Opinions: These are beliefs that we hold as being proper, but which we recognize may fall in the category of taste, personal preference, or subjective experience. Opinions are important, but they should not divide us. Rather they are the evidence of the wonderful variety that God intended in His creation and His people. Unity is not uniformity. The body is a unity of diverse organs. That is a strength, not a weakness.
Practical Details of Administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion: The Sacraments are as precious to us as are the Essentials of our faith described above. However, in the details of how they are administered there is room for differing Opinions.
We believe in the validity of infant, child, and adult baptism. However, the methods of sprinkling, pouring, or full emersion are open for discussion.
We believe that Jesus, Himself, commanded us to remember His sacrifice and love for us through the Sacrament of Communion and that our participation in this Sacrament is holy. However, details — such as who may serve elements to the congregation, how they are distributed, and who is eligible to receive them — are open for discussion.
Details of the Mystery of Predestination: We believe in the Biblical doctrine of predestination, that God has a destiny for those who trust in Him. The truth behind this truth is the sovereign freedom of God to choose that relationship, and human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are also free to choose that relationship. The details of this phenomenon are a mystery to us, but we trust in His gracious omniscience and accept it even though we can’t fully explain it.