What All True Christians Believe: The Most Essential Christian Doctrines (with Some Play in the Joints)

By R.S. Trifulescu

The ultimate goal of this work is to advance Christian unity. Christians are free to disagree with other believers about certain matters of faith and practice that ought not to break up their unity or fellowship. But they will stand together on certain key doctrines and beliefs that are nonnegotiable. This book highlights those core Christian teachings that demand assent in order for someone to be called a true follower of Christ. A considerable amount of space is also devoted to the aspects of these central tenets that might include some flexibility of understanding without compromising the integrity of scriptural truth and the Christian tradition.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098088279

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What All True Christians Believe

The Most Essential Christian Doctrines (with Some Play in the Joints)

R.S. Trifulescu

ISBN 978-1-0980-8826-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-0980-8827-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2021 by R.S. Trifulescu

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

I dedicate this book to my son, Thomas. May you always trust in Him and have confidence in His Word—never forgetting the basics that you were taught.

Preface

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit (italics mine)—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

—Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV

When considering the broad strokes of the theological landscape of Christian theology, I would place Protestants, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox in one camp; while groups like the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and liberal Christianity are in another arena entirely. That is, when considering the most essential doctrines of the Christian faith—the nonnegotiables—I believe we see the prayer of Jesus in John 17 (vv. 11, 20–22) being answered in that the Spirit has kept His body united in these core teachings of the apostles. No matter the denomination, the era of time, the ethno-racial compositions, or the sociopolitical status, the Lord has kept His people (sheep from different folds) from egregious error.

Orthodox Christian denominations differ over many of these critical beliefs. But they do not deny any of them. The groups that deny these beliefs forfeit any claims to authentic Christianity. They are heretics, or apostate, or cultic organizations—Christian counterfeits. The early creeds of the church reflect these beliefs—long before the divisions into denominations even started. But even after the denominations were identifiable in history, they still held to a version of each of these doctrines.

Though I see a vast chasm between some churches such as the Roman Catholic Church, reformed Baptists and Pentecostals, I have no problem with the likelihood that all types will have their share of representatives populating the eternal kingdom in glory. I just don’t see that God will cut people off because of a belief in a larger canon, for instance, or for practicing the wrong mode of baptism, or because their understanding of the gift of tongues is misguided or what actually happens in the Eucharist. Since the Way is already narrow, why do we want to make it even more narrow so only people like us (who believe exactly like us) should be the only recipients of God’s saving grace and eternal blessings? The Lord did speak of others who were not against us yet were still for the Lord (Mark 9:40)—so they were not of the same brand but fulfilling the same mission.

God just might show Himself to be more merciful on the last day than we are to one another. After all, He knew that all these diversions of thought would manifest themselves. He ordained such a fragmented church, and why? Only He fully knows, but I suspect part of the reason might be to give full expression of humanity with all its variations of thought, cultures, and inclinations. But does this contradict our Lord’s prayer that they be one as We are one (John 17:22)? I don’t believe so. The Lord’s prayers are always honored. So His people are in union as the Triune Godhead is in union. How is that? The Lord prayed this prayer at the end of a discourse in His last days about His departure and the coming of the Spirit. And from Pentecost on, the Spirit’s indwelling would unite all believers to Christ in baptism. Hence, I can now say—two thousand years later—believers of all brands of Christianity are still being united to Christ in baptism by the Spirit. Men look on outward appearances and see the fragmentation of the church as a proof that Christ’s prayer went unanswered. God looks at hearts and sees one bride for His Bridegroom—a prayer answered long ago at the Pentecostal manifestation of the pouring out of the Spirit on God’s people. So Jesus can be confident of building one church (Matt. 16:18)—which is the one flock he spoke of (John 10:16) with one Shepherd, united with Christ by the spirit of God.

If I am correct about these matters, we should be thankful that we are not judged on the precision of our doctrines. I read about a God who is not like man, and who knows how fragile we are—how weak, fickle, and simpleminded. That’s why he compares us to sheep (John 10:1–16). What do they need to know? The Master’s voice. Follow the voice. Know Him and follow Him. It’s good that we strive for perfection, seeking out God’s will on all matters, seeking to understand all His counsel, dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. That’s why we do Bible study and devotions and listen to sermons. We want to be theologically refined, because that draws us closer to Him. But this shouldn’t be the test of our salvation—and certainly not the basis for condemning others and behaving in unchristian-like conduct. Too often the Christian testimony is ruined before a lost and dying world over intramural arguments and hate-filled invective toward a brother of a different denomination. This is not the way of the Master. This is not squaring your faith with your works of love and humility.

I agree with Marco Antonio de Dominis who said it first (not Augustine as many think): Freedom in non-essentials, unity in essentials, charity in all things.

But more importantly, Jesus says in Matthew 7:2, For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

So let’s be charitable with one another when we notice another Christian who is a bit different from us. I am arguing for flexibility among these core tenets of the Christian religion. But the larger point is that they must be present in some form in the belief system of the one who calls himself a Christian.

The purpose of this volume is to show its readers how united Christians are on the most important elements of their religion. Though we do have very distinctive beliefs and practices, the Holy Spirit has still bound us in this unity, which allows us to go forward with common purpose in expanding the kingdom from all directions. The history of the church, with all of its sins and divisions, has still maintained a consensus on these crucial points that are foundational for the salvific community.

I run the risk of ostracizing myself from groups that I identify with because I will be accused of blurring the distinctions on various Christian beliefs that will not satisfy anyone. I sound ecumenical, but even true ecumenists will think I have not gone far enough, since I exclude cults and other religions from reaching salvation on their terms. Protestants who believe the Reformation is the greatest event in church history will think I’m trivializing that movement and demeaning the countless deaths in the religious wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Roman Catholics will dismiss my musings as perhaps well meaning, but ignorant rantings that fall short of recognizing the validity of the one true church in the world.

But think about what the Lord did with His disciples. He often diffused insignificant squabbles and focused on the big picture of reality and redemptive history. He also denounced serious error in the Pharisees for all their meticulous dictates. I think the Roman Catholic Church did much to preserve authentic Christianity over the centuries. Yet I believe the Reformation was necessary to shed light upon some problems that needed attention and clarification. The Eastern Orthodox dissension also showed the likelihood that one denomination may not have it all right. Division among Protestants themselves shows us that they highly value the Word of God, but they sometimes behave like the child that takes their ball and goes home when the game isn’t going their way. Surely the Lord is grieved at the divisions over our stubbornness and pride and the horrific consequences that sometimes resulted from that infighting. But He also ordained such divisions for the reaching of even more people for the kingdom. They still retained the essence of Christian belief.

Abraham separated from Lot. Ancient Israel divided between northern and southern kingdoms. Even Samaritans were excluded from among the Jews as the outcasts. Paul and Barnabas separated over Mark. Peter had to be confronted by the apostle Paul, which surely created a rift between them. Paul wrote to churches in Galatia and Corinth that were already expressing divided loyalties and were inclined to separate from each other. Those identified as God’s people throughout history are still sinful. This was inevitable. Yes, sometimes that separation was needed to root out the unbelieving heretics and those that were not of us (1 Cor. 11:19 and 1 John 2:19). But when the separation happens because of an intramural disagreement—though we think it very important—it may not have to result in labeling the other side as the heretic or the apostate. You just part ways and continue your practices according to your conscience, providing you are within the bounds of the consensus of the church’s understanding of God’s Word on these core doctrines.

So is this a watering down of divine truth? Am I doing a disservice to the people of God by resorting to the lowest common denominator? I don’t think so. These foundational apostolic teachings are the most significant beliefs we can have. It is what we build upon, and all the while, allowing for the freedom to build upon that foundation according to the dictates of our own understandings, within reasonable scriptural limitations.

Some buildings are monumental edifices. Others are palatial mansions. And then there are some that are just plain, one-room houses. But the fact that they all rest on a solid foundation will keep it standing when the winds of false teaching blow their way. I’m sure each branch, sect, and denomination of Christianity considers itself to be that architectural marvel likened to a skyscraper, but only God knows who comes the closest to the truth of how He intended for things to be. Contrary to the claims of some, no Christian denomination has the corner on absolute truth and has everything exactly right, either in teaching or in practice. We are a flawed people, and the Holy Spirit is doing His work amongst us in spite of that.

I would compare this to the transmission of the written Word of God over time. Our enemies want to throw doubt on its authority and its infallibility by pointing out all the discrepancies and copyist errors that are often brought up as contradictions to Christians in an effort to undermine their faith in God’s Word. Yet the truth of God’s Word still stands, in spite of human error. Man has done a remarkable job in preserving most of the text, though man is still imperfect, sinful, forgetful, and prone to error and bias. Yet the Holy Spirit would prevent him from distorting God’s Word to the point of leading man away from the truth or losing the truth altogether.

We don’t have the original autographs to examine what the truth really is, they would say. Or even more indicting, we can’t examine to see if the autographs of the apostles had any mistakes or contradictions in them. But the copies had to come from some original document. So they obviously did exist at one time in an even more excellent form. Surely they must have been examined early on. But the parchments were never meant to detract from the real Word of God—Jesus Christ. In Him, there is no error. In Him, we have ultimate authority which is infallible. In Him, we have the unchanging Word that abides forever. We are His copies. The church has retained the truth in the essence of the Son of God. But as we multiply, things get a bit messy. Yet the truth is always there in us. The Holy Spirit makes sure of that. Some manuscripts are more carefully preserved than others. But they all contain these nonnegotiable doctrines of the Christian faith.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my Creator, Redeemer, and King, the Lord Jesus Christ, for allowing me to have opportunities to study His Word which gives life to the dead and wisdom to the living, revealing the will of God for our lives. The primary purpose of this project was to bring Him honor and glory in presenting the most important aspects of His Word as simple and clear so that even a child may understand what the Lord would require of him or her.

I would also like to thank my wife, Linda, for her patience with me in writing this book. I have taken many hours from her and our son to study the Scriptures and pen my thoughts.

I want to thank a dear friend who has been very supportive of me in completing this task from its early stages. Thank you, Marius, for encouraging me to press on even when the doubters tried to discourage me from wasting my time on something so inconsequential.

I also need to thank my brother, Nick, who took the lead in our family to publish something and suggested that I have my hand at it.

I am also indebted to my good friend, Charles, who has often reviewed my writings and offered constructive criticism. He has also been very supportive about me completing this project as well.

I must thank a colleague of mine, Chase, who gave of himself to help me with the initial steps in getting the ball rolling on publishing and showed me the ropes for achieving this life goal of mine to finally put some of my thoughts in print.

I have had many spiritual advisers in my life, including my present pastor, and I want to thank those in my church who clinched my decision in going forward with this endeavor—for which I am very grateful. God’s people have been very gracious to me in confirming whatever gift the Lord has given me to proclaim His Word with clarity.

Disclaimer

I will be straightforward with my readers and reveal that I am a theological amateur. I have not had formal seminary training and am not proficient in the Hebrew and Greek languages. I have not completely read through the greatest works of the theological doctors in Christian history. So one may ask, why should I even bother wasting time with this volume? Perhaps, periodically in the history of the church, the Lord would use an average layman to provide keen insight from a bird’s-eye view of theological truths in order to redirect our attention to the strategic hot spots on the battlefield and to become less preoccupied with the divisive traditions within our camp, which have done more harm than good.

Every so often, it might be refreshing to hear truth without the technical jargon of theological academia. Don’t misunderstand me; I’m sure there’s some of that in what you are about to read. But it’s tempting to get caught up in the latest theological controversies about particular doctrines and movements and to lose sight of the fact that we are all on the same team. Maybe an ordinary person can help us focus on where Christians are united and what we can do to advance the cause of the kingdom together while still maintaining our own peculiar traditions and practices.

During World War II, there were Allied generals that were at odds with each other philosophically and maybe even personally. They had different training and influences. They may not have liked each other’s style or ideas. But they fought on the same side. They both gained victory. One may have won a battle in North Africa, while another gained victory in the Philippines. One secured a beach in Europe, while the other captured an island in the Pacific that had been in enemy hands. But they were fighting the same enemy and would be able to celebrate victory together, even with all their various temperaments and differences of opinions.

Christians are to be even more charitable, since we are to love the brethren. We often harbor resentment toward each other, whereas we should be praying for one another. We are to let go of those hurtful memories of a violent past when Christian tribes were warring against each other. Since Jesus taught us to love even our enemies, how much more should we love those who are our brethren? If Christianity is ever to cover the world, like the waters cover the sea, it will be when the world is drawn to how much we love each other. That’s what drives my perspective in this volume. The enemy is formidable, and a united front will deal the greatest of blows to them. We’re too busy pointing our guns at each other, not even recognizing that we have the same Commander in Chief. It’s time to flank the enemy and fight under the same banner of truth to conquer for Christ.

Chapter 1

Believing Scripture

The first of these nonnegotiable points of doctrine for the Christian is the foundational element in guiding their beliefs and practices—believing the Bible to be a unique collection of books unlike the other books of the world penned by men and women. If you think the Bible has lots of nice things in there, but it is just another good book with great stories and inspiring characters, not necessarily giving accurate historical accounts, that does not describe the faith of someone who possesses salvation.

So what must the Christian believe about the Bible? That it reveals the Word of God in the form of dual authorship. It is written by men, as they were moved along by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20–21). The Spirit brings to the author’s remembrance the necessary details of what to pen (Mark 12:35–37; Acts 1:16). The authors may use their own style of writing. They may even have an amanuensis to help them complete the task (Rom. 16:22; 1 Pet. 5:12; 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11).

The tradition of the Jews is to understand the Scriptures as holy writings that communicated the truth of God. God spoke to His people through them, either through His actual voice or through the voice of the prophets or poets or kings. What clarifies this doctrine for us is what Jesus thought of the Scriptures—and He had a high view of not only the words, jots, and tittles of the law and the prophets but of His words as well—and of those He will commission to spread His teachings (Matt. 5:18, 10:27, 24:35; John 14:25–26, 16:12–14; 2 Pet. 3:15–16; 1 Tim. 5:18; 1 Cor. 14:37; John 5:24, 6:68, 8:31–32).

This doctrine refers to the fact that God’s Word will not teach falsehood. That even through fallible humans, the Holy Spirit was able to preserve His truth with remarkable integrity. Even with the original manuscripts lost, even with centuries of minor scribal errors, even with attacks upon Christian communities and efforts at destroying extant copies of the Scripture. Theologians use three terms to describe such a view of the Bible with 2 Timothy 3:14–17 as the backdrop.

Plenary inspiration has the idea that each word (not just the overarching ideas or concepts) was meaningfully chosen under the superintendence of God. Inerrancy refers to the fact that the Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact (there are no errors). (See Mark 12:24.) Finally, infallibility is the belief that the Bible is completely trustworthy as a guide to salvation and the life of faith and will not fail to accomplish its purpose (this is somewhat stronger than inerrancy: there can be no errors).

Biblical scholarship in textual criticism is the effort to uncover the original text, sifting through the many scriptural variations and comparing that to the ancient commentaries and the oldest manuscripts. Today’s scholars know the Greek and Hebrew fairly well, which are the languages in which the Scriptures were written. The changes, additions, and mistakes uncovered in many manuscripts do not affect central doctrinal issues, not even the doctrine of inerrancy, because that applies to the autographs. We are able to discern, for the most part, what was in the original manuscripts, and that text is inerrant, because God’s Word is infallible. Most of the variations in the text have to do with spelling errors and different sentence structures. There are a few scribal elaborations, but they only reflect what is in the text already. There are a few substantial portions of Scripture in question concerning their authenticity. Christians ought to be aware of this so that skeptics do not catch us off guard when discussing the authority of God’s Word. For instance, we must not go to 1 John 5:7 to defend the Trinity since that seems to be a scribal addition (many newer Bible translations already have removed those words or have it in parentheses or as a footnote explaining the problem that a scribe wanted to compare the Triune God to the three witnesses in that text). The