Last week I completed the first year and first third
of the total course work for the Master of Theological Studies at Midwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary. Of the classes that I am taking in pursuit of
this degree, all are online except one (Leadership Practicum). I will be
fulfilling this requirement during a unique experience. I just completed
History of Christianity I and will be taking History of Christianity II during
the second term of the spring semester.
History of Christianity I covered the apostolic age through
the middle ages up to the reformation. History of Christianity II will cover
the reformation to the modern church age. Following that class I have been
blessed to go on a trip with the seminaries Historical Theology
professors (Dr. Owen Strachan, Dr. Jason G. Duesing and Jared C. Wilson) to
fulfill the Leadership Practicum requirement. We will be going on a historical
tour of New England; studying the reformation as it occurred in New England, as
well as the gospel work going on there today. My wife will be taking part in
the experience alongside me.
The problem that I have noticed is a tendency, by
those on social media to make non-essentials an essential. I will explain by
comparing two men and their beliefs; let’s call them Bill and Bob. Bill and Bob
both believe that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit; one God in three persons,
a Holy Trinity. Both men believe that Jesus is the God Man; fully God and fully
Man except in sin. Both men believe that Jesus death on the cross was a sin
sacrifice; Christ died for our sins per the scriptures. Both men believe that
on the first day of the week Jesus rose bodily from the dead. Both men believe
that Jesus will return and all the dead will rise to face Him in judgment; the
goats to eternal punishment and the sheep to eternal life. However, the two men
disagree on how to interpret Genesis 1-3. Bill believes Genesis 1-3 to be an
historical narrative of creation and the fall of man. Bob believes Genesis 1-3
to be an allegorical narrative on the sovereignty of God and total inability of
man. Which one of these two men’s beliefs are orthodox?
The correct answer
throughout the history of Christianity is that both Bill and Bob’s beliefs are
orthodox. A word of warning; if you chose one man’s beliefs over the other
there is a chance that you are not orthodox in your beliefs. Notice that I did
not ask which man was correct with regards to Genesis 1-3, nor do I endeavor to
do so, but I only asked which one of these two men’s beliefs are orthodox. Orthodoxy
is based on one’s beliefs regarding the essentials alone. How one interprets
Genesis 1-3 is not essential to the Christian faith, it is an important
discussion, but not essential to the Christian faith.
These two men can have a brotherly discussion as to
why each believes his view of Genesis 1-3 is correct. The conversation must
occur where both Bill and Bob affirm the other to be a Christian based on his
faith in the essentials alone. They also must end the conversation on those same
grounds. If at any time Bill or Bob believes the other to not be Christian,
because they do not hold the same position on a tertiary belief like the
question in prose, though holding to the previously mentioned essentials, he
has crossed the line and is the one in need of repentance. He needs repentance,
because he is adding too orthodoxy by making a non-essential an essential.
Dr. Duesing, my last instructor and provost at the seminary described seminary as
formal, structured, discipleship. I have learned so much during this past year.
Therefore, if you are willing, pray that I continue to grow in faith and
knowledge of God, the Father, His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, and the church. May I also
grow with regards to love; love both for the church and the lost. Blessings to
you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
