Why unity of doctrine is critical for Fellowship.

As Christians, we’re called to love our neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12:31), a command that resonates in a culture valuing inclusivity. Yet, I faced a personal dilemma when a dear friend in our fellowship group embraced Roman Catholicism, adopting beliefs I found incompatible with the Gospel truth as expressed in the 5 Solae (Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and God’s glory alone). Despite our deep bond and blessed daily meetings, my conscience urged me to reconsider fellowship—not out of judgment, but out of a conviction that true Christian fellowship requires unity in biblical truth. This experience drove me to Scripture, where I discovered the necessity of fighting for faith, defending truth, and fostering fellowship rooted in God’s Word. This post explores why truth is central to our faith, how God responds to error, and how we can and must lovingly uphold the Gospel in our relationships.

1. The Call to Fight the Good Fight.

The Christian life is a battle—not against people, but for faith and truth. Scripture calls us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and to persevere in living out the Gospel amid challenges.

Active Faith: Paul urges believers to stand firm against spiritual challenges (2 Timothy 4:7). This fight involves resisting temptation, confronting false teachings, and living with integrity.
Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is against spiritual forces, requiring us to equip ourselves with the “armour of God”—truth, righteousness, and faith.

This fight is not about division but about preserving the Gospel’s purity for the sake of God’s glory and the health of His church.

2. The Centrality of Truth in Fellowship.

True Christian fellowship is built on shared commitment to biblical truth, which is foundational to God’s character and His plan for redemption.

Jesus Is the Truth: Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His life and teachings embody truth, guiding all aspects of faith and practice.
Scripture Is Truth: God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160). The 5 Solas, rooted in Scripture, summarise the Gospel’s core truths that unite believers.
Doctrinal Unity: Fellowship, as Jesus intended, thrives when believers agree on essential doctrines, such as salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). While we love all people, fellowship requires shared commitment to these truths.

My experience with my friend highlighted this. Though I cherished our relationship, their adoption of doctrines conflicting with the 5 Solas (e.g., adding works to salvation) led me to withdraw from spiritual fellowship while maintaining personal friendship. This was painful but necessary to honour God’s truth.

3. God’s View of Truth and Error.

God’s nature is truth, and He takes falsehood seriously because it distorts His character and redemptive plan.

God Cannot Lie: Scripture affirms God’s truthfulness (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18). Falsehood, including false doctrine, is contrary to His nature (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Consequences of Error: False teaching is a serious betrayal, likened to spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-10). Galatians 1:8 warns that preaching a false gospel brings God’s judgment.
God’s Grief and Anger: God grieves over error because it leads people astray. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 describes a “strong delusion” for those who reject truth, underscoring its life-and-death importance.

This perspective shaped my decision to prioritise doctrinal unity, not to exclude others, but to protect the integrity of the Gospel.

4. Defending Truth with Love.

Scripture calls us to uphold truth while loving those who err, balancing firmness with gentleness.

Exposing Error: Paul instructs believers to “expose” false teachings (Ephesians 5:11) and avoid those causing divisions (Romans 16:17). Jude urges us to “contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3).
Gentle Correction: Correction should aim to restore, done with humility and love (2 Timothy 2:24-25; Ephesians 4:15). In my case, I sought to maintain friendship with my group member, praying for their understanding while standing firm on truth.
Living the Truth: Beyond exposing error, we must live out biblical principles, anchoring our lives in Scripture and the “shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:14-16).

5. Recognising False Teaching.

False teachings often distort the Gospel by adding human effort or misapplying Scripture. Here are two common examples: (sadly the list is endless)

Distorting Salvation: The true Gospel teaches salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). False teachings, like those adding works to salvation, contradict this (Galatians 2:16). This was a key issue in my decision, as Roman Catholic teachings on salvation diverge from the 5 Solas.
Prosperity Gospel: This teaching promises health and wealth as signs of faith, creating a “two-tier” church where leaders flaunt wealth while others feel inadequate (Psalm 34:19; Matthew 16:24). It shifts focus from faith in Christ to faith in outcomes, undermining the Gospel.

Jesus warns us to “beware of false prophets” who appear faithful but deceive (Matthew 7:15). We must test all teachings against Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6).

6. Practical Steps for Believers

To fight the good fight of faith, we must actively guard truth while loving others:

Study Scripture: Deepen your knowledge of God’s Word to discern truth from error (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Foster Doctrinal Unity: Build fellowship with those who share commitment to the Gospel, as defined by the 5 Solas, to strengthen mutual encouragement.
Engage Lovingly: When doctrinal differences arise, maintain love and respect. In my case, I preserved friendship with my group member, praying for them while holding to biblical truth.
Pray for Discernment: Ask God for wisdom to recognise false teaching and respond with grace (James 1:5).

Conclusion

My journey began with a painful decision to prioritise truth over fellowship with a friend whose beliefs diverged from the Gospel. Through Scripture, I learned that fighting the good fight of faith means upholding the truth of Jesus, the Gospel, and God’s Word against error—not out of pride, but out of love for God, other fellowship members and the one in error too. God’s truth is non-negotiable because it reflects His character and guides us to salvation. As believers, we’re called to discern error, stand firm in truth, and love others with gentleness, anchoring our lives in the unchanging Word. Let us commit to studying Scripture, fostering biblical fellowship, and living out the Gospel with courage and compassion.
Hugh Thöle

The Five Solae

The Bible makes it clear that without 'unity' true fellowship is impossible.
As we are Protestants we adhere to the five solae, (Latin for “alone” or “only”) which summarise the foundational principles of the Protestant Reformation.
Each sola affirms a core truth about how we relate to God and receive salvation.

1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

What it means:
The Bible alone is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith and practice—not church traditions, councils, or leaders.

Expanded explanation:
Sola Scriptura affirms that the Word of God is sufficient, clear, and trustworthy. While traditions and church leadership can be helpful, they must always be tested against Scripture. Protestants believe that everything necessary for salvation and godly living is found in the Bible.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

4. Solus Christus – Christ Alone

What it means:
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. No priest, saint, or sacrament can replace Him.

Expanded explanation:
Solus Christus teaches that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are entirely sufficient to reconcile us to God. We do not need any other person or system to bring us to God

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5

2. Sola Fide – Faith Alone

What it means:
We are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith alone, not by our works, good deeds, or religious rituals.

Expanded explanation:
Sola Fide teaches that a person is saved not because of what they do, but because of their trust in what Christ has done. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it.

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” — Romans 3:28

5. Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone

What it means:
All of life—including our salvation—is ultimately for the glory of God, not for human praise, religious status, or church power.

Expanded explanation:
Soli Deo Gloria reminds believers that God is the source, means, and end of all things. It removes the focus from human achievement or ecclesiastical pride and places it entirely on God's majesty. Even the good we do as Christians is meant to glorify God, not ourselves.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31

3. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone

What it means:
Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not something we earn or deserve.

Expanded explanation:
Sola Gratia emphasises that we are spiritually dead and unable to save ourselves. It is God’s mercy and kindness that initiates and accomplishes our salvation. Even the faith we have is a gift from God. Grace alone removes all boasting and points to God's sovereignty in salvation.

“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.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

5 Solae

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