A popular question in theological circles asks, “Is that a salvation issue?”
Calvinists ask if Arminianism is a salvation issue, and Arminians ask if Calvinism is a salvation issue. Baptists ask this question about Methodists, who ask this question about Anglicans, who in turn ask about others, and so on.
We create a hierarchy of issues in the church, deeming certain issues more important than others. This method is divisive by nature, but not necessarily bad. There are certain ideas we should disfellowship from, and in some cases, certain people that may need to be ostracized. (See Matthew 18 for more.)
The question then becomes: Where should we draw the line?
Doctrinal Statements
For most Christians, the hierarchy usually starts with foundational beliefs: mankind is fallen and sinful, Jesus died for our sins and rose on the third day, God is a Triune God, and reconciliation to God is possible through His son’s sacrifice.
These are the primary doctrines, and to be considered part of the faith, one must adhere to them.
Beyond these, issues like atonement theory, the process of salvation, or what type of music is acceptable in church are considered secondary. These are areas where people may disagree and still be saved. For example, if a person denies Christ’s sacrifice, they cannot be considered part of the faith (they’ve denied a primary issue). However, if one person prefers contemporary worship and another prefers traditional, both can agree the other is saved.
To clarify, this is not the view I personally advocate. I believe Christians should aim for a stronger system of accountability.
The Real Salvation Issue
Man’s salvation is determined by faith and works (“you will know them by their fruit,” Matthew 7:16). Salvation is a relationship with Christ, which can only be achieved by a pure heart. Since man is finite in knowledge, he may be wrong in doctrine, but this does not mean his heart is wrong.
With this in mind, the line for “salvation issues” becomes clear: it is sin.
Sin is what separates us from God, the giver of salvation. Sin was the downfall of humanity, and it is the reason for death and suffering. Our salvation is determined by our sinfulness.
“The wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23), and it is because men love darkness that they reject the light (John 3:19). “He who sins is of the devil” (1 John 3:8)—he is surely not of Christ. It is foolish to judge someone’s salvation based on their view of some obscure doctrine. Instead, we should examine their life. Rather than focusing on whether they believe in Monarchical Trinitarianism or the Latin model, or perhaps if they support Donatism, we should ask: Does this person live a holy life? Do they love the Lord their God and their neighbor?
Where Knowledge of the Truth Grows From
If we are to pursue theological truth, we must first have a perfect heart—one undivided and untainted by the world. This doesn’t mean never facing temptation or hurt, but rather overcoming temptation and resisting sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear.
With a pure heart, we can then ask tougher theological questions: Is man born sinful? What did Christ do on the cross for us? What is a biblical model for the Trinity? Is the future open or settled?
Many answers have been provided through creeds and councils of men, some of whom I fear were ungodly. We need to return to the scriptures and ask: What is the author trying to communicate?
If we seek truth with a pure heart, we can avoid becoming apologists for our personal beliefs and instead pursue what is truly right.
Theology Affects the Heart
This being said, however, there is the truth that theology affects our life. I’ve always gone by the motto, “Theology without application is useless.” If you can tell me the difference in fancy-sounding words which have no bearing to your life, congratulations!—you have fed your ego, not grown in Christ.
Considering sin is what separates us from God, what doctrine or theology could we deem a “salvation issue”?
I say it is whatever doctrine that makes us sin.
There is a common belief that we sin every day in word, thought and deed. For centuries it has been unnamed, but some theologians refer to it as “perpetual sinfulness,” which is what I will address it as.
Perpetual sinfulness is a doctrine with grave implications. Instead of crucifying our flesh (Luke 9:23) and ceasing from sin (1 Peter 4:1), this doctrine leads to a tolerance of daily sin and a hopeless acceptance of the idea that we are bound to sin every day.
1 Peter 4:18, KJV: And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
May God have mercy on the soul of a sinner.
Application
How can we apply this to our lives?
It’s no secret that the majority of people believe in the idea of Perpetual Sinfulness (not by name, but in principle), but in my personal life I’ve seen this play out two ways.
1) Some conflate mistakes with sin, associating things like anger (which isn’t always sinful) with sin itself. These are the people to be respected, as they still uphold godly lives but are under a mental deception.
2) Others sin daily in word, thought, and deed—and it shows. There is a pattern among people who “struggle” with watching pornography or disrespecting their parents daily. Their hopeless acceptance of perpetual sinfulness has damaged their lives. While we should pity them, we must also judge their selfishness. These are the people who have made their lives Hell-bent due to their bad theology—not because of the theology itself, but because of the sin that springs from it.
If someone you know falls in the first category, kindly remind them of the truth. Bring hope in their lives, and train their minds to hold fast to the doctrine their hearts already know. Showing that they can live in Holiness may not be too difficult considering the doctrine of their mind has not yet tainted their heart. Though do not hesitate to bring light, as doctrines of the mind can easily and quickly entangle motives of the heart.
If someone falls into the second category, a firm rebuke is needed. They must understand that there is no salvation in sin. This is a hard truth that must be brought to light, and I pray that you will be the one to stand up for it.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8), and I believe that to have a relationship with Christ, we must pursue Him wholeheartedly. No marriage works when a man half-heartedly pursues a woman, and no salvation occurs when half the heart is set on the world.
I pray these words speak to you, and that the God of peace will bless you as you pursue Him wholeheartedly.
Go make Jesus proud!