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I contest your view that all doctrines are not equal.

 Submitted: 3/1/2008
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Question: Your assertion that 'not all doctrines are equal' simply does not align with the sound precepts of the Bible. Indeed, such an assertion represents, at its best, nothing more than a personal opinion. Does not Paul's words to Timothy explicitly state that 'ALL' scripture is profitable for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness? There appears to be the widespread belief among many Oneness Apostolic Pentecostals that any doctrinal teaching other than those pertaining to repentance, water baptism 'in the name of the Lord,' and the baptism of the Holy Ghost [or, what is embraced as the fundamental salvational doctrines] have no bearing on ones eternal destiny. I refute this teaching, for it is clear, to me at least, that EVERY teaching of the Bible are important [and therefore of EQUAL importance], else one is left to wonder why God deemed it necessary to have such things included within the written record of His sacred Oracles! Indeed, did not Paul also advise us that 'there MUST be also heresies among you' in his 1st epistle to the church at Corinth? (I Cor. 11:19) Did not his words give 'witness' to the words of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 18:7 & Luke 17:1, wherein we find Him saying that 'offences' [i.e., 'heresies'] MUST NEEDS BE?
Answer: You have taken our statement out of context and mis-stated what we have said. We were speaking within the limited context of deciding whether or not a person should change to a different local assembly. Our statement that all doctrines are not equal was only in this regard. We believe we made ourselves clear (and we invite all readers to read the answer you are respoinding to); yet you have decided to seize upon our statement and accuse us of watering down the significance of doctrine. Please note that we did not say that all doctrines are not important. Indeed, we believe that all dcotrine is vitally important. But the reality is that if I insist on 100% doctrinal compatablity as a percondition for fellowship, I may find myself quite isolated. Even Paul did not require 100% (see Romans 14:1-13). We believe God is restoring the church to the unity of the faith, but until them we must strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit.


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