A couple of weeks ago on the blog, we looked at the value of
theological controversy. There are
benefits to the church when it has to defend the truth. But it is possible to become so zealous
for the truth that we become inflexible with those whose theology does not line
up exactly with ours. For some,
theological debate becomes the focus of their Christian life. Are there things in theology that are
not worth arguing about? If so,
how do we know what those things are?
I think the book of Titus helps to give us a guideline to
direct us in this. It does seem
that there are points of theology about which it is not profitable to
contend. In our study of Titus
last Spring, we saw this: But avoid
foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law,
for they are unprofitable and worthless (Titus 3:9). One of Paul’s concerns in his letter to
Titus was that there were people in the church who were causing division by
stirring up controversies. He was
so concerned that he gave this instruction: As
for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have
nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and
sinful; he is self-condemned (Titus 3:10-11).
So should we resist all
theological controversy for the sake of unity? No, Paul teaches that there are some things about which we
must stand firm. I want you to insist on these things, so
that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good
works. These things are excellent and profitable for people (3:8).
He writes something similar earlier in the book: Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one
disregard you (2:15). Insist on these things…declare these
things…let no one disregard you.
The big question is, what are “these things”?
The short answer is the gospel. In both ch2 and ch3, the apostle takes time to review gospel truths. In ch2:
11 For the grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation for all people,
12 training us to renounce ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in
the present age,
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the
appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us to redeem us
from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession
who are zealous for good works.
15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one
disregard you.
Then in ch3:
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness
of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done
by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of
regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace
we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want
you to insist on these things, so
that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good
works. These things are excellent
and profitable for people.
It is regarding the truth of the gospel that Paul wants
Titus to insist and to make sure that no one disregards. He exhorts Titus in this while also
directing him to admonish those who engage in “foolish controversies.” For this reason, I think we can
formulate a broad principle regarding the points of theology about which we
should insist: any point of theology that directly pertains to the gospel is
one for which we should contend.
For example, we should insist on the literal death and
resurrection of Christ. Paul
writes in 1 Cor 15:17, And if Christ has
not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. This is not a point of theology about
which we should agree to disagree.
If we lose these things, we lose the gospel. Likewise, we should insist on substitutionary atonement,
that is, that Christ died in our place in order to satisfy the wrath of God for
our sin. 1Pet 3:18: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the
righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. This is the gospel. We
cannot do without it.
On the other hand, there are some points of theology that do
not appear to be integral to the gospel and therefore may not be a reason
for serious controversy (as opposed to friendly debate). It is my opinion that eschatology is in
this category. Eschatology is the
study of the last things – what is going to happen in the end. There are people who believe there will
be a literal millennium (1,000 year reign of Christ on earth) in the future,
others who believe we are in it now, and others who believe there is no millennium
at all. Some believe the church
will be raptured before the 7-year tribulation, others believe the church
will be raptured somewhere in the middle, and others who believe the church
will be raptured after the tribulation.
While some of us find it enjoyable to discuss these things and engage in
friendly debate about them, they are not essential to the gospel itself.
Admittedly, there is some gray here. Some may think a given doctrine is
central to the gospel while others do not. Still I think this guideline is valuable for helping us
exclude certain areas of theology from the realm of serious theological
controversy. I would propose that
we ask ourselves the question, is the gospel itself damaged if we allow for
differences on this point of theology?
Clearly there are things worth fighting for and others that
are not. I have proposed but one
guideline for determining which is which.
I could propose at least one more and may in a coming blog post. But I would be curious to see if you
would suggest other guidelines?
Posted by Greg Birdwell
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