Articles
Does The Doctrine Matter?
Some want to tell us that no one has the right to bind their doctrine (teaching) upon others to follow. They insist that there is no right and only true doctrine that all religious individuals must adhere to. But is this what the Bible, the inspired Word of God, tells us? Does the doctrine matter?
Paul instructed Timothy to “remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (I Tim. 1:3). In order to be considered a “good minister” we must instruct brethren in “the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (I Tim. 4:6). Timothy was to “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (I Tim. 4:13). We must remember that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine” (2 Tim. 3:16).
In fact, the Spirit-guided apostle told Timothy to take heed to himself “and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (I Tim. 4:16). What if we don’t continue in the doctrine? Then we will not be saved! What do you think? Does the doctrine matter?
So why do some want to attack those who stress that teaching the right doctrine does matter? Why do some get so worked up about those who emphasize the need for Bible authority in all that we do (Col. 3:17)?
The problem is that some just do not like “sound doctrine.” They hate when you quote book, chapter, and verse for what you teach and practice (I Peter 4:11). Why? “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Christians are commanded to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
In order to no longer be slaves of sin we must obey “from the heart that form of doctrine” delivered to us (Rom. 6:17; cf. John 8:31-32). Then we must continue “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42).
Read closely what the apostle John wrote about the doctrine of Christ. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).
Doctrine does matter. We must abide in the doctrine of Christ to be saved, and reject the doctrine of men so as not to be lost and condemned (Matt. 15:1-14)!
