A secondary issue is an issue that churches may divide over, but is not a gospel issue. For example, in our church, we do not have anyone in leadership who believes in infant baptism. However, we still unite with those who disagree with us on a secondary issue like that outside of local church life, in wider church fellowships, conferences and associations.
Someone is a false teacher if they are using their position as a leader to sin—whether sexually, financially, or in some other way. But it’s also about what they actually teach.
To put it simply, false teaching begins with the denial of any point of the Apostle’s Creed. But beyond that, anyone who denies for example:
- The authority of Scripture
- Justification by faith alone
- Salvation exclusively through Christ
- Sin
- The doctrine of eternal hell
- The doctrines of regeneration and sanctification, brought about by the Holy Spirit
- The need to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of our sins
…is denying a gospel issue—and is therefore a false teacher.
