Biblical Doctrines: Pt. 1 Defining Doctrine

 

I have been born again for many years, and have benefited from sitting under sound, accurate preaching and learning from men who are seasoned in their faith and careful in their teaching. 

The good side of this spiritual equation is that in my mind I have a good store of Bible truth and a working understanding of its holy doctrines. 

The less good part of this spiritual equation, is that I may not always communicate the doctrinal foundation for a particular subject I am teaching in the blog.

Therefore, I would like to introduce a series of lessons teaching doctrines that are clearly taught in God's holy word. 

There are quite a few doctrines in scripture and though they may have "scholarly" names, they are easy to understand. For example" the doctrine of "eschatology" is simply the doctrine of last things, prophecies to be fulfilled in the future. 

These lessons should move along at a good pace but they will not be exhaustive. I will give you enough Bible support for each doctrine to help you follow it out in the scriptures. 

I hope these lessons will provide a good foundation for your own spiritual growth. 

I have a conservative set of 8 volumes covering all doctrines of the Bible. However, we will be touching on the most important aspects, rather than digging out every single detail. 

What is doctrine? For our purposes, "doctrine" refers to principles and truths from God that touch upon the whole range of spiritual issues. 

The word "doctrine" refers to instruction from an authoritative source that has application to our lives as believers in Christ. The authoritative source for doctrinal truth is the Word of God. 

Doctrine must be scripture based, not musings of men. 

2 Timothy 3:16,17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

Paul's summary statement about the verbal inspiration of the scriptures reminds us why the Bible is the sole source of doctrinal teaching. 

God has spoken to man and all that He reveals to us that we need, is contained in His word. 

God breathed out every single word in the scriptures and therefore, we accept them as inspired, infallible, holy truth communicated to all mankind by our Creator. 

First on Paul's list of why the inspired scriptures are profitable for us is to teach us doctrine. The word "profitable" means that scripture is the sole beneficial source from which doctrine can be taught. 

God's purpose for teaching us doctrine from His Word is to impact how we live. 

The words reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness are indicators of confronting sin, providing the means of correction when needed and giving us the way forward to avoid falling into sin. 

Thus, doctrine is given to us in order to help us honor God with our choices and actions. 

Biblical doctrine helps us understand the nature and character of God.

Psalm 90:1,2   Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2) Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

This prayer of Moses speaks of the glorious character of God. He has always been the place of refuge and shelter for believers in every generation. He provides safety and protection for our soul in times of trouble or tribulation. 

God is before all things. He is not bound by space, matter and time like we are, because He created it all. He is Jehovah the self existent God who precedes all things and who inhabits eternity (Isaiah 57:15). 

Thus, this text teaches us that God is Creator and Sustainer of all life. He is supreme Ruler of the universe. He loves us and desires a close relationship with us, through repentant faith in Christ. 

Jehovah reigns as the righteous Judge of all.

Psalm 97:1,2  The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. 2)  Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. 

This Psalm teaches us about the character of God. He reigns from His throne in heaven. His abode is full of righteousness and holiness. 

God will not let sin or sinners slide by. He will always judge our sins. He is the righteous Judge and King of kings who always does what is right. 

Doctrine is the worldview by which we govern our lives. If our doctrine is based soundly upon Scripture, we can be sure that we are walking in the path God designed for us. 

However, if we fail to study the Word of God for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15), we are led more easily into error. The apostle Peter warned us that we must not allow or seek any private interpretation of scripture (2 Peter 1:20). 

There is a right interpretation of everything God says, and it is our job to discern that meaning accurately, not create an interpretation to suit our tastes. 

God wants us to know His heart and has given us His Word upon which we can build godly lives (See Matthew 7:24). The more that we study true doctrine, the more we understand God and ourselves. 

Preaching is paramount for spiritual health in Christ's church.

2 Timothy 4:1,2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 

Preaching the scriptures is the primary, most important task of a Pastor, Evangelist, or Teacher. Opening up the book written by God to teach and explain it, is as vital to our soul as air is to our body.

2 Timothy 4:3,4  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 

What happens if preaching is neglected and sound doctrine is not instilled in the hearts and minds of Christians? 

Paul tells us what will happen. People who profess to know Christ will reach a tipping point where they no longer submit to sound doctrine. 

Instead, they will fill their minds with false teaching. Their ears will itch to hear some new thing like the Athenians (Acts 17). They will follow fables or myths instead of truth from God. 

The idea of "itching ears" is a strong desire to hear something pleasant. This is exactly why false teachers eagerly spread a health, wealth and prosperity gospel on television. It is why they amass huge followings. They are preaching man made doctrines that have no foundation in truth. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Deuteronomy 32:1-3  Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2)  My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 3)  Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 

See the beautiful description of God's doctrine. It drops down to us as life giving rain, quenching the thirst in our soul and watering the parched soil. It is sweet like the morning dew and like gentle showers. 

Doctrine is to lift up the name of Jehovah and to bring glory to Him.

Doctrine of necessity, must come from the scriptures. 

Doctrine that is based upon man's musings of traditions must be rejected.

Doctrine is meant to give us a right worldview.

Doctrine is meant to instruct us how to live a holy life.

Doctrine is for the glory of God. 

Doctrine has a variety of purposes that God will work into our heart.

Doctrine is taught throughout the scriptures and a solitary verse taken out of context can never be the basis of a doctrine.

I hope that this attempt to define doctrine will help us as we make our way through the doctrines of the Bible.

I hope that taking this simple approach to looking at the doctrines of the Bible, will be of great benefit to all.

Bob