To What End? Nick Napier

 

Christianity has an objective definition. There are certain beliefs that must be held in order for one to be, in any meaningful sense, called a Christian. One cannot simply say they are a Christian, and then “cherry pick” their desired doctrines and proclaim, “This is Christianity.” Christianity cannot simply be what someone “feels” it means to be a Christian. The beliefs that are necessary in order for someone to be called a Christian were set forth by Christ and then hammered out in the early centuries of the church. We take the ecumenical creeds to give us the broadest definition of what it means to be Christian.

Take for instance the first two articles of the Athanasian Creed, “Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith; Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.” This is saying, that unless you believe this set of doctrines (as stated by the third article: “And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity”), that which is going to follow these two articles, you can in no wise call yourself a Christian. You can be a cultic offshoot of Christianity—but you are not Christian.

Fast forward through the medieval period and the Reformation to our day, and Presbyterians are known for being thorough in their theology. We like to be precise and to make sure that we have all our boxes checked—all our t’s crossed and i’s dotted. This is a good thing. Theological precision is often the difference between damnation and eternal life (see the Athanasian creed referenced above). As John Murray said, “At the point of divergence the difference between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood, is not a chasm but a razor’s edge.”[1] So then, this precision is a good thing, and knowing doctrine and lots of it is a good thing.

But to what end is our knowledge? To what end do we seek to learn what the Bible teaches and what theology (systematic and Biblical) grows out of that? Obviously we are to learn and to be precise as Christians—we are often given the reminders that we are not to add to or take away from God’s Word. And, our covenant Lord says in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."[2] And we are told to, “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (emphasis added).[3]

All of our knowledge of Scripture and theology—even in its minutia—is to be to one end. That is the end stated immediately before our passage in Deuteronomy: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love theLord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might... And so eloquently by Paul: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [love], I am nothing.[4]

All our knowledge of the Bible and of doctrine—such as that of our Standards is good, and is to be sought after and longed for. However, if we heap up that knowledge and it does not produce within us love for God—not just any love, but love that is with all our heart and soul and might; and love for our neighbor—not just any love, but love that even reaches out to our enemies (Cf. Luke 10:25-37)—then we are nothing. Our knowledge is nothing.

The greatest need in our world is not just Christians who can argue minute points of theology (though, that is certainly needed when facing heretics and those who twist Scripture), but those Christians who know the minute points of theology, and it drives them. It drives them to love the great Triune Lord of Scripture. It drives them to love the Father more and the Son more and the Holy Spirit more; so much so, that they are insatiable in their desire to know Him and more about Him. Further, the need is for Christians who know Scripture and theology who love God and the story of redemption, who will in winsome and fervent love take this beautiful story of redemption to their neighbors and coworkers and friends. They will be Christians who are known not simply for their keen doctrinal eye, but for their love. Not some ambiguous, ephemeral, ethereal love—but a genuine, Biblical love that always brings others toward the gospel.

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[1] Murray, John. “The Sanctity of Truth.” The Highway. Accessed October 28, 2014.  http://www.the-highway.com/truth_Murray.html.

[2] Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

[3] 2 Peter 3:18

[4] Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 13:2