What is doctrine?

Answer

The term “doctrine” translates to “instruction, particularly concerning lifestyle application.” Essentially, doctrine consists of teachings provided by a credible source. In the context of the Bible, this term consistently pertains to spiritually relevant areas of study. The Bible itself declares its usefulness for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, stating, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”, (2 Timothy 3:16). It is crucial to be discerning about our beliefs and the truths we uphold. First Timothy 4:16 advises, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Biblical doctrine aids in comprehending God’s will for our lives. It instructs us on the nature and character of God (Psalm 90:2;Psalm 97:2;John 4:24), the path to salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9;Romans 10:9-10), guidelines for the church (1 Corinthians 14:26;Titus 2:1-10), and God’s standards of holiness for our lives (1 Peter 1:14-17;1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Embracing the Bible as God’s message to us (2 Timothy 3:16;2 Peter 1:20-21) provides a firm foundation for our doctrine. While disagreements may arise within the body of Christ regarding secondary doctrinal points, it is essential to prioritize unity and understanding.

One area where doctrinal differences arise is in topics like eschatology, church organization, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, truly biblical doctrine encompasses the “whole counsel of God” «For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.», (Acts 20:27) and draws conclusions based on what aligns most closely with the unchanging character of our God (Numbers 23:19;Hebrews 13:8).

Nevertheless, the Bible is not always the basis on which individuals or churches establish their doctrinal beliefs. Due to our sinful nature’s resistance to God’s decrees, we often selectively adhere to comfortable parts of the Bible while disregarding the rest. Alternatively, we substitute God’s teachings with human-made doctrines or traditions. This practice is not new. Jesus criticized the scribes and Pharisees for “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7;ESV;cf: Isaiah 29:13). False teachings were prevalent in New Testament times, and the Scriptures indicate that they will persist (Matthew 7:15;2 Peter 2:1;1 John 4:1). Second Timothy 4:3 states, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

The Bible issues strong warnings to those who propagate false or incomplete doctrines merely because they align better with human ideas. First Timothy 6:3–4 declares, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.” The apostle Paul expressed harsh words.

About distorting the gospel with false doctrine: “Evidently, some individuals are causing confusion among you and attempting to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have previously stated, I now repeat: If anyone is proclaiming a gospel other than the one you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:7-9).

Doctrine is the framework through which we guide our lives. When our doctrine is firmly rooted in Scripture, we can be confident that we are following the path God has laid out for us. However, if we fail to study the Word of God ourselves “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”, (2 Timothy 2:15), we are more susceptible to falling into error. While there may be various minor points on which Christians may differ, genuine doctrine is more straightforward than many suggest. Second Peter 1:20 affirms that “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.” There exists a correct interpretation of everything God communicates, and it is our responsibility to grasp that meaning rather than invent an interpretation to suit our preferences. God desires us to comprehend His intentions and has provided us with His Word as the foundation for building lives that honor Him, as seen in Matthew 7:24. The more we delve into true doctrine, the better we grasp God and ourselves.