4 Levels of Bible Doctrine

 

1. Absolutes (Category 1) – The non-negotiable core of the faith (Trinity, deity of Christ, resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, etc.) . Without these, it’s not Christianity.
   
   

2. Convictions (Category 2) – Not central to salvation, but still significant. These often shape denominational distinctives (baptism mode, church governance, spiritual gifts emphasis, etc.).
   
   

3. Opinions (Category 3) – Secondary matters that believers can disagree on without major division.
   
   

4. Questions (Category 4) – Things that are not yet fully settled or clear.

Doctrine / Belief	Level	Notes
Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)	Absolute (Category 1)	Core to Christianity; denying this moves toward heresy.
Deity of Christ	Absolute (Category 1)	Central to salvation; foundational belief.
Resurrection of Jesus	Absolute (Category 1)	Essential for hope and Christian faith.
Salvation by grace through faith	Absolute (Category 1)	Core gospel truth.
Baptism (mode or timing)	Conviction (Category 2)	Different denominations have different practices; affects church life.
Speaking in tongues as initial evidence of Spirit baptism	Conviction (Category 2)	Significant in Pentecostal theology; not required for salvation.
Spiritual gifts (which ones, how used)	Conviction / Opinion (Category 2–3)	Some debate over continuationism vs cessationism.
Worship style (contemporary vs traditional)	Opinion (Category 3)	Not a salvation or essential issue.
Observance of dietary laws	Opinion (Category 3)	Secondary matters for Christians.
End times specifics (rapture timing, tribulation)	Question (Category 4)	Not fully settled; debated among scholars and believers.
How to apply Sabbath / Jubilee in modern life	Question (Category 4)	Often unsettled, more interpretive.

Bible Study: Understanding the Four Levels of Doctrine

Purpose: To help believers distinguish between core beliefs (absolutes), convictions, opinions, and unresolved questions in the faith, and understand how Scripture guides each.

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1. Absolutes (Category 1) – Core Beliefs

Definition: Non-negotiable beliefs essential to the Christian faith. Without these, one’s faith may be considered outside of orthodox Christianity.

Key Doctrines:

• Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)

• Deity of Christ

• Resurrection of Jesus

• Salvation by grace through faith

Scripture References:

• Trinity: Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

• Deity of Christ: John 1:1,14 – “In the beginning was the Word… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

• Resurrection of Jesus: 1 Corinthians 15:14 – “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

• Salvation by grace through faith: Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which of these core beliefs do you most often reflect on in your daily life?

2. How would your faith change if any of these were denied?

3. Why do you think Scripture emphasizes these as foundational truths?

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2. Convictions (Category 2) – Important but Non-Essential

Definition: Beliefs that shape denominational distinctives or personal practice but are not required for salvation.

Examples:

• Baptism (mode or timing) – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:4

• Speaking in tongues as initial evidence of Spirit baptism – Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• Spiritual gifts (which ones, how used) – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:6

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which convictions does your church or community emphasize?

2. How can we discuss these differences without creating division?

3. How do your personal convictions shape your spiritual growth?

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3. Opinions (Category 3) – Secondary Matters

Definition: Matters on which believers can differ without threatening fellowship or salvation.

Examples:

• Worship style (contemporary vs traditional) – Colossians 3:16

• Observance of dietary laws – Romans 14:1-6

Scripture References:

• Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

• Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which opinions in your church have caused tension, and how could Romans 14 guide resolution?

2. How can we honor each other’s preferences without compromising the gospel?

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4. Questions (Category 4) – Unsettled or Interpretive

Definition: Matters that Scripture has not fully clarified, or are debated among scholars and believers.

Examples:

• End times specifics (rapture timing, tribulation) – Matthew 24, Revelation 20-22

• How to apply Sabbath / Jubilee in modern life – Leviticus 25, Luke 4:18-19

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. How can we approach questions in faith without certainty?

2. Why is it important to separate questions from absolutes in our discussions?

3. How does humility play a role in unresolved doctrines?

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Application Exercise: Classifying Beliefs

Instructions:

1. Take a list of common beliefs or teachings you encounter in your church.

2. Assign each to Absolute, Conviction, Opinion, or Question.

3. Share why you placed each belief in that category.

Example List for Practice:

• Jesus will return one day

• Communion frequency

• Speaking in tongues

• Wearing modest clothing

• Observing Sabbath today

• Salvation by faith alone

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Closing Reflection

• How does understanding these levels of doctrine impact your approach to disagreements with other believers?

• How can you prioritize unity in the essentials, charity in convictions, tolerance in opinions, and humility in questions?