We can set cornerstones for our understanding (Rom 10:8-10), but do not define anything absolutely. That’s a good thing. To believe is not a list of dogmas or ideas that I must agree with (a “hold to be true”), but to believe is “to trust”. Trust is something different from “believing it to be true.”

So what is the role of Scripture? It lets us hear God’s word. His Spirit blows through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and opens the meaning to us. What is happening is a new orientation of thinking. We draw expectation because we trust His words. We trust God’s Word because we trust Him. Faith is entering into a relationship, a turning to Him who made heaven and earth. We do it like the people the Bible tells us about. After that, we can fill this relationship with clues from Scripture, we can add to our image of God. But we can only do it for ourselves.

Nevertheless, Paul repeatedly speaks of all men being equal in Christ. What does he mean by that? For example, he writes:

“Where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian or Scythian, slave or free, but all and in all Christ.”
Col 3:11

This equality is not based on accepting the same theology, but it is based on God’s work in us and that we are being renewed in the image of Him who created us (Col 3:10). What we are the same in is the work of God in our lives. This is more important than any “human” differences.

Can we recognize the work of God in the other person? Can we concede that you and I think and feel differently and thus depend on God’s working? Do I know that you are loved by God? Can I see that my attitude toward You may reflect this love of God for me and for You?

The courage to take a step back is still needed. Because my understanding is completely imperfect. It is impossible to believe when everything is defined, because that is not the point.

It takes a listening heart.