I'm not talking about different religions, mind you. I mean different doctrines within Christianity. i.e. arminianism v. calvinism."
Response:
The doctrine of salvation is critically important. Before we can examine the doctrine of salvation, we need to understand what “the doctrine of salvation” entails. Let’s start with “doctrine” in general. What is doctrine? According to Wikipedia, a reliable source for defining terms, Doctrine is “a codification of beliefs or "a body of teachings" or "instructions", taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system.” Basically, doctrine is a system of beliefs. Paul tells us that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching (or DOCTRINE in the KJV), for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Scripture itself provides doctrine.
Before I explain doctrine any further, it’s important to clarify. While doctrine and especially correct doctrine is vital to our faith, doctrine and “a right view of reality” doesn’t matter if you don’t act on them. Many churches focus so much on doctrine and being right, they have lost both the spirit and meaning of the doctrine they claim to hold so dearly. This is not what Paul intended when he said the Scripture is profitable for doctrine. True doctrine, understood through the Holy Spirit, should results in a change of heart and “righteous” action and good works.
If I believe that good doctrine is important but miss the entire point, the doctrine I profess is worthless to you. I would argue we live what we truly believe. If we truly believe in biblically grounded doctrine, your life will change to reflect the work God is doing in your life. John Stonestreet, quoting Michael Bauman (a well renowned professor) said “You may not live what you profess but you will live what you believe.” In other words, your actions are dictated by your true beliefs. You may not live what you profess but you will live what you believe
But now why are we even talking about doctrine if it can be so easily misunderstood? Simple; Doctrine is important. Doctrine is important because doctrine involves what we believe about the world. What we believe about the world is important because what we believe about the world has consequences for how we live, die and what happens to us for eternity. The bottom line of the bottom line is simply this: Our Ideas have consequences. Ideas have consequences.
Now to the original question:
“A) how important is doctrine for salvation”,
“B) Would you say some doctrines are "too wrong" for salvation”
C) “What about Calvinism and Arminianism “
A) How important is “The Doctrine for Salvation”?
A correct view of the doctrine of salvation can be very important. A correct view of the doctrine of salvation involves understanding the gospel itself.
(The following is a summary of the Gospel) The bible recounts the gospel on every page. It starts with Genesis 1:1, In the Beginning GOD created. The Scripture tells us that one God in three persons created the whole world with a vast number of breath taking plants, animals, and geologic wonders. As God’s crowning act of creation, God created Adam (Hebrew: Ahdamah) and Eve. He created man in his image and gave him authority over all creation. But Scripture tells us that man rebelled against God. As a result, man was separated from God and creation was corrupted. The result was evil, corruption, and division. Man in his new natural state could not please God. We deserve nothing but the wrath of God. But GOD, in his love, came to earth in the form of a man and died to redeem his creation. God would have been justified to wipe man off the entire planet but instead Christ took upon himself the wrath of God the father. Only through Christ can creation be redeemed. Gods plan for the world through Christ’s blood means grace and redemption for all of those who have faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Only through Christ and his innocent blood can we be justified. “No one can come to the father except through me”
B) Would you say some Doctrines are "Too Wrong" for Salvation
To answer your question; I think that some “Christians” can misunderstand “the doctrine of Salvation” or the gospel to the point where they are not saved. Not all who claim to be Christians, are infact Christians. Believing in God or just professing Christ not enough. James 2:19 “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” We need to believe in Christ, repent of our sins, and submit to the Lordship of Christ. You might ask “HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?” How can you say professing Christ is not enough. Listen to the words of Jesus.
Jesus told us that [Brackets for clarification] “On that day [The day of judgment] many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Which “doctrines” are too wrong for salvation? Any doctrine that does not acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, any doctrine that substitutes or requires more or less than Christ, or any doctrine which is clearly unbiblical is the wrong doctrine of salvation.
Good works are not enough. Believing that God exists is not enough. Christ alone is more than enough. Submit your life to the Lordship of Christ. Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus cannot be your savior until Christ is your LORD.
But do we have to have perfect doctrine to be saved? No. We need Christ. In our current condition, we are imperfect. But in Christ, we have salvation and we become new creature who are being sanctified (or perfected through Christ and the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives).
C) The Calvinist and Arminianian Debate
Predestination is a non salvific issue. Whether you believe in Calvinism or Arminianism, it is not a salvation issue. You can hold either position and be in the body of Christ. The church is still imperfect and unfortunately many people are pointing fingers at even their brother and sisters in Christ about the issue of predestination of salvation (Calvinism and Arminianism deal with predestination of faith). Some claim it is an issue of salvation. Whether you know Christ as Lord and Savior or not, according to Scripture, is the ONLY salvation issue. It is very disappointing that some people have made it an issue and divided churches and fellowship over it. While I believe Calvinism and Arminianism are important and profitable doctrines to discuss, I don’t think that it is a salvation issue and I don’t think the church should be making it one. Calvinism vs. Arminianism is an important debate, but it does not have a bearing on a person’s salvation.
Conclusion:
The doctrine of salvation can have implications on whether we are saved but Calvinism and Arminianism should not be one of those issues. Our beliefs (or doctrine), including our view of salvation, are important because they impact what we value and translates into actions. Our actions will determine our destiny. Ideas have consequences. The Church needs to acknowledge above all, the Lordship of Christ and submit to his Lordship. Make sure that you know and believe the true and biblical doctrine of Salvation. Jesus Christ came to redeem his creation through his precious and perfect sacrifice. Christ alone is our redeemer.