Importance of Doctrine

[Stranger]

I know there are many who believe 'doctrine' is to be associated with being unspiritual. But it shouldn't be. It can be if your doctrine is false or wrong. But it is important to have and develop a good doctrine of what you believe.

(Is.28:9)" Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." God has a doctrine and it is important to have our doctrine aligned with His. And this involves serious, systematic Bible study.

The Lord Jesus Christ had a doctrine. (Matt. 7:28) "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:" (Mark 4:2) "And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,"

The Apostle's had a doctrine. (Acts 2:42) "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Paul had a doctrine. (2Tim. 3:10) "But thou hast fully known my doctrine,manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering,charity, patience,"

Jesus Christ didn't have to study because He as God the Son knows the doctrine of God. But you and I are different. God has given us His written Word and wants us to study to understand it. He makes it difficult so that we must put forth some effort to find it. (Pro. 25:2) "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." (Ps.119:162) "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil."

And of course the word 'theology' or 'theological' is equally seen as being unspiritual. But, as you study the Bible, you will find yourself drawn to or accepting a certain theological position. A certain theological school. That is not bad. Theology is the study of God. It doesn't mean you have to agree with it totally. But on the whole it will reperesent your beliefs based on your study. And it will give you a framework from which to build on in your future studies.

Everytime you go to a commentary to learn something about a Bible verse, you are going to someone who has a doctrine and a theological position. And thus you in agreeing with them or disagreeing with them are favoring a certain position.

The Bible is the Word of God. Within it is the doctrine of God which He wants us to search out.

Stranger

 

[Helen]

I just don't like what "Doctrine" has become.
Scriptural or not, ..I now find that I do not like the words Religion OR Doctrine any more.
They have become legalist control tools...and cause much more division than they do blessing!!
Just my two cents.

 

[Job]

This my "doctrine".

Mark 12
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 1
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 John 5
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Romans 12
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.


k

 

[tabletalk]

I know there are many who believe 'doctrine' is to be associated with being unspiritual. But it shouldn't be. It can be if your doctrine is false or wrong. But it is important to have and develop a good doctrine of what you believe.

(Is.28:9)" Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." God has a doctrine and it is important to have our doctrine aligned with His. And this involves serious, systematic Bible study.

The Lord Jesus Christ had a doctrine. (Matt. 7:28) "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:" (Mark 4:2) "And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,"

The Apostle's had a doctrine. (Acts 2:42) "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Paul had a doctrine. (2Tim. 3:10) "But thou hast fully known my doctrine,manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering,charity, patience,"

Jesus Christ didn't have to study because He as God the Son knows the doctrine of God. But you and I are different. God has given us His written Word and wants us to study to understand it. He makes it difficult so that we must put forth some effort to find it. (Pro. 25:2) "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." (Ps.119:162) "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil."

And of course the word 'theology' or 'theological' is equally seen as being unspiritual. But, as you study the Bible, you will find yourself drawn to or accepting a certain theological position. A certain theological school. That is not bad. Theology is the study of God. It doesn't mean you have to agree with it totally. But on the whole it will reperesent your beliefs based on your study. And it will give you a framework from which to build on in your future studies.

Everytime you go to a commentary to learn something about a Bible verse, you are going to someone who has a doctrine and a theological position. And thus you in agreeing with them or disagreeing with them are favoring a certain position.

The Bible is the Word of God. Within it is the doctrine of God which He wants us to search out.

Stranger

So what do you think about certain creeds which summarize doctrine? Such as the Apostle's Creed?

 

[Helen]

This my "doctrine".

Mark 12
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 1
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 John 5
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Romans 12
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.


k

Yes...I 100% agree with that Job.
Good...lets go and start a new denomination ...it's been a while since a new one cropped up...then we can discuss it with BOL

Seriously..YES Amen. Those are the only "rules" to needed to get us from here...to the End. If we stick to those...we have great hope of entering and hearing the " Well done."

 

[bbyrd009]

doctrine,manner of life

I just don't like what "Doctrine" has become.

This my "doctrine"

that is what you say your doctrine is; even if it summarizes mine nicely in theory too

 

[bbyrd009]

Good...lets go and start a new denomination

i'd love to be in the one that recognizes Christ being manifest in those i might not even agree with on dogma, or maybe even i don't speak their language or whatever. Even if we both speak English. This person might even say that they are an Atheist; some ppl do just as a reaction to est'd religion, surely

 

[bbyrd009]

New International Version
The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
New Living Translation
In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God's law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God's law but don't obey it.
English Standard Version
Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.
Berean Study Bible
The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
Berean Literal Bible
And the uncircumcision by nature, fulfilling the Law, will judge you who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of Law.
New American Standard Bible
And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?
King James Bible
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Holman Christian Standard Bible
A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who fulfills the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter of the law and circumcision.
International Standard Version
The man who is uncircumcised physically but who keeps the Law will condemn you who break the Law, even though you have the written Law and circumcision.
NET Bible
And will not the physically uncircumcised man who keeps the law judge you who, despite the written code and circumcision, transgress the law?
New Heart English Bible
Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And uncircumcision which by its nature perfectly observes The Written Law will judge you, who with the Scripture and with circumcision, violate The Written Law.
GOD'S WORD® Translation
The uncircumcised man who carries out what Moses' Teachings say will condemn you for not following them. He will condemn you in spite of the fact that you are circumcised and have Moses' Teachings in writing.

 

[Stranger]

So what do you think about certain creeds which summarize doctrine? Such as the Apostle's Creed?

I like creeds. They tell what a certain group believes . Sort of like a statement of faith which used to be found in the Protestant churches.

I like and agree with the Apostle's Creed.

Stranger

 

[amadeus]

I like creeds. They tell what a certain group believes . Sort of like a statement of faith which used to be found in the Protestant churches.

I like and agree with the Apostle's Creed.

Stranger

But are not some people in some groups wrong not necessarily because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?
On the other hand, are not some people in some groups right, not because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?

 

[mjrhealth]

You have no idea, of how many christians will tell God to His face that He is wrong, because theyread the bible form an opinion, and than when God tries to show them what it actually says, they tell Him he is a liar. These forums are filled with it, you can read it for yourself. If teh bible was teh word of God, there would be one version and only one version, God does not change, how many versions of teh bible do we have, is Gods word copyright. Everyone wants to stand before God and tell Him how smart they are because they figured Him out, if it was not for Christ and teh Holy Spirit I would know nothing, it is so sad that without the bible you cannot talk to christains yet you can speak to non believers all day about teh things of God without ever mentioning it. It has as I have always said, become an idol in mens hearts. If you are filled with your own wisdom and knowledge than there is no place for Jesus to teach you; He needs empty vessels that He can fill.

Joh_4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

 

[Helen]

But are not some people in some groups wrong not necessarily because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?
On the other hand, are not some people in some groups right, not because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?

YES!!
Iv'e tried to say that before....but you have said it better than I ever can.
My " one liner" is always " On the last Day, God will "weigh" our hearts and motivation, and not our doctrine" ...which as you say...may have all the T's cross and I's dotted...but not a single clue about grace , mercy, love, or the Father heart of God.

 

[Job]

So what do you think about certain creeds which summarize doctrine? Such as the Apostle's Creed?

I really don't care for them. I've had too many of my questions answered with a link leading to some creed. As if it held all the answers.

Creeds are made by people who have too much time on their hands.

Just an opinion...

h

 

[amadeus]

YES!!
Iv'e tried to say that before....but you have said it better than I ever can.
My " one liner" is always " On the last Day, God will "weigh" our hearts and motivation, and not our doctrine" ...which as you say...may have all the T's cross and I's dotted...but not a single clue about grace , mercy, love, or the Father heart of God.

Some people may not be able to explain in simple layman's terms or even in the words of scripture, but they have it in their hearts and they live it because they really do know God, rather than just know about Him. The Bible is an important and wonderful tool, but God may also work with people who do not have access to it.

 

[Stranger]

But are not some people in some groups wrong not necessarily because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?
On the other hand, are not some people in some groups right, not because of their group's doctrines or creeds, but because of their own hearts?

There is always a mixed multitude within every group or denomination of believers. You always have those who are not real. (Ex.12:38) (Nu. 11:4) (John 6:70)

That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a doctrine or creed or statement of faith.

Stranger

 

[Job]

that is what you say your doctrine is; even if it summarizes mine nicely in theory too

And if it pleases the Lord, He may see fit to graft us into the Spiritual Body of Christ. ( the only body that counts )

 

[amadeus]

There is always a mixed multitude within every group or denomination of believers. You always have those who are not real. (Ex.12:38) (Nu. 11:4) (John 6:70)

That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a doctrine or creed or statement of faith.

Stranger

Consider the words of a former President of the United States:

"I have never united myself to any church, because I have
found difficulty in giving my assent without mental reservation, to the long complicated statements of Christian doctrine which characterizes their Articles of Belief and Confessions of Faith.

When any church will inscribe over its altar as its sole qualification for membership the Savior's condensed statement of both Law and Gospel, 'thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself' that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul"


Abraham Lincoln President of the United States

It might be possible for a person to precisely state his beliefs definitely, but if he is growing, would not his beliefs be likely to change or to be changed so they no longer fit the stated definition anymore?

 

[aspen]

Doctrine grounds our spirituality

 

[Job]

Yes...I 100% agree with that Job.
Good...lets go and start a new denomination ...

Can I be in charge?

 

[Helen]

Consider the words of a former President of the United States:-
"I have never united myself to any church, because I have
found difficulty in giving my assent without mental reservation, to the long complicated statements of Christian doctrine which characterizes their Articles of Belief and Confessions of Faith.
When any church will inscribe over its altar as its sole qualification for membership the Savior's condensed statement of both Law and Gospel, 'thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself' that church will I join with all my heart and all my soul"


Abraham Lincoln President of the United States

Totally!! Amen to that...he had it right for sure.