How Important Is Doctrine?
by: Ivie Powell
Many equate doctrine with legalism and a Pharisaical spirit. To them doctrine is not important and is actually that which creates discord and division. Evidence of the reception of this can easily be seen by reading bulletins and certain magazines as well as listening to what is and is not bring preached in pulpits on any given Lord's day. The end result, of course, is a total breakdown in that which has always (since Pentecost) distinguished the Lord's people from the doctrines of men. Further evidence of a lack of biblical indoctrination can be heard by listening to the "speech of Ashdod" that many have acquired, i.e. "teachings of the Church of Christ," "the pastor," "the other denominations," "witnessing for Christ," "Church of Christ doctrine," "senior minister," to name a few.
The following question is certainly in order, "Where did God's people learn that doctrine is not important and creates division?" Before that question is answered, a definition of doctrine is in order. According to W. E. Vine, doctrine is "teaching, that which is taught of the act of teaching, instruction" (An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 331). Under the heading of "Sound Doctrine," Charles A Pledge makes the following remarks concerning doctrine:
"Viewing it as a whole, we get the idea of wholesomeness - healthy - as opposed to corruption or partial. Without question sound doctrine is a phrase intended to contrast with it opposite."
Kittel, in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. 8, p. 308, says of the general secular usage of the word in the Greek language: "This broad range of meaning is rooted in the basic sense that the healthy is what is balanced according to the order of the whole."
Again in reference to New Testament usage, Kittel said on page 312: "Sound doctrine is true and correct teaching in contrast to perverted doctrine." On the same page he said, "the concern of this teaching is...with true, rational and proper life in the world, which as creation is characterized by order and reason." Once more he noted, "Hence connected with the summons to a correct and orderly whole." (Titus 1:12; 2:2).
"Sound doctrine is the whole doctrine. This doctrine is healthy. As medicine may become impotent or even dangerous with one ingredient missing, even so the doctrine becomes corrupt with part of it left out..." ("Sound Doctrine" The Southeastern Evangelist, Doraville, GA: 3, 1974 p. 10).
As to whether Christ and the apostles taught that doctrine is not important and is the cause of discord and division let us examine what they had to say regarding this matter.
"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:16-17).
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
"Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall save both thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16).
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11).
As to the question, "Where did God's people learn that doctrine is not important and creates division?" The answer is not from God's Word! To state that doctrine creates discord and division is to falsely charge Christ and His apostle's for they taught doctrine. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:28-29). Pause and think, if it is the case that doctrine is not important, then one could with approval of God be a Buddhist, denominationalist, or even an atheist!!
So, how important is doctrine? Doctrine is so important Paul said, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13). It is extremely important to note that there is no such thing as unimportant doctrine. In order for an individual or congregation to remain "sound in faith" they must "...speak the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1-2). Herein lies the problem as to why so many have acquired the "speech of Ashdod" and why so many have departed from the faith! Let us, therefore, love the doctrine of our Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and heed the words of the inspired Paul, "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained" (1 Timothy 4:6). Yes, doctrine is so important that it makes the difference between heaven and hell!!!!