Why Doctrine Matters
May 9th, 2008
(By John MacArthur)
Is it enough to “believe in Jesus” in some amorphous sense that divorces “faith” from any particular doctrine about Him, or is doctrine—and the content of our faith—really important after all?
Scripture plainly teaches that we must be sound in the faith—which is to say that doctrine does matter (1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:2-3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1). It matters a lot.
“If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing” (1 Tim. 6:3-4, emphasis added).
Sound, biblical doctrine is a necessary aspect of true wisdom and authentic faith. The attitude that scorns doctrine while elevating feelings or blind trust cannot legitimately be called faith at all, even if it masquerades as Christianity. It is actually an irrational form of unbelief.
God holds us accountable for what we believe as well as how we think about the truth He has revealed. All Scripture testifies to the fact that God wants us to know and understand the truth. He wants us to be wise. His will is that we use our minds. We are supposed to think, meditate, and above all, to be discerning.
The content of our faith is crucial. Sincerity is not sufficient.
Consider, for example, these well-known verses. Note the repeated use of words like truth, knowledge, discernment, wisdom, and understanding:
“Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom” (Psa. 51:6).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (Psa. 111:10).
“Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Thy commandments” (Psa. 119:66).
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:2-6).
“The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding” (Prov. 4:7).
“We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9).
“In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3).
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
God’s Word makes it abundantly clear that He wants us to use our minds. And one of the most vital duties facing every Christian—especially in an era (such as ours) when the church is overrun with contradictory ideas and spiritual confusion—is the duty of discernment. As those who would be faithful Bereans of the Word (Acts 17:11), we must be careful to watch our lives and our doctrine closely (1 Tim. 4:16).
There two items regarding doctrine that I often hear.
1) Doctrine divides: Normally those who mention this see the division as something negative. Yet,it is true that doctrine divides, but it is supposed to do that - it is supposed to separate the true from the false. There are some today that even preach a non-doctrinal Jesus. Even to the point they separate His person from His work. Many were crucified before and after Jesus. What is most significant about the crucifixion of Jesus is that it was God who was crucified. His work divorced of His person is worthless.
2) Let’s focus on what we agree: This is also a common desire. It is true that in certain things we can agree to disagree. Yet what matters is the areas of disagreement, rather than the areas of agreement. We can find many things to agree with Roman Catholicism - Virging birth, diety of Christ, Triune God, etc.; however, it is the areas of disagreement that are telling (i.e salvation, justification, security).
Can truth be divorced of sound doctrine? I don’t think so.
“It matters a lot.”
Amen. I love the teachings of Scripture. I suppose I can be a little too doctrinal at times, and I need to become more balanced with hearing the Word, and being a doer.
But today it seems in many circles that the Church disregards doctrine, theology, and even the Bible itself. We’re in a heap of trouble. Unless, the Lord pours out a revived hunger for His Word, and a thirst for His Spirit.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the Joy and Rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of Hosts.” Jer. 15:16
“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. … out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38
It’s a bit challenging to be charitable towards those who behaviorally dismiss and disdain doctrine. I’m thinking particularly of theological liberals and postmodern emergers and people-pleasing, wishy-washy evangelicals.
They all readily give lip-service to the importance of doctrine, but by their actions they’d rather not engage in doctrinal discussions. Or even worse, they frown upon doctrinal discussions and strongly discourage them.
You don’t have to convince me that doctrine matters. It’s more of what do I do with those who downplay doctrine? And when I show them Scripture, who then downplay those passages in favor of their favorite passages proclaiming unity and peacemaking.
Truth without love is dead;
Love without truth is dead;
Let us speak the truth in love, the way Jesus Did, challenging Sin and seeking repentance and love for the LORD.
Let us be UNITED in the Truth and speak clearly the truth with love, grace and mercy to sinners so that they may repent before the Day.
Truth without love is dead;
Love without truth is dead;
Let us speak the truth in love, the way Jesus Did, challenging Sin and seeking repentance and love for the LORD.
Let us be UNITED in the Truth and speak clearly the truth with love, grace and mercy to sinners so that they may repent before the Day.
Oops! sorry