email

Indeterminate State

Humans derive comfort from certainty. Sometimes we assume certainty when it would have been wiser to be less certain. For example, December 7th, 1941 might have turned out differently if the Navy at Pearl Harbor had maintained a lower level of certainty. Being mistaken about certainty is being distant from truth. For the Christian mistaken certainty can be as dangerous as following a false doctrine.

One can derive certainty from the bible. For example, that one can be saved by trusting in the gospel (good news) that Jesus died for our sins and rose again is clearly presented (1Cor 15:1-4). However, it can be confusing to then read that being saved is also contingent on being baptized and repenting (Acts 2:38). When there appears to be a contradiction, one can pick one side or the other and declare certainty or one can move the subject into a category of “need more information”. Here the unresolved question would be is salvation by faith or works (like baptism). Considering how important the answer to this question might be, one would pay more urgent attention.

To move a subject out of the category of “indeterminate” to certainty, one has to seek out answers that either support or refute a particular explanation. One might declare that baptism is a requirement, only to find difficulty resolving it with Ephesians 2:8-9. The idea that salvation is by faith only can find considerable support except for a clear reading of Acts 2:38. In this case one might look at the Acts 2 context and see that Peter is talking to those of Israel recently come to understand that they have put their Messiah to death. This could mean that what Peter said is not applicable to all believers of all time. The idea that there is one gospel for the kingdom (Acts 2:38) and one for gentiles (1Cor 15:1-4) might find support in Galatians 2:7. This can move the salvation by faith only view more towards certainty and out of the category of the indeterminate.

There are some subjects that more than likely will remain in an indeterminate state. The reference in 1 Corinthians that believers will judge angles does not have many other biblical references from which a broader picture can be drawn. While it maybe certain that this will happen, the how, when, and why may remain (for now) unresolvable. Denominations tend to declare what is certain and what is not as they operate by doing the thinking for others. However, for individuals capable of thinking themselves, the indeterminate state can be useful as it can reduce contentions of “right and wrong” with others. Discussions can be held on subjects without a personal investment that is often at the heart of contention.

It is also possible to move a particular doctrine into the indeterminate category. For example, consider someone raised in a Charismatic church. As he grows he may begin to have doubts as his experiences do not seem to match up with what he is told. These doubts may lead him to leave the faith altogether, find another denomination, or search out an explanation for the difference between his experiences and what he was told. Doubts, questions, and growing uncertainty can lead one to make use of the indeterminate category.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Information about Christianity and the Christian life.