Essential doctrines are principled, non-essentials are not.

Yes, that does require an explanation.

Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Principles direct right action, righteousness. The effectiveness of essential doctrines direct a life best suited to live with Christ. Non-essential doctrines have no effect on your salvation or your relationship with Christ.

Understand also that these essential truths (doctrine) are supported by scripture and do not stand alone. Line upon line and precept upon precept, evidence that God told us what He was about to do so that we would recognize our Savior when He came.

Here are some basic primary doctrinal truths upon which your very salvation hangs.

God sent Jesus into the world.

Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus lived a life without sin.

The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ satisfied God’s need for justice.

Jesus rose from the grave.

Jesus ascended to the right hand throne of God.

Everyone is subject to Jesus Christ, in that He alone judges the living and the dead.

By faith we are saved through grace, meaning that placing your faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ alone saves you and not your works.

John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

You must believe Him.

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Picking up where we left off yesterday, I have to say that speaking truth in love was impossible until my heart was full of love. The rebuke issue must be left to the specifics of doctrine and not behavior. The work of conviction of sin is that of the Holy Spirit. Doctrinal issue are fellowship issues and the goal must always be unity, to fit jointly together.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

As for sound doctrine, there are essentials and then there are non-essentials. Because there are different administrations, there will be differences in non-essential doctrines. Do you have a proper understanding of essential doctrines? Does your fellowship hold non-essentials in such high regard that they are confused with essential doctrines? These issue affect the function of fellowship not your personal salvation. They affect how we function together.

Titus 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Doctrine is defined in two ways.

A principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.

Something that is taught.

Essential doctrines are principled, non-essentials are not.