Topical Encyclopedia The term "doctrine" in the Christian context refers to the teachings and principles set forth in the Bible, which form the foundation of Christian faith and practice. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, provides numerous references to the importance, purpose, and nature of doctrine. These scriptures emphasize the necessity of sound doctrine for the spiritual health and growth of believers and the church.Importance of Doctrine The Bible underscores the significance of doctrine in several passages. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the role of Scripture in providing doctrinal instruction that equips believers for righteous living. In Titus 2:1, Paul exhorts, "But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine." Here, the emphasis is on the necessity of teaching that aligns with the truth of the Gospel, ensuring that the community of believers remains grounded in authentic Christian teaching. Purpose of Doctrine Doctrine serves to unify believers in the truth and protect them from false teachings. Ephesians 4:14-15 states, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." This passage illustrates the protective and unifying purpose of sound doctrine, which helps believers mature in their faith. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 4:16 advises, "Pay close attention to your life and to your doctrine. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you." This verse underscores the salvific aspect of doctrine, indicating that adherence to true teaching is vital for the salvation of both the teacher and the hearers. Nature of Doctrine The nature of Christian doctrine is rooted in the truth of God's Word. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This declaration affirms that the foundation of all Christian doctrine is the truth of Scripture, which sanctifies and sets believers apart for God's purposes. Additionally, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns of a time when people will not endure sound doctrine: "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This warning highlights the enduring challenge of maintaining doctrinal purity in the face of cultural and personal preferences that deviate from biblical truth. Doctrine and the Church The early church devoted itself to the apostles' teaching, as seen in Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This commitment to apostolic doctrine was foundational to the life and growth of the early Christian community. Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul emphasizes the core doctrine of the Gospel: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This passage encapsulates the essential elements of Christian doctrine centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In summary, the Bible presents doctrine as essential for instruction, unity, protection, and growth in the Christian faith. It is rooted in the truth of God's Word and is vital for the spiritual well-being of both individuals and the church as a whole. Nave's Topical Index John 7:16,17Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning the Scriptures. Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. Snares of Satan. Snares of Satan Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries ... The Statements of Iren??us in Regard to the Divine Scriptures. Erroneous Opinions Imputed to the Apostles. American Congregational Creeds. General Index. The General Resurrection Resources Limited atonement-is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is latitudinarianism? | GotQuestions.org What is dogma? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Doctrines: General Scriptures Concerning Doctrines: Guidelines Set Forth from the Leaders in Jerusalem False Doctrines: Curse on Those Who Teach False Doctrines: Destructive to Faith False Doctrines: Hateful to God False Doctrines: Punishment on Those Who Teach False Doctrines: should be Avoided by all Men False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Ministers False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Saints False Doctrines: Teachers of Attract Many False Doctrines: Teachers of Bring Reproach on Religion False Doctrines: Teachers of Deceive Many False Doctrines: Teachers of not to be Countenanced False Doctrines: Teachers of Pervert the Gospel of Christ False Doctrines: Teachers of Shall Abound in the Latter Days False Doctrines: Teachers of Shall be Exposed False Doctrines: Teachers of should be Avoided False Doctrines: Teachers of Speak Perverse Things False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Corrupt and Reprobate False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Covetous False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Cruel False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Deceitful False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Proud and Ignorant False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Ungodly False Doctrines: The Wicked Given up to Believe False Doctrines: The Wicked Love False Doctrines: Try, by Scripture False Doctrines: Unprofitable and Vain The Doctrines of the Gospel are from God The Doctrines of the Gospel are Godly The Doctrines of the Gospel are Taught by Scripture The Doctrines of the Gospel: A Faithful Walk Adorns The Doctrines of the Gospel: Bring No Reproach On The Doctrines of the Gospel: Immorality Condemned By The Doctrines of the Gospel: Lead to Fellowship With the Father and With the Son The Doctrines of the Gospel: Lead to Holiness The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Attend To The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should be Nourished up In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Continue In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Hold Steadfastly The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Hold, in Sincerity The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Speak Things Which Become The Doctrines of the Gospel: Not Endured by the Wicked The Doctrines of the Gospel: Saints Abide In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Saints Obey, from the Heart The Doctrines of the Gospel: The Obedience of Saints Leads to Surer Knowledge of The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Doting About Questions The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Ignorant The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Not to be Received The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Proud The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: To be Avoided Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) |
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