1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Hebrews 6:1-3 (KJV)
To all too many Christians the word “doctrine” seems to be a “dirty word.” One will say to another, “Don’t go over to THAT Church. They teach ‘doctrine!’” The word “doctrine” simply means “teaching” or “instruction.” And we do need sound teaching and instruction, don’t we?
The Bible actually speaks of THREE kinds of “doctrine:”
- The Doctrine (or “Word”) of Christ (Hebrews 6:1).
- The Doctrine of Men (Colossians 2:22).
- The Doctrine of demons (I Timothy 4:1).
While we certainly want to avoid and be free from the doctrine of men and the doctrine of demons, we assuredly DO need and must have the Doctrine of Christ! There are many different types of messages that a preacher might deliver. And we need all of them. But we MUST have solid and sound systematic teaching of the Word of God.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
- Sound doctrine corrects error, brings understanding, and stops murmuring (Isaiah 29:24; I Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 1:9-11).
- Sound doctrine helps you know and do God’s Will (John 17:17).
- Doctrine is one of the four major means of spiritual impartation which will profit the Church (I Corinthians 14:6).
- Sound doctrine promotes unity, clears up confusion, and ministers edification (I Timothy 1:3-4).
- Doctrine is a COMMAND to the Church (I Timothy 4:13).
- Taking heed to sound doctrine brings “salvation” (in all of its varied facets of meaning) and deliverance (I Timothy 4:16).
- Sound doctrine is one of the criteria for the evaluation of sound, valid ministry (II Timothy 3:10).
- Sound doctrine produces spiritual maturity and equips the believer for all good works (II Timothy 3:16-17).
- Sound doctrine is a Biblical basis for fellowship and cooperation (II John 10-11).
While pastoring our last congregation, word got back to me that some in the surrounding community were saying, “Don’t go over to THAT Church. That pastor will brainwash you!” When I heard that, my first thought was, “I pray to God that it is so. I pray that those who sit under sound doctrine will have their brains washed by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26)! Be Blessed!
