Understanding 1 Corinthians 13: The Foundation of Christian Solidarity

1 Corinthians 13 is a crucial verse that highlights a common human inclination: the tendency to consider oneself or one's own denomination as more righteous or closer to the scriptures and God than others. This verse also points to the tendency of believers to associate themselves with prominent figures in religious circles. Such tendencies often arise due to differences in theological beliefs, preferences, or the emphasis placed on certain doctrines over others.

Why Theological Differences May Not Matter to God

In practice or to God, it hardly matters how well a believer understands theological concepts. Abraham, a key figure in biblical history, was elected not because he was knowledgeable about theological principles that were acceptable to God. Instead, it was stated that God knew he was a righteous man, and through this faith, God saw visions of the future, including the Israelites, the Church, all blessed nations, and even sheep nations (Genesis 18:19). This shows that God's choice was based on faith and character, not theological expertise.

The Irrelevance of Theological Knowledge in God's Judgment

The Bible nowhere states that a believer's ascent to heaven will be judged based on their theological knowledge. Revelation 20:12 and 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 emphasize that judgment is based on deeds and faithfulness to Christ, not theological qualifications. Whether an individual is a pastor, an average believer from the 1st century, or even a present-day member, the standard for judgment is consistent. It is the individual, and their works, that God will evaluate.

The Realignment of Our Focus: Faithfulness vs Knowledge

Profound understanding and spiritual works are indeed essential companions in the journey of faith. However, the ultimate criterion for God's choice is not theoretical knowledge but the individual's faithfulness to Christ and the confession of their beliefs. For professional religious people, contemporary consensus on theological matters is important. However, it is vital not to overlook times when obviously wrong teachings were prevalent. God will not hold average believers accountable for these erroneous teachings, as He knows the value and worth of each individual.

Contextualizing the Role of Miracles and Ministry

There have been instances where groups of believers performed miracles, prophesied, and wrought wonders, yet the Lord did not accept them. It is likely that such prominent workers had far better theological knowledge than the average Christian. These events may suggest that the mere display of miracles or wonders does not necessarily guarantee acceptance by God. What matters is whether these actions are guided by a heartfelt and unwavering faith in Christ.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Faith and Refrain from Self-Judgment

To sum up, while theological knowledge and spiritual works are important elements of the Christian journey, it is the individual's faithfulness to Christ and their deeds that truly matter in the eyes of God. Therefore, believers should not focus solely on their own theological expertise or the qualifications of their peers. Instead, they should strive to embody faithful living and wholehearted devotion to Christ. Finally, as people of faith, we should be cautious not to prematurely judge others' qualifications or assess their worth based on theoretical knowledge.