An essential of Christianity is a truth which, if denied, is a denial of that which defines Christianity as it is. Examples include anything that denies the triune nature of God (one Godhead, three distinct persons), salvation by faith alone, the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, the sin nature of man, and the virgin birth. This list is not necessarily exhaustive.
Examples of Essentials
The Nature of God ? Trinity vs Oneness
Salvation ? Through grace and not through works of any kind
The Deity of Jesus Christ ? Fully God and fully man
The Deity of the Holy Spirit ? Fully God; the third person of the Trinity
The Virgin Birth ? Jesus conceived and born without sin
The Inspiration of the Bible ? All scripture is inspired by God
We can disagree about a lot of other things (tongues, when to take communion, whether to observe the Sabbath and how) and we can still work together and be gracious toward one another. However, if we disagree on the items listed above we have to part ways.
No comments yet.