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.