No! So, why are we in such a state of disunity? We tend to defend these divisions to ourselves with many justifications. The most often given justification is – ‘This split is due to doctrinal differences. It’s unavoidable and justifiable’. In a previous issue of Grace, we studied how each believer needs to behave in order to avoid divisions in the church (See Grace – Blossom27:Memorial2010). In the same issue, we noted that even divisions based on doctrines should occur only if there are conflicts on foundational doctrines. It’s rather acceptable to tolerate disagreements in other areas of Bible study (See Grace – Blossom27:Memorial2010,para04). Surely, the foundational doctrines that unite us are much greater and valuable than the various other doctrines that divide us. This is not just our opinion. This is actually the teaching of the Bible! Therefore, in this issue, we are going to explore in detail the foundation that unites us. We pray that God would channel this article to heal the numerous divisions among us, and unite the brethren in love.
(2) Today, the primary driver behind the many unnecessary divisions amongst true Christians is the issue of alleged doctrinal differences. This is so because there is no clarity amidst the true Christians as to what the foundational truths are. Due to this ignorance, certain doctrines are prioritized based on one’s own whims and fancies. These people then refuse to embrace others who don’t accept those doctrines. They treat them as non-Christians, thus creating schisms amongst the brethren. God has not given us the right to decide on our own whether someone is a true Christian or not, and neither has He granted us the right to select what the fundamental Christian doctrines are. Since the Bible itself clearly lays out what the foundational doctrines regarding Christ are, it is wrong to divide the church based on non-foundational doctrines. Who the true Christians are, is not determined by any worldly organization, association, or an elder. And no, it’s not possible to become a true Christian by signing on an organization’s card. Rather, only those who believe and accept the foundational doctrines regarding Christ are the members of the heavenly class. Therefore, only when a person chooses to deny one of these fundamental truths, he or she is to be separated from the church of Christ. All others in the Church are in the fellowship of Christ. So, we too need to remain in fellowship with them. The reason we say this is because, in today’s ecclesias, we do hear conflicting doctrines being preached. One would declare that the kingdom of God has begun. Another would say no, it has not. One would preach a particular Biblical chronology while another would teach something different. Similarly, it’s very true that there are also other numerous topics like prophecies, type-antitypes, predestination, covenants etc. that generate conflicting doctrinal ideas among brethren. So, what is the conclusion to all this? Should we set apart from the church the brother or sister who advocates a conflicting doctrine? Should there be quarrels and cold wars? Not at all! Why so? That’s because, we can cast aside someone only if he or she distorts the foundational truths. But, what are these fundamental truths? Some may consider Biblical chronology or certain prophecies or any other thing they like as primary doctrines. If so, is it correct? Certainly not! God has explained very clearly through Paul what the fundamental truths are. In addition, Paul says very clearly that the church of Christ should not be divided due to differences on non-foundational doctrines. Paul goes on to caution that anyone working contrary to this shall have to endure the wrath of God. Let us see this in more detail in this issue. Since the subject is so important, we humbly request our readers to read it with utmost attention.
(3) What is going to help us in this study is the similarity between the divisions that afflicted the first century church of Corinth and that which afflicts us today. Let us study the counsel offered by Paul in this context. Just as there are many preachers amidst us today, there were many preachers in the church of Corinth as well. Since each person followed a preacher of his or her choice, there arose jealousy, unnecessary debates, and differences of opinions in the Corinthian church. This, Paul rebukes saying –“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?” (1 Corinthians 3:3,4). Paul asserts that it is Christ who is important, and not the preachers (See 1 Corinthians 3:5-9). It is only after this that Paul begins to explain an important teaching which is of utmost importance to the subject we have taken up for study in this issue– “By the Grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3: 10, 11). Here, Paul refers to Christ as the foundation. Moreover, he warns against anyone laying anything other than the foundation of Christ. But, the question that springs up is what does Paul refer to as the foundation of Christ? In his epistle to the Hebrews, Paul himself answers it clearly – “Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (ASV) (Hebrews 6:1,2). Note that the context is an exact match as in both places Paul is talking about laying the foundation. The teachings that Paul lists here are essentially those he calls as the foundation of Christ. And those are the same he is referring to when he is speaking to the church at Corinth. As Paul says, there is no foundation other than that of Christ. Hence, those who deny the truth about the doctrines listed by him here can’t be called Christians. Likewise, if someone has a proper understanding of these doctrines, then we have no authority to cast them aside. We cannot say then that he or she is not a Christian brother or sister of ours. Why not? Because, this foundation, as we saw, has been established by the Word of God! It is binding. Before we continue to read Paul’s counsel to the church of Corinth, let us explore in detail every one of the fundamental doctrines regarding Christ that Paul refers to in his epistle to the Hebrews.
(4) The first fundamental doctrine Paul refers to is – repentance from dead works. Christ began his ministry with a call for repentance (Mat 4: 17). Repentance means a change in intentions and actions. It’s the Bible’s teaching that the sinful Man’s natural ways are wrong. “Whom should we look towards for repentance?” is a question of significant import. Indeed, it’s essential for us to look towards the only true God, Yahweh, and the one he sent, Jesus Christ. The beginning of repentance is the knowledge that Yahweh is the only true God, and it is only through his son Christ that we can have redemption. The next question that rises is this – what do we need to repent of? Paul answers – from dead works. What are the acts that lead to death? Sin, of course! The Bible states that the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23, Jam 1:15). Hence, it’s necessary to repent of our sinful nature. It was due to Adam’s sin that mankind entered a state of sin. As the descendants of Adam, the seed of sin is in all of us, making us sinful even before our birth (Psalm 51:5). Ironically, when today’s society tries to propagate that there is good in every man, the Bible contradicts that notion by declaring that man carries the seed of sin. Therefore, it’s absolutely necessary for us to realize that we are sinners. Only then do we become worthy of receiving the forgiveness that is through Christ. Not only do we need to realize we are sinners, but also persist in the state of seeking grace and forgiveness until death. Because, even after becoming a Christian, even after much discipline, we will err at times due to our fallen state (1 John 1:7-9). And during those times, we need to repent and not continue in sin. If one does not repent but continues in sin despite repeated admonitions, this person has transgressed the fundamental Christian truth/doctrine of repentance, and hence this person needs to be expelled/banned from the Christian fellowship until repentance (1 Cor 5:1,2). That’s correct and appropriate. Therefore, a person can’t become a Christian unless he or she realises and repents of his/her sinfulness, and understands that God provides salvation through Christ. Also, if a person possessing this kind of understanding regarding repentance, over a period of time loses it and refuses to mend ways, it means that that person is erring in his or her Christian race.
(5) The next thing that Paul refers to as a foundational doctrine is – ‘faith toward God’. Paul defines faith as the confidence we place in what we cannot see (Heb 11:1). It is fundamentally essential for every Christian to have faith in the God who can’t be seen. For this to be possible isn’t it necessary to know who God is in the first place? Indeed, it is crucial to know that Yahweh is God, and He is the only God. Those with a belief in the blasphemous concept of a ‘triumvirate God’ or any such perversions can’t be considered as true Christians as such people do not possess the knowledge of this foundational Christian truth. Moreover, the faith that this only God Yahweh would not forsake us in any trial or trouble that might befall us is also to be found in us. Such a faith is a basic necessity for any Christian. Listening to false teachings, if someone gets confused who God is, or loses his or her faith in God in times of trial, and refuses to mend his or her ways in spite of repeated counsel, such a person can be excommunicated from the church until he or she repents. This is because Paul declares faith towards God as a fundamental doctrine. James too talks about faith. He states that faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26). Therefore, true Christians also have to understand that faith in God can’t simply be nominal, but needs to be established through works of faith. Only then would their faith in God be meaningful. Let us not forget what James says – Even demons possess a meaningless faith in God (James 2:19). From the illustrations James supplies regarding what works of faith are, we are able to recognize that works like the preaching of the gospel or church activities are the works of faith we need to undertake. We explored this in detail in some previous issues of Grace (See Grace – Blossom24:Jan10,para6). Therefore, performing works of faith is also a fundamental doctrine of Christ. This is because anyone who denies the necessity of preaching the gospel or doing works of faith cannot be said to have a living faith in God. That’s the reason Paul cries out, ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’ (1 Cor 9:16). Therefore, true Christians are only those who know who the true God is, trust Him with unshakable faith, understand that they need to do works of faith to prove their faith, and then are striving to live thus.
(6) The next foundational doctrine that Paul declares is ‘teaching of baptisms’. That is the truth about baptism. Unless one participates in water baptism by immersion, he/she can’t become a Christian (See John 3:5). But, it’s important that a person participates in baptism after understanding the true meaning of baptism. Today, even though many have participated in the immersion baptism, they have done so without understanding its true meaning, and follow Christ in expectation of worldly blessings. There are many today that claim one can become prosperous by following Christ, and then after they have hoarded wealth, they say Christ gave it to them. Such cannot be counted as true Christians. Today, there are many such prosperity focused groups. Since Paul states baptism to be a fundamental Christian truth, it is necessary to understand it properly to be reckoned as true Christians. And only those who have taken baptism with a clear understanding of what it is can be counted as true Christians. Baptism requires a decision both to die to this world, and to dedicate to live for Christ (Rom 6:3). Those who have taken such a decision must know that to present themselves as a living sacrifice to God is the true and proper worship (Rom 12:1). Therefore, it is necessary for them to not only give up sinful life, but also to expend all of their strength in spiritual works such as gospel work and church activities. Moreover, one also needs to know that in this path one can expect fiery ordeal instead of worldly blessings (1 Pet 4:12). It’s vital to know that heavenly blessings can be achieved only if one overcomes these ordeals and endures suffering for the sake of gospel, and keeps the baptism covenant until death (2 Tim 2:12). Therefore, if one understands all these truths, accepts them and then takes baptism– then he or she is a true Christian. God does not honour nominal baptisms nor does he count them as valid. So, a person who has no clear understanding of what baptism is cannot be regarded as a true Christian. It would be wrong to do so since Paul has listed it as a fundamental truth.
(7) The next fundamental truth Paul speaks about is – ‘the laying on of hands’. The laying on of hands refers to the anointment of the Holy Spirit. Why does he call it as laying on of hands? Because during Paul’s time, people were anointed with the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-18, 2 Tim 1:6). What Paul means to say is that anyone who does not properly understand what the anointment of the Holy Spirit means can’t be a true Christian. When we take the true baptism, then God fills us with the Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit transforms us into a new creation, leads us, guides us in our Gospel life and understanding of the Bible, and grows in us the essential fruit of the Spirit that is love. For these reasons, the Holy Spirit is very vital for us. And, that’s why Paul refers to the anointment of the Holy Spirit as a foundational truth. So, if someone misunderstands what the Holy Spirit is, can they be considered as true Christians? Certainly not! The spirit of God is the Holy Spirit. This is something all true Christians should know. There are those who believe in the modern day Pentecostal false spiritism. That deception is bewitching people in the guise of false gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christians who believe in such things can’t be considered as true Christians. Is it right to equate the works of evil spirits to that of the Holy Spirit? No! Those who don’t understand why the gifts of the Holy Spirit were given to the first century Christians, and don’t realize that they have since ceased to operate, can’t be true Christians (See Grace – Blossom08:October2008). Without the Holy Spirit none can live in Christ. If that’s the case, then how can we say someone is in Christ if that person mistakes evil spirits for the Holy Spirit? We can’t! And since Paul lists the anointment of the Holy Spirit as a fundamental truth, this is a precept of the Bible.
(8) The next foundational doctrine Paul refers to is – ‘the resurrection of the dead’. It is eminently true that belief in resurrection is an important foundation of the Christian faith –‘But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith’ (1 Corinthians 15:12-14). If someone does not believe that all those who die in Adam would be made alive in Christ in the kingdom of God because of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, then that person cannot be a true Christian. That Christ will come again and resurrect everyone, and lead the world to a golden age is a foundational doctrine of Christ. Therefore, only those who understand that there is resurrection for all in Christ are true Christians. We can’t accept those as Christians who believe in false doctrines such as hell which are contrary to the foundational doctrine of resurrection.
(9) Finally, Paul says that the doctrine of ‘eternal judgment’ is also one of the Christian foundational truths. It is essential for Christians to understand the nature of the judgment of God. If a Christian has no knowledge of what God’s judgment would be, would he have any fear of God? It’s a fundamental Christian faith that God will ultimately judge all that is evil. So, what is His judgment? Eternal death, which is essentially the second death, is the eternal judgment of God. Only those who are aware of this are true Christians. Those who believe that God is some sort of torturer who would torment people in hell for eternity, and those who believe that God will allow evil to thrive without establishing justice can’t be true Christians. Every Christian needs to know that if we of the church forsake God, then we would be going to second death. A true Christian needs to know that God will judge the world as well in due time i.e. in the coming period of judgment called the Kingdom of God. And also that God’s final punishment even then is second death. Since Paul declares these as fundamental truths, no Christian should have any other contradicting beliefs regarding these.
(10) Thus, these six doctrines that we explored are the foundational doctrines regarding Christ. Let us continue to study Paul’s counsel to the church of Corinth – ‘By the Grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). We saw in detail what foundation Paul is talking about here. Since every Christian needs to have only that foundation, no one else must lay any other foundation, Paul declares. In his epistle to the Hebrews, Paul cautions that Christians who drift away from this foundation will be subject to second death (Hebrews 6:1-4.) Now, let us pay attention to what he has to say about building on that foundation- ‘each one should build with care’. Some interpret the building on the foundation as the building of one’s good character. But, we saw that foundation is a reference to foundational doctrines. If so, then what’s being built on that foundation should also be a reference to doctrines, isn’t it? Indeed! We saw what the Christian foundational truths are, and we all build many doctrines upon them. Interpretation of prophecies, type-antitype studies, ideas about predestination, chronology are some of the various doctrines we build on the foundational doctrines. It’s regarding them that Paul declares it’s each person’s individual responsibility to build properly. Let us continue to read – ‘If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames’ (1 Corinthians 3: 12-15). What Paul says here is that the doctrines we build on the foundational truths, will be tried by fire (by the trials in our Christian faith). The examples such as gold, silver, costly stones as cited by Paul will not be burnt by fire. At the same time wood, hay or straw will be burnt up by fire. Therefore, Paul classifies the various doctrines we build over the foundational truths into two categories – those that get burned up and those that do not get burned up. That is, if our non-foundational doctrines are as valuable as gold, silver, costly stones, i.e., biblically correct, then they will not get burned during the period of trials. We will also receive the reward which is the reward of being the bride of Christ. At the same time, if our non-foundational doctrines are not valuable like wood, hay or straw, i.e. biblically wrong, then they will be burned up in the fiery trial. We will then be losers, and won’t have the opportunity to become the bride of Christ. But, as our foundational doctrines still remain correct, we will be saved as one among the multitude. This is what Paul explains here. Let us carefully consider the meaning of this revelation by Paul. How plainly and exquisitely the Holy Spirit has revealed this important doctrine through Paul! There is absolutely no need to fight over the non-foundational doctrines that we build on the foundational doctrines. Why not? Paul gives the reason saying that it is only the trials of the day that will reveal in the end if the non-foundational doctrines we believed were right or wrong. He also states that it’s the responsibility of each person to build them right. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, each person must search the scriptures, discern what is right and then build. If they were to build with the right non-foundational doctrines like gold, silver, costly stones, they will be rewarded and they can become the bride of Christ. But, if they build with wrong non-foundational doctrines such as wood, hay or straw to build, then they will lose their reward, but will be saved as one of the multitude because they still got the correct foundational doctrines. Those who lose even the foundational doctrines will be the ones who will be subject to second death. How clear is the truth!
(11) So, we should be careful never to divide or quarrel over differences that arise regarding those non-foundational doctrines that we build on the foundational doctrines. Paul continues to rebuke the church of Corinth regarding this. He warns those who were instigators of unnecessary divisions in the church, calling them destroyers of God’s temple (1Cor 3:16,17). He advises that none should consider oneself wise, nor should any boast about human leaders since all preachers are of Christ (1 Cor 3:18-23). Then he discusses the judgment of teachings and preachers(1Cor 4:1, 2). It is only the Lord who can judge, he says(1Corinthians 4:3,4). Indeed, Paul had already stated clearly that none should make any alteration to the foundational doctrines regarding Christ. It’s those foundational doctrines that constitute the gospel of Christ. Any brother or sister who preaches doctrines contrary to the foundational doctrines of Christ is not a Christian at all, and must be disassociated with until he or she repents ( Gal 1:8; 2 John 1: 9-10). But, didn’t Paul also tell us earlier that the quality of the other non-foundational doctrines that are built on the foundational teachings will be revealed by the Day? Therefore, we should not judge those very many non-foundational doctrines that are built on the foundational doctrines before the specified time – Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God (1Corinthians 4:5). This period of judgment will come after the second presence of Christ. Then, God will judge and endow each with the appropriate reward, says Paul. Even as Christ’s second presence has already begun, God’s judgment on the church hasn’t started yet. Peter says that the Day of Judgment will begin with the destruction of this second world (2 Pet 3:7). Christ is making preparations for this, and the church also needs to be completed. We, who are in the flesh, can’t know or judge the thoughts of others yet. But, we would be able to do so after our resurrection. We, who live during Christ’s second presence, are nearing that time. We are very close to being resurrected. Only after the resurrection, Paul says, God will award praise as a consequence of his judgmental process. God’s judgmental enquiry in the end will reveal who built their building over the foundational doctrines with correct non-foundational doctrines and who built with wrong non-foundational doctrines. Each one will get suitable reward. Those who built right will become members of the 144,000, and those who didn’t build properly, but managed to keep their foundation safe will become members of the multitude. Those who have lost even their foundation would go to second death. Paul proceeds to caution against going beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6). Truly, we must not pass judgment, as Paul has written, ‘It is the Lord who judges.’ So, how is it right, if we were to cast some aside and lose our brotherly love for them because they profess a divergent view on a non-foundational doctrine? Please think! Doesn’t Paul clearly state what the fundamental truths are? In fact, even God doesn’t renounce those whose fundamental truths are correct. As we saw, although they lose their reward, they are sure to be saved in the multitude (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Hence, if we were to divide the church and ostracize a few owing to differences in non-foundational doctrines like chronology, opposing interpretations of prophecies, divergent type-antitype thoughts and for other such teachings that are not foundational, that would be very wrong! Truly, forgetting the glorious foundational doctrines that unify us is sure to provoke God’s anger as Paul himself cautions us to not to do so –‘If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple’ (1 Corinthians 3:17). So, let us be careful.
(12) Does this mean only the foundational doctrines are important and other non-foundational doctrines aren’t? No! Just as we saw, accurate and valuable non-foundational doctrines need to be built over the foundational doctrines to be numbered among the 144,000. So, whether it’s chronology or understanding of the prophecies, or type-antitype study, or any other non-foundational doctrine – they are very important too. For instance, we being the church of the end times have been blessed with many revelations. There have been interpretations of many prophecies, and they have helped us to build various non-foundational doctrines over foundational truths. Let us take the example of the type-antitype study of The Days of Lot that an earlier issue of Grace dealt with(See Grace – Blossom21:October09). As we realize we are in the ends times, by understanding prophecies, through that study we are able to know about the tribulations of our times. That’s how the non-foundational doctrines help us overcome the fiery trials of our times. On the other hand, Paul informs us that those who trust in the wrong non-foundational doctrines will not be able to bear the fires of tribulations, and hence, will be unable to run a race that is worthy to win the ultimate prize of becoming the bride of Christ. This is what Paul clearly explains in his epistle to the Hebrews – “Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (ASV Hebrews 6:1,2). Paul rebukes the Hebrew church which didn’t have clarity even on the foundational doctrines, and continued to debate even them such that foundation doctrines had to be taught (laid) again and again to them. To be mature and attain perfection i.e. to become the bride of Christ, it’s necessary to go beyond the foundational truths, says Paul. What we learnt in 1 Corinthians 3 is again confirmed here directly by Paul, isn’t it? A Christian can become mature only if that person holds onto accurate non-foundational doctrines. Only then can that Christian become the bride. Those who don’t have accurate non-foundational doctrines cannot become Christ’s bride as they cannot run a proper race, but if they have at least sound foundational truths as listed by Paul and live by them, they will be saved in the multitude. But their salvation will be difficult as though one were escaping through the flames (1 Cor 3:15). This is because they wouldn’t have had the guidance of correct non-foundational doctrines like the type-antitype study of The Days of Lot. Hence, they would stumble; go through intense tribulations, endure extreme suffering to get saved. Those who fail to even live according to the foundational truths will be subject to second death. During Paul’s time, the Hebrew church was going in that direction as they constantly confused foundational doctrines itself. Hence, Paul warns them that if they continued this way, they would face second death for sure (Hebrews 6:4).
(13) We saw that holding onto accurate non-foundational doctrines is the key for our maturity to get the ultimate reward. Therefore, we should not neglect them. But some may wonder how one can build the non-foundational doctrines correctly. First, it’s essential for every Christian to do independent Bible study. One must not neglect to do personal study of a particular doctrine just because a specific preacher’s interpretation is acceptable or it’s a familiar tradition. Indeed, Paul said that it’s the personal responsibility of every individual to build the non-foundational doctrines – ‘But each one should build with care’ (1 Cor 3:10). So, each individual must take effort, spend time, and research the Bible personally. Moreover, it’s essential to do this study with an open mind. Of course, there can be no change in the foundational doctrines that Paul talks about. But there could be something wrong in our long time beliefs on certain non-foundational doctrines such as understanding of prophecies, or type-antitype studies. We can root out such errors, only if we do research with an open mind. Moreover, without interpreting the Bible as we like, we should study it contextually. We need to study by looking into meanings of the root language, and by consulting history where necessary. Don’t we have to spend so much care and time to study for worldly affairs? Likewise, we can’t achieve knowledge and maturity in our spiritual life without efforts. Especially, we must not forget that we are in the end times where knowledge is on the increase (Daniel 12:4, See Grace – Blossom33: Sept10:paras5-9). Therefore, a lot of biblical truths are coming out and biblical knowledge is growing in leaps and bounds. In such a situation, refusing to change old wrong explanations will not be beneficial. It’s true that not all long held beliefs are wrong. But it’s vital for each person to individually study the Bible with an open mind and be willing to correct the mistakes in such beliefs. We should never assume that we can never be wrong. We can continue to grow only if we have an attitude that appreciates the fact that it’s human nature to err. We need to have a mindset open to correct old mistakes and keep improving. Moreover, we should not depend just on the teachings of elders or anybody, instead heed Paul’s counsel – each one should build with care. Therefore, when researching the Bible, we should use every resource available. We need to consult the Lexicons, dictionaries, writings on the subject by other brethren and have discussions with fellow brethren, and finally each one should decide for himself what the right teaching is on a topic. To help understand the increased knowledge of the end times, God himself has made available many aids such as Internet. Through them, we can easily discover how a verse is in its root language, and what the Greek-Hebrew grammars are. Those who do not have such abilities should try to learn them. Otherwise, they could study with the help of the brethren who have such access. Even if such online resources are unavailable, there are many books that can be used. It’s important we spend time and effort as that is what God sees and appreciates and it is He who ultimately unlocks the Bible. If we try with an open mind and a true zeal to learn, certainly the Holy Spirit will lead us right, and reveal to us the ‘gold, silver, costly stones’ like non-foundational doctrines to build our building in Christ.
(14) Dear brethren, the foundation that unites us is glorious! So, why then should there be divisions and bitterness amongst us? Shouldn’t we embrace brethren who believe in different non-foundational doctrines with love, instead of ostracising them? It’s not wrong if there are people within the same church with differing non-foundational doctrinal beliefs. We just need to advocate caution that there is no difference of opinion in the foundational doctrines. Aren’t those with conflicting non-foundational doctrinal beliefs our brethren too? Indeed. As Paul says, there should be sharing of concepts and studies on non-foundational doctrines and then, each should determine with care for himself or herself what is correct. God himself will in the end give the judgment. That’s why in our issues, when we deal with non-foundational doctrines such as prophecies, predestination, Angels & Demons etc, we insist that our readers take the effort to search the Bible, and ascertain for themselves what’s correct. There is no doubt in our mind that even those who do not completely accept our point of view on such non-foundational doctrines are too our brethren. At the same time, there are some issues of ours that discuss foundational truths such as Hell and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There could be those who don’t accept those teachings. And though we lovingly seek to make them accept these foundational truths, we do not consider such as true Christians since they don’t accept the foundational doctrines regarding Christ. If we ponder for a moment, most of the now divided brethren share the foundational truths. Why then should there be unnecessary divisions? If every brother/sister and every elder operate with the knowledge of what the foundational truths are as stated by Paul, then there wouldn’t be much separation, and even many existing divisions would disappear. There should be no divisions or discrimination owing to differences of opinions that aren’t foundational, since Paul himself says that only the Day will bring it to light. And, since even God is ready to save those who keep only the foundational truths and err in non-foundational doctrines as the multitude class, none should operate beyond this and divide or ostracize. Truly, we are united in the foundation of Christ. Let us not break that holy love. If we were to work together, we would be able to achieve much in the field of gospel work. The satanic tricks to separate us must be put to dust. Let us be united in love to serve God! Amen.