Absolute Principles of Health
A spiritually healthy church or Christian organisation is built on the gospel of grace, humble and impartial accountability, and a shared confession of biblical faith. These are not optional foundations. If these are not in place in the church or organisation you are a part of – leave it, seeking the Lord’s wisdom and pursuing peace as far as it depends on you.
Absolute Principles
1. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone
Salvation, access to heaven, justification, and intimate friendship with Abba Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit come by faith through the blood, cross, and death of Jesus Christ alone. They are not earned by good works, and they are not cancelled by evil deeds; they rest on Christ’s finished work and are received by grace through faith. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not its price.
Scripture: John 3:16; John 14:6; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 5:1-2, 8-11; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:10-14; 1 John 1:7-9.
2. Every believer and organisation must welcome mature, impartial accountability
Every church, Christian organisation, and believer needs mature people to whom they submit, listen, and allow to speak into their lives. We all need accountable relationships. When a concern is raised, that accountability must be impartial and patient: it must fully listen, carefully evaluate evidence, and take the time required to discern and judge the matter rightly.
Scripture: Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13, 17; Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:17; James 3:17.
3. Shared faith must be clearly confessed and faithfully upheld
The church must agree with and adhere to the Apostles’ Creed – the historic apostolic confession of faith and the Lausanne Covenant and statement of faith. These historic summaries do not replace Scripture; rather, they give clear expression to core biblical convictions and help a church remain united in the faith once for all entrusted to God’s people.
Scripture: Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-16; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:15; Jude 3.
Where these foundations are persistently absent, denied, or refused, do not remain in a setting that calls you to compromise the gospel, truth, or healthy accountability. Seek the Lord’s leading, leave with integrity and peace where possible, and find fellowship rooted in Christ.