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 | Convictions - Principles, Examples, Beliefs, or Christian
practices derived from a sound biblical hermeneutic, where most godly men
generally agree within narrow bounds but with some variations. e.g.
Qualifications of Elders, Child raising, Marriage, or even the specific
practices of Holy Communion. Convictions should not be argued with the
same level of 'defense of the faith' as "Doctrine". Of
course, many Christians do not discern the differences between 'doctrine'
and 'convictions', and much un-Christian discord has arisen from differing
'convictions', bringing discredit upon the name of Christ and Christian
unity. |
The story is told of a meeting between Martin Luther and the
great Swiss Reformer, Ulrich Zwingli. The two godly men had great
Christian fellowship as they talked together and shared the great things that
the Lord was doing in their lives. They began to list the beliefs that
were important to them. They discussed Salvation by Grace, the Person of
the Holy Spirit, the importance of Godly Christian living, and many other
essentials of the faith. The story goes that as they got down to such
things as how Communion was celebrated, and then their own approach to the
scriptures and Christian practice. While Luther allowed what the Bible
did not prohibit, Zwingli prohibited what the Bible did not specifically
prescribe. Both separated in a huff. Such is the result of not
distinguishing 'doctrine' from 'convictions' or 'opinions'.
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