I know that we have heard certain terms that have become very familiar and are generally accepted by Christendom. We speak of those scriptures that are “essential” or “nonessential” to salvation or to the Gospel. And I understand where we’re coming from. But I would ask that we stop for just a moment to examine these terms and their functions. We are busy people. One of the costs that we pay because of it is the failure to meditate and think through upon what we claim to believe. I beg a moment of your time to read, and yes, to reflect upon the contents of this material.

Let’s begin with some definitions:

Essentialness, Syn Essential, Fundamental, Vital, Cardinal, mean so important as to be indispensable. Essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. Fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse; Vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing’s continued existence or operation; Cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. (Our thanks to Mr. Webster for his insight.)

But which parts of the Bible might I exclude from the “essential” as not to effect its character? And which scriptures are a part of its foundation and which are not? And what of the aforementioned “operation” and “outcome?”

The word nonessential and the term not essential seem to have gained popularity in recent years; the definition being, unnecessary, unneeded, uncalled for, dispensable, unimportant, archaic. Yet these are terms that we have chosen to use in regard to the Eternal Word? Perhaps someone might want to return to the dictionary; but not a Bible dictionary! Essential and nonessential are not there!

Suppose each of us was brought before a great stone wall. A challenge is issued to us: take out all those stones that are nonessential to its standing; those dispensable, unneeded, unnecessary. Leave only those essential stones in place. Where would we start? Who is he who would “cast out the first stone?” Who is he who would dare to go through the Bible and separate the scriptures; the nonessential on the left, and those deemed essential on the right? Has it not been well said by some, that the Bible is so full of Jesus that it would bleed anywhere you cut it? If we believe Christ to be the Living Word then why would we dissect Him as we would a frog? A foolish comparison, you say? If we are the “body” of Christ, then which parts are we to consider as being nonessential? Which parts could be cut away and the body still he regarded as “whole?” Let’s make it personal. What part(s) of your body would you consider as being “nonessential”? What would you be willing to lose first?

Want to see more? Then read Ephesians chapter 4: “perfecting of the saints. . . edifying of the body of Christ. . .till we all come in the unity of the faith. . .may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted [knit together] by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” In a nut shell, every part is essential. Now we have a problem. It’s that “knit together” thing. The ladies will more readily relate to this: a “pick” in a pair of stockings; a pick in a knit sweater. Bad news. A “run” or “unraveling.” If the Word of God be likewise “knit together,” then any attempt to separate the “essential” from the “nonessential” could prove disastrous.

I’m an extremist, you say? No. If you want to see what extreme is, then spend a few hours gazing upon the cross-work of our Lord Jesus; consider to what extremes the Lord Jehovah would go in redeeming and reconciling to Himself a world of depraved sinners. What an extremist! whose love for us was so extreme as to give the extreme sacrifice of His only begotten Son.

I’m being picky, you say? You want to see who’s picky about the Word? “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I AM not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” Matt. 5:17,18.

But I understand. And the law is one of those things that might be regarded as being nonessential when it comes to salvation and the Gospel. Right? Wrong. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” Rom.3:24. And what did we learn in school? That we were depraved sinners with no hope of redemption in ourselves; we were made aware of the absolute righteousness of the Eternal God; that the only refuge to whom we might flee was Jesus Christ. The law - nonessential to the gospel and to salvation?

Personally, I have a problem. In my book, the word “nonessential” ought never be used in the same sentence with “Bible” or “Word of God.” (With the exception of an article such as this one!)

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