When it comes to Christianity, there have been various issues that have sparked debate and disagreement throughout history. At Real Life Ministries, we divide these issues into three categories: salvation, unity and peace essentials, and preferences.
The first category focuses on the core beliefs necessary for salvation. These are the beliefs that someone must accept and hold in order to be considered a Christian.
The second category includes doctrinal issues that mature Christians have debated for centuries. While we understand that someone can be saved without holding a specific correct understanding of one of these issues, we believe that it is important for our church to be unified. Therefore, we consider these issues as very important and having a shared view allows us to move forward together as a team. Just because these issues are not directly related to salvation does not mean they are not crucial for maintaining unity within the church.
Lastly, the third category encompasses personal preferences or non-salvational views about doctrinal stances that do not impact the integrity of scripture or the alignment of believers. These matters center around individual preferences and choices.
Understanding the distinctions between these categories is vital for navigating theological complexities and fostering unified relationships within our community at Real Life Ministries.
In order to achieve unity, it is crucial for us to have a shared understanding of these buckets. It is important to distinguish between issues that belong in the first and second buckets, and to recognize that there are differences of opinion in the third bucket. While these opinions are not salvation issues, they are still highly popular topics of discussion.
The core of what we are saying is that while discussions about non salvational issues within Christian doctrine may be intriguing, it is unnecessary and can even be harmful to engage in conflict over these details. It is better to come together on the things that impact salvation. Let’s focus on the shared beliefs and values that unite us, rather than allowing disagreements over preferential details to divide us. Then together, we can strengthen our faith and impact the world for good. One person at a time.
You can view Real Life Ministries Doctrinal Statement HERE:
Click below to watch Jim speak further on the Three Buckets and share some examples of where different issues would be placed:
