Absolutely No One Has Perfect Christian Theology

I offered one of my “Quotes ” recently that was understandably misinterpreted. The quote was…

“Every saved Christian that has ever lived has had some error in their theology.”

This brief statement was followed by: “A Biblical Christian worldview perspective – God is too big, life is too nuanced, the Bible too complex and, in some cases, a flat-out mystery for that not to be the case. Christians are held accountable for what we know, not what we don’t know. And, even in those areas where we know we are continuing to sin, God has provided a solution through grace, not works, based on a heart change, not the law (Gal. 2:16) so that we can come to Him as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6) and be forgiven and saved (Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 10:9) for eternity. 

Breaking This Quote Down…

God – The Lord is too big, too wise, too perfect, and all-knowing for mankind to think we can understand all that He is trying to tell us (Ecc. 8:16-17, Ps. 145:3, Isa 55:8-9, Rom 11:33-34). 

Life – We live in a sin-cursed world that puts a cloud over truth and, consequently, over perfection in theology (Ecc 7:20, Rom 3:23, 1 Cor 13:12).

Bible – As God is complex, His Word can also be nuanced and difficult to understand in certain areas of theology. There is a reason why thousands of books have been written trying to interpret the Bible. Further, multiple translations exist, as do hundreds of Christian denominations. Even churches within the same denomination have differing views on matters of faith and conduct. If the Bible is without error in its original autographs (which I believe it is), then man’s inability to clearly comprehend its interlocking teachings can only be explained by its complexity. To admit the Bible is complex and nuanced is not a discredit, either to the Author or the Work. It is an acknowledgment of God’s supremacy and man’s lack of intellectual abilities. Finally, in those areas where God does make His commands clear, but not His underlying rationale, it calls the believer to accept the Lord, by faith alone rather than by sight (Eph 2:8-9, 2 Cor 5:7).

Secondary Theology

We need to be humble enough to accept the reality that some of the secondary points of Biblical Christian theology will not be clarified on this side of the grave.

• There are many Biblical Christians who believe the Bible teaches capital punishment and others disagree.
• There are those who believe worship should be with, and others without musical instruments.
• There are many who accept abortion and assisted suicide in certain situations as a reality within a sin-cursed world.
• Some believe sprinkling and others emersion as acceptable baptismal practices.
• There are believers who totally limit women from even praying from the pulpit much less preaching. Others see that as a past cultural norm that is no longer significant.
• Many accept that God decided from eternity past who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven while others believe man has a free will choice.
• Concurrently, some believe in once-saved-always-saved while others put a broader emphasis on mankind’s recidivism.
• Some believe in a high frequency of miracles in everyday life while others see these as rare.

This list can go on and on and I have expressed my opinion on each and every one of the contrasting views above. As convicted as each of us may be in our own opinions or denominational views, the fact is, none of these will keep one from entering Heaven. God may challenge our views and work toward affirming some and rejecting others but that should not create divisiveness among born-again Christians (John 16:33, Prov 17:40, Eph 4:32). On the other hand, we should be respectful but fearless in expressing the core points of our Biblical Christian theology since they impact our eternal future.

Conclusion

So, my quote on the reality that we all have errors in our Christian beliefs was not meant to include core theology that sets one on either the narrow or broad path at death (Matt 7:13-14). Instead, it was intended to refer to secondary doctrines where we need to show grace to those who fall outside our narrow, often sheltered denominational beliefs. We will have eternity to sit at the feet of the Father and the Son, asking questions and getting clarification on what we were convinced was our perfect Christian theology.