Theology. I love it. I could seriously have a worship experience while reading a commentary. I would have loved to have been able to go to seminary, not so I could get some letters behind my name and a piece of paper to hang up on my wall, but just so that I could learn and immerse myself in the knowledge of God! Right theology, right doctrine is extremely important – critical. You will never convince me otherwise.

But God brought the hammer down on me a few years ago. I was reading a set of books…one called Why I am Not a Calvinist and its counter, Why I am Not an Arminian. He simply said to me: “You have lost sight of Jesus and have made an idol out of theology.” It was one of the clearest things He has ever said to me…I’ll never forget where I was sitting and how I responded: I fell to my knees, repented and begged His forgiveness. And I haven’t touched the books since.

Until yesterday. A dear friend of mine has found herself right smack dab in the middle of one of, if not, THE most controversial theological debate: the doctrine of election (predestination). She is wrestling through some seemingly conflicting passages of Scripture and finding herself more confused than ever. (I underlined “seemingly” because nothing in Scripture contradicts anything else in Scripture. It was all perfectly inspired by the Holy Spirit! See 2 Timothy 3:16)

Ever been there? It’s a tough place to be. If you’re at all like my friend and me, we don’t quickly settle for easy answers or unclear conclusions. But as I sat outside reading those books that have been collecting dust on my shelf for the past 4 years, I realized that God has done a life-changing work in me. No longer do I lose sleep over subjects like the doctrine of election (I used to!). No longer do I long to go to seminary (NOT that going to seminary is a bad thing!) No longer do I feel this insatiable need to debate “my side” of Biblical interpretation. No longer do I take pride if I’m right…nor am I afraid of being wrong. No longer do I look at those who disagree with me as the “other” ones. I marveled at and thanked God for His sanctifying work in me!

And then I cried. I’m convinced that a significant chunk of the Church has made an idol out of theology. We’ve allowed division to rule, rather than our unity in Christ and Christ alone. Right theology isn’t going to save one single soul. Christ and Christ crucified is to be our banner. Our foundation. Our hope. Our joy. Our treasure. It is because of Jesus’ righteousness alone that I can look forward to an eternity with Him. There are going to be Arminians in heaven! Halleluiah! There are going to be Calvinists in heaven!! Praise the Lord!! There are going to be Pentecostals, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians…Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, male, female…(gasp)…there are going be to sinners there! Sinners, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And do you know what we’ll all have in common (besides the fact that we put our faith in Christ for salvation)? We’ll all realize that NONE of us had a corner-market on theology! “Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Ps.92:5/Rms.11:33).

Now THAT is Good News!!! Amen?!

So, I still read commentaries. And I can still have worship experiences while doing so. But I rest in the unchanging love and grace of my Savior, Jesus Christ. And I just don’t feel the need to debate subjects that I’m convinced we’ll never all agree on. If the Church put all the energy it’s spent debating theology into simply, but radically loving people in Jesus’ Name, this world would be a different place.

Theology can’t save OR love me…only Jesus can!!