Doctrine - A Short Study
Doctrines are sometimes misdirected concepts based on the Bible. Though they may be based on the scripture, this is not always true.
First, doctrine is not confined to churches. It applies to governments, political parties, special interest groups and so on. I will confine this “short” look to denominations of “Christianity” beginning with a few standard definitions from a couple of well-known sources:
Merriam Webster: a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief: DOGMA
Dictionary.com: a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government:
Wikipedia: (from Latin: doctrina, meaning “teaching, instruction”) is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system. The etymological Greek analogue is “catechism.”
Doctrine is based on a perception of what is said or written in the Bible.
The Bible is not a doctrine, but doctrines are found in it and developed in view of the Bible. In fact, the Bible agrees that doctrine is good and necessary in the majority of more than 4 dozen direct comments in verse. But the Bible also makes a firm statement that it must be “sound” doctrine.
Sound doctrine must be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Bible is explicit in this area. The Church is to present sound doctrine, Titus 2:1, and avoid those folks and churches, and their doctrines, that are unsound, Romans 16:17. I don’t believe Romans means total avoidance of people, else they would never hear. This seems to me (opinion) to mean you just don’t belong in that church.
But we must, also, be careful not to be to vociferous in our comments regarding others and other churches if, and this is the great determinate, if salvation in Jesus Christ alone is the center of their worship. Philippians 1 covers this well. But, in our contacts with “other” denominational doctrines, we must remain uncompromising.
The bottom line for establishing proper church doctrine is the proper application of scripture, and this cannot be done without proper study:
2 Timothy 3:16-17; (16) 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.
No verse may be interpreted at the expense of another verse. A verse should never be interpreted in such a way as to violate or negate any other part of scripture. There is no quid pro quo in the Bible or salvation.
Next, doctrine should never be based on a single verse or two. Study will show that there is always a verse that can be used in opposition verse considered. But, some use this tactic to attack the clear-cut message of salvation. Again Paul give a directive to Timothy:
2 Timothy 2:15-16; (15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Proper examination of words presented by speakers will bring out proper context and purpose, so study to be aware of the deceivers, Jude 1:4.
Next, scripture can be situational. One verse may be used to help in several different types of situations. Many verses may be used to help in one specific situation.
I believe (opinion) the reason God said in Isaiah 1:17, “Come now, and let us reason together, … “ isn’t that we might trade thoughts with Him as in a debate, but that we might listen and better understand His ways. This verse applies directly to salvation initially, but when we look at the surrounding texts for context, we find God has highlighted situations in various areas of life and the results of not reasoning properly, that is, following according to scripture, His word.
Last, caution must be used when words are “modernized,” Revelation 22:18-19.
Doctrine must be founded on long established principles of the Bible, not in the new words of man. Solomon wrote this down as a reminder of this:
Ecclesiastes 1:9; The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Concluding this glimpse at “doctrine,” I would point out that denominations are the children of doctrines. Doctrines are not necessarily applications of scripture, but many times just theory or opinion as to meaning. They are perceptions of men. It does not make them wrong, but it can develop unsolvable questions.
A preacher I admired once put it this way, and it directly defines too many church doctrines, “I cain’t prove it are, but y’all cain’t prove it ain’t.”
In other words, some church doctrines are not directly provable, but there is a certain amount of scripture to support it. The individual, and again through study, must decide if he can accept this “grey area” doctrine. And the measure is this. Always be aware that there are no grey areas in the doctrine of salvation. It is always the penitent sinner that must come by faith to Jesus Christ alone, John 14:6.