Doctrine Must Be Bible Based

Paul reminded Timothy of the importance of correct doctrine saying, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (I Tim. 4:16).  The apostle’s words point to a close relationship between doctrine and salvation, for the teacher as well as those he teaches.  What we believe matters!

Our actions are based upon what we believe, or, what doctrine we have accepted.  When it comes to our worship of and service to our heavenly Father, our doctrine must be Bible based.  This is what Jesus and the apostles taught.  According to Jesus, we will be judged by the word He spoke (John 12:48).  His words, recorded for us by the gospel writers, are Christian doctrine.  So too are those things which the apostles taught by his authority, either in word or in deed (John 16:12-5-15; Matt. 28:7; Phil. 4:9).

The New Testament is made up of the words and deeds of Jesus and the apostles.  The New Testament is our doctrine.  Therefore, we cannot hope to please God unless we do those things, and only those things, commanded and authorized by the New Testament (Matt. 15:9; 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Tim. 6:3-4).

How do we know what acts of worship are acceptable?  How can we know what our Christian duty consist of?  How do we know what we are to teach?  How can we be sure of our salvation?  The answer to all of these questions is found in Paul’s words to Timothy, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the men of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  Only when our doctrine is the Word of God, we can be sure.

But not all religious doctrine is Scriptural.  Over time men have sought to change Biblical doctrine to better suit their desires.  While they may have held good intentions (though not always) the results have been disastrous.  Next week we will take a look at what the Bible say about man-made doctrines. After that we will examine some common man-made doctrines and see how they measure up against New Testament teaching.

In Christ,

Thomas Sneed