- A primary belief is something that you would be willing to die for. In other words, here is a belief that is essential for a biblical systematic theology.
- A secondary belief is one about which you may have a firm opinion, but you are still willing to admit that when other Christians disagree with you in this area your fellowship with them is unencumbered.
- Of course there are numerous issues on which Scripture is silent, and as a result they simply don't matter.
Primary
- Justification by faith - it is simply through the act of receiving with open hands the finished work of Christ (through union with him) that one is declared righteous by God.
- Scripture alone holds the place of supreme authority.
- Penal Substitutionary Atonement - that Christ's death was punishment in our place and involved turning aside the just wrath of his Father.
- Sanctification - that good works necessarily flow from true and saving faith.
- A Trinitiarian Faith - that the One God is Father, Son and Spirit.
- Total Depravity - that fallen humanity is unable of themselves to choose God and his ways.
- Unconditional Election - that out of fallen humanity God chose a people for himself
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit - God calls his people to himself by his Spirit, and having called them they will come to genuine faith in Christ.
- Preservation of the Saints - those whom God has chosen and called will be his people for eternity.
- Drinking Alcohol
- How we sing and do church
- Method and timing of baptism
- The age of the earth - science and creation
- A literal Garden of Eden
- Limited Atonement. Although the value of Christ's sacrificial death is infinite, the purpose and intent of his death was particularly to save the Elect.
So what do you think? What would you put in the 'primary' column, and what in the 'secondary'? Why?
