“On what basis can a righteous God justify the ungodly? It is entirely and all of grace” ~ Allistar Begg

Often, as a pastor, I write about the Unity of the Church. It is a topic near and dear to me, as I desire to see greater unity in the Church as God desires.

But I am one to admit, that I believe their are levels to unity. By this, I mean that variation within the Church is beautiful. We all have quirks, personalities, and attributes that make us entirely unique and valuable in our efforts for the Gospel. There is a scale to the Margin of Error applicable and their are some things that can not be excused.

In study, I have found three categories that can be laid out many ways; however, need to be in this order:

Essentials, debatables, opinions. In discussion, if a person moves from let to right, their allowable margin of error widens. But as people move, right to left, the margin of error slims. In essentials, there must be unity in the Body of Christ; otherwise, the consequences can be as grave as you not being in the Body of Christ (Psalm 133:1; Philippians 2:2).

This used to be called a “poser.” But in your opinions, you can be entirely valid as long as your opinions do not encroach on the essentials which allow for no error. Primarily these essentials have to do with the personhood and deity of Jesus Christ and the Truth of His death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Debate this and your margin of error is shattered. You are wrong.

But if you were to discuss whether or not Adam was made from the dirt with an incredible six pack and bulging muscles (Genesis 1-2). I say, have at it! God is truly the artist.

Considering this scale can help you stay out of hot water, but also help you to identify the things that really matter in the faith. And-

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” ~ Romans 12:18

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