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I am wary, when speaking of truths, of categorizing them into “first-class truths” and “second-class truths.” For example, in A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity, Albert Mohler distinguishes between first-order doctrines (a denial of which represents the eventual denial of Christianity itself), second-order doctrines (upon which Bible-believing Christians may disagree but that create significant boundaries between believers, whether as distinct congregations or denominations), and third-order doctrines (upon which Christians may disagree but yet remain in close fellowship, even within local congregations).
I do appreciate the sensitivity that exists in creating such labels. Some chapters in the Bible, such as the first ten chapters of 1 Chronicles, are not as important for Christian doctrine as the ten chapters of the combined letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. They are all equally inspired and God-given portions of the Word, but they fulfill different purposes at different epochs in the history of redemption. Those ten Pauline chapters are among the most doctrinally valuable in Holy Scripture.
So, too, we believe that some divine revelations have a huge significance. I like the familiar metaphor of trunk-and-branch truths as compared to twig-and-leaf truths. I like the softer impact of the biological metaphor between things that are primary and more significant, and things that are secondary and less consequential. Christian unity will necessarily make some similar sorts of distinctions. We have to do so if we are going to continue happily in our fraternals, publishing houses, magazines, and conferences.
Erik Thoennes’ perspective (from his first essay on “Doctrine” in the ESV Study Bible) also seeks to discern the relative importance of certain theological beliefs. He considers this discernment to be vital for effective Christian life and ministry. He reckons that both the purity and unity of the church are at stake in such distinctions. How does he divide theological issues? Four ways:
- absolutes define the core beliefs of the Christian faith;
- convictions, while not core beliefs, may have significant impact on the health and effectiveness of the church;
- opinions are less-clear issues that generally are not worth dividing over; and
- questions are currently unsettled issues.
He further suggests weighing each issue according to at least seven considerations:
- biblical clarity;
- relevance to the character of God;
- relevance to the essence of the gospel;
- biblical frequency and significance (how often in Scripture it is taught, and what weight Scripture places upon it);
- effect on other doctrines;
- consensus among Christians (past and present); and
- effect on personal and church life.
These criteria for determining the importance of particular beliefs must be considered in light of their cumulative weight. The whole impact on your hearers and readers should be considered collectively in determining how important an issue is to Christian testimony and fellowship. Thoennes writes, “The ability to rightly discern the difference between core doctrines and legitimately disputable matters will keep the church from either compromising important truth or needlessly dividing over peripheral issues.”
I personally place in the category of twig-and-leaf truths such convictions as the following: various schemes of church government; the meaning of the millennium; ideas about the relation between church and state; watching TV on the Lord’s Day; exclusively singing metrical psalms in corporate worship; employing musical instruments other than an organ in Sunday worship; singing exclusively unaccompanied; what version of the Bible you use; what collection of manuscripts from the Greek New Testament you champion; whether you drink alcoholic drinks; whether you celebrate Christmas; whether you go to movies; and whether your church holds to a large old confession of faith. I consider such convictions to be understandable but generally see them as twig-and-leaf beliefs. Holy obedience to God does not require that other Christians be enthusiastic about all of my convictions, however dearly I hold them. I am hardly ever asked about such things. Do not make a rejection of twig-and-leaf beliefs a ground for isolating yourself theologically.
Our priority is the system of Christian teaching that is summarized in the great confessions of faith in both their moral and theological statements. Biblical unity with these priorities promotes love and fellowship among believers. We actually meet one another in those gatherings and sing praise together. “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices” (Prov. 29:6). We are united in Christ. In His great prayer, the Lord prayed that we might be one (John 17:21). Paul exhorts:
[Be] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:3–6)