God did not appoint us as judges to announce anyone’s final destiny (Romans 14:4). Yet, He says we must go everywhere teaching everyone how to be saved (Mark 16:16). He also calls on us to determine whom to accept into our fellowship as one who has been added to the body of the saved (Acts 2:47). In 2 John 10-11, John says not to "receive" or "greet" one who does not "abide in the teaching of Christ." To do so is to "participate in his evil deeds" because we would have given him an approval we must withhold. Paul makes the same point in Romans 16:17, commanding Christians to "turn away" from anyone not following "the teaching" he had given them. In 2 Thessalonians 3:17, likewise, Paul commands "do not associate with" one who does not obey his instruction.

 So we are not to pronounce final judgment on people but must teach them what to do to be saved. We also must make a distinction in fellowship between those who have done what the Bible teaches is required for salvation and those who have not.

 But how do we determine the subjects on which to focus our teaching and the points on which to deny our fellowship to someone. Do we accept only those with whom we agree on everything? In Romans 14:1 Paul says to accept those with whom we have differences on matters of "opinion." So we should allow for differences on some things but not associate with people because of differences on others.

 Do the Scriptures distinguish those essentials on which we must agree from the opinions on which we can differ? Is "accepting God" the only essential? Is believing in Jesus as God’s son the only essential? Are all the essentials listed in Ephesians 4:4-6: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father?

 Surely on a matter as essential as essentials God has given us the answer. If God wanted to tell us in His word what the essentials are, how would He do it? Careful reading of Scripture shows that God says some things will save us, leading us to heaven, while other things will condemn us. leading us to hell? If, then, we find in the New Testament those things to which God has attached eternal consequences, we will have our list of essentials on which we must agree and about which we must grant or withhold fellowship.

 Here are some examples of such statements. Hebrews 11:6: "without faith [that God exists] it is impossible to please Him. John 8:24: "Unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." In Acts 2:38, Peter declares to believers in God and in Christ as His son, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you. . . . for the remission of your sins." In Galatians 5:21 Paul says if Christians practice the "works of the flesh," they "will not inherit the kingdom of God." In I Corinthians 11:23-29 Paul tells the Corinthians that because they no longer worship in the Lord’s Supper as he had "delivered" to them, they are "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" and are bringing "condemnation" upon themselves. Galatians 1:9: "If any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed." Revelation 2:10: "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

 This, obviously, is only a partial list, but it demonstrates how God declares what is essential. He tells us what will save or condemn, what is related to salvation. Let us, then, study carefully to see what God makes essential to receiving His grace. Let us focus our teaching and preaching on these topics. And let us never extend our approval to those whose teaching and practice rejects what God has declared essential.