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— by Ronald R. Shea, Th.M., J.D —
 
Topics Touching the Message of Salvation
— Theology and Doctrine —
Curriculum Outline and Study Guide | Resurrection | Assurance | Baptism | The Bema | Calvinism | The Gospel Message & Content of Saving Faith | The Creator | Dispensationalism | Eternal Security | Evangelism & Discipleship | Expiation, Propitiation and Redemption | Faith | Fruit . .. Don't you need it? | Grace | Hebrews 10 | Hebrews 6:1-15 | Heirship and Rewards | James 2:14-26 | Jesus is God | 1st John | John MacArthur | Justification | Bilateral Contract Salvation or "Lordship Salvation" | The Market Driven Church | Perseverance of the Saints | Predestination and Free Will | Public Confession of Christ | Regeneration | Repentance | Roman Catholicism | Salvation | Sanctification | The Sheep and Goats Judgment | Silly Gospel Substitutes | "Sovereign" (Irresistible) Grace | Stewardship of the Gospel Message | The Modern "Testimony" | The Ten Commandments: Their Relationship to the Believer | Theology and Doctrine | Total Depravity and `The Bondage of the Will` | Worship Music | Appendix I: Church History from a Free Grace perspective
Status of Topics Touching the Message of Salvation
Scientific (Retroductive) Method and Human Reason
Scientific Method and the Interpretation of Language
Theological Method
Theology and Hermeneutics
Theological Method and False Doctrine
Hierarchy of Bible Doctrines
The Top of the Pyramid
The Second Tier
Ecumenism and Tribalism

 

 

Theology and Doctrine

 

 

by

 

 

Ronald R. Shea, Th.M., J.D.

 

 

 

 

A HEIRARCHY OF BIBLE DOCTRINES

 

 

 

 

THE BASIS OF PRIORITY

 

If you, the reader, believe the above examples are silly, consider the menu of books available at your local Christian book store, the books being selected for home Bible study for new believers, and the Sunday school classes available at most "evangelical" churches.  One can see books on "Why Men Are Wild at Heart" to "How to Be Thin for Him."  But search in vain for a book or class on the message of the gospel!

 

Priority is a pyrimad.  There are ctirical doctrines at the top, and less significant doctrines on down the various levels.

 

The following list, though not exhaustive, should be considered a first step in this process.

 

1.  At the top of the pyramid are those doctrines which are essential to salvation.  There is no greater urgency than imparting, and defending, doctrines essential to the salvation of mankind.

 

2.  The second level of the pyramid are doctrines which, though not essential to saving faith, have serious impact on Christian faith and practice.

 

3.  On the third level are doctrines that, though not impacting our Christian faith and conduct on a daily basis, are nevertheless important doctrines of Christianity, taught clearly throughout Scripture, or capable of exerting an influence on our spiritual life and Christian conduct.

 

4.  On the fourth level, doctrines of lesser importance, but nevertheless true and sound, are located. 

 

The number of levels to such a pyramid is just an artistic question to help conceptualize the relative importance of Bible doctrine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TOP OF THE PYRAMID

 

  • An understanding and belief that one has sinned and fallen short of the standard required by a Holy God, and therefore, in need of a Savior (Matthew 9:12; 1st Corinthians 15:1-4).
  • An understanding and belief that Jesus Christ is the Personal, Eternal, Creator God who became a man; (Matthew 16:16-18; John 8:23-24 & 58; 11:25-27; 20:31; Acts 9:20; 16:30-31; 1st John 5:13).
  • An understanding and belief that the violent and bloody death suffered by Jesus Christ was sufficient to 'cover,' to 'pay for,' or otherwise take away the sins of the one who believes in Him (1st Corinthians 15:1-4, John 19:39).
  • An understanding and belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ;  (1st Corinthians 15:1-4); and
  • An understanding and belief that Salvation is the gift of God, bestowed only on those who honor the Son by believing in Him alone for their salvation, and renouncing all confidence in the works of the law to contribute to their salvation (John 4:10; Romans 4:4; 11:6; Galatians 2:21; 3:10-14; 5:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Each of these doctrines are indisoluably bound to the message of salvation.  Therefore, any doctrine or belief that challenges denies or undermines these doctrines is heresy of the highest order.  And the teaching of these doctrines in their fulness should be the first priority of any church, coming even before "Why Men Act Like Wild Men!"

 

 


The Top of the Pyramid

 
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