Expert: Marvin Howard - 10/26/2008

Question
What do you consider the scope of "doctrinal" issues worthy of causing a church member to withdraw fellowship from a particular congregation and place it elsewhere?

Answer
Hi!

John, there are many doctrines in the Bible; all of them true and applicable, unless stated otherwise or directed specifically to another people or time. There are too many to name in this limited format.

There are many doctrines outside of the Bible. Anything extra-Biblical is false as far as religion is concerned. There are more of these than there are Biblical doctrines.

Then, there are opinions. Opinions are speculations. They are not stated nor implied to be either true or false. They may be either, but cannot be taught as doctrine, for the are from men and not from God.

What must be determined is whether a doctrine is taught in the Bible by any means; Command, Example, or Necessary Implication. God invented the various languages of man in Genesis 11. Thus, we can expect Him to use all the rules of language in communicating with us. This will include grammar, such as singularity or plurality (c.f., Galatians 3:16), and noun/pronoun usage. There is much more, but this will give you a proper idea. You cannot take a passage about things and apply it to people. Likewise, you cannot take a passage about people and apply it to things. You cannot take a passage that applies to everyone and apply it only to a select group.

Moreover, all verses on a subject must be considered before you can have a complete picture of what God has to say on the subject. For example, if you want to know what one must do to be saved, you must look at the entire context of what God says was done at each record of salvation.

All doctrines of God are indisputable. The withdrawal of fellowship is a last resort. When a person teaches an opinion as doctrine, or a doctrine that is false, they are disputing and arguing against that for which there is no valid argument. The way of God should be explained to them more perfectly (c.f., Matthew 18:15 and Acts 18:24-26). This is the first step. If the problem continues, more people must be made aware (c.f., Matthew 18:16). You are basically ensuring that you have the proper evidence and also that you are not misunderstanding truth as error by this process. If the error is still not corrected, then the church as a whole must be informed (c.f., Matthew 18:17 and 2nd Corinthians 2:3-11; 13:1). Only if the error remains uncorrected after the church is involved is disfellowship authorized (c.f., Matthew 18:17 and 1st Timothy 1:20).

God hates division (1st Corinthians 1:12) and wants unity (John 17:11-22). Disfellowshipping someone is an absolute, last resort. With that said, even though it is without a doubt the most heart-rending action the church can take, there are times when it must be done.

Some doctrines of God are seen by a few people as opinions; such as "A Cappella" music versus the instrumental variety. Grammar proves the only allowable instrument is the human heart. Thus, it is not an opinion. If someone is shown it is a doctrine due to the grammatical construction of Ephesians 5:19, and they will not repent of their error, it is time to take the above steps.

Some doctrines require the addition of a word or words to the divine book before they are accepted. Such is the requirement for baptism. People often add the word, "only," to Ephesians 2:8-9 to remove that requirement.

Some doctrines are invented from whole cloth, such as singular cups, refusal to study the Bible formally, or paying a preacher; regardless of how plainly the Scriptures speak against these doctrines. These are the opinions of men. While there may be nothing wrong with the practice of not paying a preacher, there is something wrong with binding an opinion on others as a doctrine.

John, as I said, I cannot give a comprehensive list. I tried to give examples where different tactics are used to teach false doctrines. Above all, love for the soul of the errant should be the motive for discipline. The idea is not to banish them forever, but to try to make them renounce the error and be Christians (current followers of Christ), either for the first time or once again. I hope this was the information you sought of me. If I misunderstood your question, or if you have other situations where you need help, please let me know.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard