --- Learning to draw the line between standing for the truth and practicing love.

I would like to point out that you will not find a perfect church today. Due to the fact that we are human and live in a fallen world, every church will have certain inconsistencies.

Our fellowship must not be broken as long as we are not dealing with any extremes related to the topics discussed in this book.

Some people may be genuine in their belief, but are unable to articulate their doctrines adequately, and this can be a happy inconsistency. In order to better understand the intents behind such people's positions, you will need to have deeper conversations with them.

There are some people who may reject sound theology with noble motives. One preacher once commented on this saying;

Some noble Armenians may reject reformed theology because they would believe that the doctrine of election (as taught by calvinists) cast a shadow on the righteousness of God. So they are convinced that the doctrine of election it makes God look unjust and unfair and so, in their minds, they are fighting to defend the integrity of God (as the reformed argument seems to suggest to them that God has a bias towards choosing who goes to heaven or hell).

Since we don't always know people's motives, discussions must be conducted in a spirit of mutual trust and patience between the two parties.

I especially love what Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones said which speaks a lot about the spirit of unity that He had;

“I am a Calvinist, I believe in election and predestination; but I would not dream of putting it under the heading of essential. I put it under the heading of non-essential… You are not saved by your precise understanding of how this great salvation comes to you. What you must be clear about is that you are lost and damned, hopeless and helpless, and that nothing can save you but the grace of God in Jesus Christ and only Him crucified, bearing the punishment of your sins, dying, rising again, ascending, sending the spirit, regeneration. Those are the essentials… While I myself hold very definite and strong views on the subject, I will not separate from a man who cannot accept and believe the doctrines of election and predestination, and is Arminian, as long as he tells me that we are all saved by grace, and as long as the Calvinist agrees, as he must, that God calls all men everywhere to repentance. As long as both are prepared to agree about these things I say we must not break fellowship. So I put election into the category of non-essentials.

Lastly, not all members of a particular movement are heretics and unsaved, and some of them are still sound in their understanding of the gospel, and they have a good grasp of the essential doctrines of grace, as well as love Christ deeply.

False miracles

Journey for truth

False Miracles

Today, thousands of miracles have been attributed to God that are false, subjective, or fabricated. Many people seem to believe that anything unusual is a genuine heavenly sign and wonder.

The danger here is that we are just opening up more spaces for Satanic influence to infiltrate the church. According to the Bible, Satan's primary weapon in the end times will be false wonders, false signs, and false miracles (which may even seem true).

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

As Jesus Himself warned His followers in advance in Mathew 24:24 that “False Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show great signs and wonders so as to mislead if possible even the elect.”

Today, there are a lot of false miraculous claims made without any real evidence or real witnesses to support them.

Unlike the miracles in the New Testament, which were done in front of large crowds with primarily unbelievers who were most likely to be skeptical, modern miracles usually occur privately or in religious meetings where there is a wild emotional expectation of a miracle where one can easily fabricate his or her imagination.

Whenever Jesus and the apostles performed miracles, they were instantly and completely healed. There was never a miracle that took them a long time to perform, nor were any of their miracles temporary, partial, or gradual.

As a final point, and most importantly, the need for miracles in evangelism not only produces false converts, but is also unbiblical. There are a number of reasons for this;

(1)  In Romans 10:17, it is stated that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing the Word of God.”

(2)  The Gospel itself is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16), meaning that it is through the message of Christ’s death and resurrection—not through signs and wonders—that God brings people to saving faith.

(3)  Jesus said that those who reject Scripture will not believe, even if they witness a resurrection; “if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

(4)  Jesus did not endorse the use of signs and wonders in evangelism even though He performed many of them. In fact, He repeatedly rebuked those who demanded signs (Matt. 12:38-39; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-12; Luke 11:16, 29; 23:8-9; John 4:48).

(5)  The emphasis of Jesus’ ministry was not on miracles but rather on preaching and He often spoke without doing signs and wonders (Matt. 13:1-52; 18:1-35; John 7:14-44). He considered preaching more important than performing miracles.

(6)  After Jesus performed many miraculous healings in Galilee (Mark 1:29-34), Peter found Him the next morning (v. 37) and said “everyone is looking for you” because the crowd wanted Jesus to perform more signs and wonders. But Jesus responded saying (v. 38), “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, in order that I may preach there also; for that is the reason I came for.”

As we can see, the use of the supernatural experience without any appeal for repentance and trust in the work of Christ is not biblical evangelism.

Other related articles:

Biblical view of miracles

Definition and Purpose of Miracles

Are miracles necessary for today?

Miracles or Providence of God?

If God performed miracles before why do we limit him today?

Miracles in evangelism

Miracles in evangelism

Journey for truth

Miracles in evangelism

A great deal of evangelists emphasize the importance of on-going miracles in bringing souls to Christ. In essence, the idea is that if a sinner only knew God's power in their lives, they would turn around and come running.

Many prominent preachers have even argued that miracles are more effective than merely preaching the gospel. They suggest that the presence of God must be demonstrated spontaneously in evangelism in order to be effective.

However, there are three inherent fallacies in this philosophy that render it unreliable and unproductive in leading people to genuine faith in Christ:

  • By relying on modern miracles for evangelistic invitation, the real message of the gospel (Christ's atonement for our sins and His right authority over our lives ~ Romans 14:9) becomes incidental.
  • Instead of focusing on the Savior Himself, the faith becomes focused on signs & wonders and the preacher who did them.
  • The biblical and historical Jesus is often pushed aside in favor of a ‘mystical’ and ‘dainty’ god who exists to fulfill their desires.

Modern miracles cannot save those who put their trust in them, regardless of how sincere and earnest they chant the name of Christ. Genuine faith always focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ.

An evangelist cannot call someone to faith in Christ unless they make clear the basic biblical truths of the gospel, which Paul deemed is "of primary importance":

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NKJV)

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Every proclamation of the gospel must focus on "preaching Christ crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23), as Paul always did. When any message excludes this truth, it is simply pretending to be evangelistic.

Other related articles:

Biblical view of miracles

Definition and Purpose of Miracles

Are miracles necessary for today?

Miracles or Providence of God?

If God performed miracles before why do we limit him today?

False Miracles

If God performed miracles before why do we limit him today?

Journey for truth

If God performed miracles before why do we limit him today?

Throughout history, God has performed miracles;

  1. Moses led the Israelites through the parted Red Sea.
  2. During Elijah's ministry, God performed miracles to demonstrate His power and authority over false gods and idolatry.
  3. Elisha made an axe head float.
  4. Jesus actually performed healings, miracles, signs, and wonders.
  5. The apostles themselves performed miracles as described in the New Testament scriptures.

Furthermore, God can still perform miracles today taking the words of Jesus "all things are possible with God" (Matthew 19:26) His power hasn't diminished since the days of the early church.

It is imperative that we believe all of the above, and if God chooses to do so, He is still capable of performing miracles today. It is important to note, however, that most miracles claimed by modern-day prophets in the charismatic movement have nothing in common with Biblical miracles.

God does not need to do miracles for everyone in order for Him to accomplish His will. Nor does He need to do miracles for every Christian to prove His love and existence.

In the past miracles were key to authenticating the revelation of the Word of God. Once the Bible was canonized there is no longer a need to authenticate a preacher via signs and wonders. We can now authenticate any preacher and their teachings by comparing what they say with the word of God.

So, does God still need to perform miracles? Do we need ongoing miracles to substantiate the Bible? Should believers claim miracles by faith? Does God do miracles on demand? The answer is no and there is nothing in scripture that indicates that miracles like those during the apostolic era continue today.

Even reading the book of Acts it is evident that there is a decline in the number of miracles performed. In the early chapters of the book of Acts there are an abundance of miraculous signs and wonders. For example:

  • Acts 2:43 (NKJV): "Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."
  • Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV): "And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people… Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed."

However, as the narrative progresses, the focus begins to shift away from miracles and toward the spread of the gospel and the establishment of church doctrine. By the later chapters of Acts, miracles are less prominent, and Paul’s ministry, in particular, emphasizes teaching and enduring suffering rather than performing miracles (Acts 14:22, Acts 20:20-21).

Even in Paul’s letters, there is a notable absence of encouragement for believers to seek miracles. Instead, the emphasis is on spiritual maturity, faith, and perseverance (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:9). By the time Paul writes to Timothy, he does not perform a miracle for Trophimus, who remains ill at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), but advises Timothy to take wine for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).

This decline reiterates the transitional nature of miracles during the apostolic era—primarily as a tool for authenticating the message of the gospel, which had now been firmly established.

In conclusion, while God remains sovereign and fully capable of performing miracles, the purpose of miracles in Scripture was primarily to authenticate His messengers and their message. With the completion of the canon of Scripture, there is no longer a need for miracles to confirm the truth of God's Word. The Bible is sufficient, complete, and able to equip believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

This does not mean God has stopped intervening in the lives of His people; He continues to work providentially, orchestrating events for His purposes and His glory. However, we should not expect miracles to occur with the same frequency or purpose as during the biblical era. Instead of focusing on miraculous signs, believers are called to walk by faith, trust in God's providence, and rely on the ultimate miracle: the transforming power of the gospel in the lives of those who believe.

Other related articles:

Biblical view of miracles

Definition and Purpose of Miracles

Are miracles necessary for today?

Miracles or Providence of God?

Miracles in evangelism

False Miracles

miracles or providence of God?

Journey for truth

Miracles or Providence of God?

Many people regard small incidents and circumstances as miracles, such as finding a parking near the mall entrance, a friend returning your money just when you needed it, a mother showing up just at the right time when her child was going to have an accident, or even praying for someone and they happen call you at the exact same time.

All of these instances have people stopping and saying, "wow that was a miracle." But is it truly a miracle as the Bible defines it?

Although we might describe those things as miracles, they aren't miracles. It would be more appropriate to refer to those daily miracles as "acts of providence” where God orchestrates the natural course of events in order to achieve His will and purpose.

So what is the difference between a miracle and God's providence?

Miracles are direct interventions of God in the natural world. On the other hand, God’s providence isn’t miraculous (in the sense that it interrupts the natural order), but rather God weaves all contingencies, events, words, decisions, acts, and all elements of normal life together supernaturally to accomplish His purpose.

The word providence comes from the Latin word providentia: “pro” meaning before, and “videre” meaning “to see.” In simple terms, “God sees to it beforehand.”

Providence is God's arrangement of things beforehand for His purposes to be fulfilled. Since God is in control, there is no such thing as chance, luck, or coincidence.

It does not simply mean that God has foreknowledge, but far more than that. God is working in advance to arrange circumstances and situations for fulfilling His purposes.

Through 'providence,' God is still able to control everything in the world today without ever performing a miracle.

God's providence is evident throughout the Scriptures. Here are some examples;

  • God providentially arranged for Joseph to rise to a high position in Egypt to preserve His people. As Joseph exclaimed “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Gen. 50:20).
  • God providentially arranged for Ester to be in a position to save Israel. As Mordecai reminded her “for if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:14).
  • Solomon acknowledged God’s providential control over events and circumstances when he wrote “the mind of man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9).
  • Paul also experienced God's Divine providence in His life and ministry and acknowledged it when He wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, and are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God also provided for Paul in his time of need by providentially causing the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs (Philippians 4:10).

In today’s world of scientific achievement we hear less and less about God's providence. Our idea of the world is one vast machine that even God Himself cannot interrupt or control. But as we can see from the examples in God's word above, God is clearly working in nature and in the lives of His people.

Life is not a series of accidents; it is a series of appointments, as God’s providence ensures that every event in a believer’s life—whether big or small—is part of His perfect plan to guide, shape, and fulfill His purposes for them.

R. C. Sproul in his book, “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” said the following about God's providence;

“There is a crucial difference between the providence of God and fortune, fate, or luck. The key to this difference is found in the personal character of God. Fortune is blind while God is all-seeing. Fate is impersonal while God is a Father. Luck is dumb while God can speak. There are no blind, impersonal forces at work in human history. All is brought to pass by the invisible hand of Providence.”

Other related articles:

Biblical view of miracles

Definition and Purpose of Miracles

Are miracles necessary for today?

If God performed miracles before why do we limit him today?

Miracles in evangelism

False Miracles