But I guess it’s stubbornness, and faith in God, that gets a person through the trials and tribulations of life.”
–D.C. Adkisson (Winter of the Wolves)
“Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
–Titus 1:9 (NKJV)
————————————-
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching
ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
–2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)
“Doctrine divides!” I’ve heard it many times, especially recently. That is contrary to the truth–the truth is that true doctrine unites! What Christian can deny the Apostles’ Creed?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Now, don’t get yourself in an uproar. The term “catholic” means the true Christian church of all times and all places. It has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, or the Vatican. So rest easy. But we see that we are unified in Christ–the doctrine is true and sound.
People say they don’t need doctrine or theology, and Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote that the day will come when men “will not endure sound doctrine.” They continue on to say they want a “relationship” not a religion or a theology. However, if a person really wants a right and deep relationship with God they must have a theology. Theology is simply the “study of God.” Why wouldn’t we want to study the Person with whom we want a relationship?
“It is good theology, not feelings, that will sustain us in life and comfort us as we wrestle with death.” (Alistair Begg) We must adhere to “sound doctrine” never letting it fade from our hearts and minds. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “If your doctrine is wrong, your life will be wrong.” He continued to say, “My sense of obedience to God compels me to discover as far as I can what He means by them [doctrine].” It is vital in these last days that we guard the truth–the doctrine.
People want to interpret the Bible for their own desires; interpret it to mean what they want it to mean rather than taking it at face value as the words of God. By refusing false doctrine, the pseudo-believer makes themselves a god. Interpreting the Scripture the way they want it makes their words and thoughts equal to God’s. They go the way of their own desires. They seek out teachers who no longer teach the authoritative, infallible, inspirational Word of God. Truth (doctrine) then becomes relative–relative to their whims.
Remember the words from Paul to Timothy regarding the Word: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine…” Get that? The first thing we do with the Word is adhere to the doctrine. Then Paul adds, “for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV) Stay firm in the faith, do not be like the children of Israel who “did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, NKJV) Soon they were clamoring for a king, not the God of their fathers. God granted their wish and nothing but trouble followed. Those who seek to do what is right in their own eyes, seeking those who will itch their ears are calling for a king. God will grant their wishes, for upon the scene of mankind a ruthless king will arise–the Antichrist.
In these days–last days or not–hold to the doctrine. Do not be swayed by feelings or false teachers (read 1 John), but continue to stand upon the foundation that has been laid out. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16, NKJV)
–Titus 1:9 (NKJV)
————————————-
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching
ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
–2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)
“Doctrine divides!” I’ve heard it many times, especially recently. That is contrary to the truth–the truth is that true doctrine unites! What Christian can deny the Apostles’ Creed?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Now, don’t get yourself in an uproar. The term “catholic” means the true Christian church of all times and all places. It has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, or the Vatican. So rest easy. But we see that we are unified in Christ–the doctrine is true and sound.
People say they don’t need doctrine or theology, and Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote that the day will come when men “will not endure sound doctrine.” They continue on to say they want a “relationship” not a religion or a theology. However, if a person really wants a right and deep relationship with God they must have a theology. Theology is simply the “study of God.” Why wouldn’t we want to study the Person with whom we want a relationship?
“It is good theology, not feelings, that will sustain us in life and comfort us as we wrestle with death.” (Alistair Begg) We must adhere to “sound doctrine” never letting it fade from our hearts and minds. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “If your doctrine is wrong, your life will be wrong.” He continued to say, “My sense of obedience to God compels me to discover as far as I can what He means by them [doctrine].” It is vital in these last days that we guard the truth–the doctrine.
People want to interpret the Bible for their own desires; interpret it to mean what they want it to mean rather than taking it at face value as the words of God. By refusing false doctrine, the pseudo-believer makes themselves a god. Interpreting the Scripture the way they want it makes their words and thoughts equal to God’s. They go the way of their own desires. They seek out teachers who no longer teach the authoritative, infallible, inspirational Word of God. Truth (doctrine) then becomes relative–relative to their whims.
Remember the words from Paul to Timothy regarding the Word: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine…” Get that? The first thing we do with the Word is adhere to the doctrine. Then Paul adds, “for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV) Stay firm in the faith, do not be like the children of Israel who “did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, NKJV) Soon they were clamoring for a king, not the God of their fathers. God granted their wish and nothing but trouble followed. Those who seek to do what is right in their own eyes, seeking those who will itch their ears are calling for a king. God will grant their wishes, for upon the scene of mankind a ruthless king will arise–the Antichrist.
In these days–last days or not–hold to the doctrine. Do not be swayed by feelings or false teachers (read 1 John), but continue to stand upon the foundation that has been laid out. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16, NKJV)