Reproach of Men

Primarily, doctrine encompasses two things: Teaching, and fundamental belief. However, rather than make this simply a deeper look into the different points of the Statement of Faith, the purpose of this section is to delve into the doctrines contained in passages of Scripture and show their application. This section will also address controversial doctrines and explore whether they meet the test of Scripture, or not. In so doing, articles will intersect with the Statement of Faith at times. After all, the Bible is one book, even though it was penned by various writers over approximately 1500 years. (It is one book because it only has one Author – the LORD God.)

In delving into the various doctrines you will find (if you don’t already know) that every properly interpreted passage will ultimately lead one through the entire Scripture. Thus, every proper doctrine is tied to every other doctrine in Scripture. Before continuing on though, there are two passages of Scripture that are essential to know for understanding why one doctrine is scripturally proper, and another is not.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:19-21)

The above two passages are succinct: All Scripture (not some Scripture) is given by God, and no doctrine of Scripture, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is based upon a single verse or passage of Scripture. If many would simply follow these two admonitions it would prevent a lot of false doctrines.

There is one other thing of note: It is impossible to build scriptural doctrines with unscriptural sources. If the doctrine cannot be proved by the Scripture alone, then it is not a Bible doctrine – I don’t care how good it sounds.

Finally, the Scripture does address, either directly or in principle, every single situation that could possibly arise in a person’s life. Therefore, the subjects for doctrinal discussion are almost endless. Thus we should ever be in study of the word of God and attentive of our doctrine.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (I Timothy 4:16)

In Christ,

Paul W. Davis

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