Providence, Plenitude, and Polemics

…let God be found true, though every man be found a liar
(Romans 3:4 – NASB)

Why are there so many groups who feel that you must belong to their church in order to be saved? If they are right, then why do so many others also say they are the “remnant church”? Among those who realize that this is an untenable position, why are there so many differences in doctrine, even among the Christian groups who otherwise agree on the essentials? Why is there such a divergence in beliefs concerning what the Bible teaches?

These questions are often used by non-believers as a reason for unbelief, or an excuse for their failure to seriously investigate Christianity. Of course, most people would admit that any path has differing opinions involved. There are no monolithic faiths, even Christianity. However, a lowest common denominator, unity at all cost (including doctrine) type of faith is really a human centered tower of Babel, not a God centered faith. We must continue to seek out the knowledge of God. Dialogue and debate amongst studious, spiritual, and sincere Christians can happen as we adhere to the biblical adage, “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

An argument for a position and against another is called a polemic. These matters seemingly consume the theological world, and even the people in our pews. Calvinism against Arminianism, the continuance of the charismata vs. cessationism, the worship wars, and what actually happens during Communion, are but a few of the hot button topics. Who is right, and why do we never seem to get a final answer from the Holy Spirit?

Here is a possible answer: It is for the greatest good and for the glory of the Almighty (plenitude) that God, in His sovereign will and workings (providence), chooses to reveal certain doctrines to certain communities of real faith, so as to cause an ongoing search for and closeness to Him in regard to the debate between matters of His knowledge (polemics).

God, who works all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11), has seen fit to allow such diverse differences of opinion so that He alone will get the glory. Imagine in heaven if one group had everything right on earth. They would then have a reason to boast. If all groups have flaws, however, then none can say, “Look, I told you we were right about so and so”, when they were wrong about some other so and so.

It is not about how right we are as much as how right He is. We need to continue to search out the truth, and wrestle with these doctrinal questions, but not at the expense of our focus on Christ. There is a quote that has been attributed to Augustine, and others, but no matter who said it first, it bears repeating here: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, and in all things charity”. Let us make our boast alone in the Cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). Amen.