This coming Lord’s Day morning, as the Lord allows, I will begin a series of twenty-seven sermons on the subject of, “Understanding Bible Doctrines.” Our first sermon will be the first of four messages on “Theological Triage!”

“Triage” is the word for sorting things out according to a preset qualification. In medicine, it is used to check out multiples of injured people to see who is in need of the most urgent care. In the financial world, it is used to determine which vendor or debt to pay first, second, third, etc.

In the world of Bible teaching, it is used to determine which doctrines are of greater importance than others. Now, every Word of God and every doctrine (teaching) found in the Bible is important, (Matthew 4:4) but the simple fact is that some are more important than others.

For example, the doctrine of repentance (which is necessary for salvation) is more important than the doctrine of spiritual gifts (which is not necessary for salvation). So, some doctrines are more important than others!

While many theologians whom I respect divide the importance of doctrines into three categories, I whole-heartedly believe that it is wise to divide them into four categories.

Category One, or “First Tier” doctrines are those doctrines that believing is absolutely necessary for salvation! In other words, if you do not believe these things you are not saved. Period.

This coming Lord’s Day, as the Lord allows, after I give you the list of four categories of doctrines, I will list the seven things that I believe the bible requires a person to believe to be saved.

In preparation for this study, let me encourage you to read over and think through the following verses: Psalm 14:1; Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; Romans 10:9; Luke 13:3, 5; John 3:17, 36; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; and Ephesians 2:8-10.

I hope this series will be a blessing and help to you. There are doctrines worth dying for, but, most of them are not. It is very important that we know which ones are which!

BTW, this week’s Sermon on what one must believe to be saved is exactly what unsaved people need to hear; so, I hope you will invite your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to hear this particular sermon.

I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!