If you hang around Christians long enough, you’ll no doubt eventually hear them talking about the difference between primary and secondary issues. Various denominations and individuals will agree on the “primary” issues like the Trinity, incarnation, resurrection, and the authority of Scripture. They may disagree on what are called “secondary” issues such as modes of baptism, eschatology, and the sign gifts (in case you are unfamiliar with any of those terms, I’ve linked to some more details on each).
More and more, we’re seeing modern “Christians” and pastors trying to place a lot of social topics into the category of secondary issues. Any time you try to justify sin by minimizing it, you are on dangerous ground. Not only will this lead many astray, but those perpetuating such nonsense are begging to have the wrath of God poured out on them.
The best way to interpret scripture is with other scripture. The best commentary on scripture is scripture itself. Our faith is in Christ alone, but recognize God has given us His Word as the means for Him to speak to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There is no more complete and valuable resource on the Christian life than the Holy, inspired, and inerrant Word of God. When the scripture speaks plainly, it means what it says. There is no reason to do any mental or linguistic gymnastics to make it say what you want it to say or to be more in line with current societal norms.
No sin will ever be a secondary issue. Jesus didn’t die for the sake of any particular sin, but gave His life as a sacrifice because a single sin entered the world (Romans 5:12). Every sin since then only reinforces our need for a Savior.
Before trying to relegate anything to being a secondary issue, make certain you have first read about it in context and then compare other places in scripture that discuss the same topic. The Bible is not inconsistent. The brightest scholars have been trying to prove it so for centuries and have failed. I promise you have not found something new that has not already been exhaustively debated and dismissed.
If a plain reading of Scripture prohibits an attitude, activity, or lifestyle, those are not secondary issues. There is no way you can love God and at the same time dismiss His Word. If your opinions or theology oppose the clear teaching of the Bible, guess which side needs to change?
Don’t be so proud and deceived that you make God into your image. He is holy and we are not. It’s a cop-out to dismiss the parts of scripture with which we disagree or stand opposed to the fickle winds of the culture as secondary issues. God is still God and sin is still sin. Don’t compromise the Word of God for the sake of getting along or avoiding humiliation or being ostracized. God is still speaking what He has always spoken. He is not a man that His Word or character can change (Numbers 23:19).
Any denial of the plain teaching of scripture shows you are choosing the so-called wisdom of man over the true and eternal wisdom of God. That’s what fools do (Psalm 53:1). Those who love God and recognize the Lordship of Jesus must never bow to the pressure and idols of our day. Instead, hold fast to what you believe (1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 10:23; 1 Corinthians 15:58). Stand firm on the Holy and sufficient Word of God (Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). His commandments are for our good and prepare us for eternal life with Him. Sin will never be a secondary issue. Make certain you are adhering to God’s wisdom and not the wisdom of this age (1 Corinthians 2:6-7)