Recently my son Matthew and I attended a conference held by one of America’s leading theologians. As with any such meeting, some of the information was revelatory, some good, and some challenging to sit through. While I was there, I purchased a CD with a semester’s worth of lessons on what I thought was church history. Over the next month or so, I listened to each lesson on my evening walks to the beach. There were many historical facts, but the majority of the issues addressed were of doctrinal perspective rather than what the label stated. To say that I did not glean historical information would not be true, but the distraction of the speaker’s agenda changed what should have been a joyful learning experience into drudgery.

Doctrine is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings, instructions, principles or positions, in branches of modern day Christianity. It simply cannot be ignored. When Paul writes to Timothy (and other church leaders) in the Pastoral Epistles, he identifies that there is false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3, 6:3) and sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:10, 4:16, 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9, 2:1.) However, what Paul does not do is go into detail about the specifics of each. Although some are obvious, others may seem more obscure. The reason I address this is that there are doctrines you should pay close attention to when choosing where you worship. They strongly impact how you view Deity and other people.

Let’s consider a few central illustrations first. 1) The Trinity is the oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2) The virgin birth communicates that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary. Now, here are a few divisive illustrations. 1) Transubstantiation implies that communion elements are actually the body and blood of Christ. 2) Predestination denotes that God predetermined the fate of everyone throughout time. 3) Prevenient Grace states that humans by their own free will choose salvation. So, for example, you cannot truly believe both #1 and #3. Though each of these issues holds important value, some groups use doctrines to separate themselves from other denominations and alienate those who believe differently. In some cases the concepts promote legalism, a judgmental approach and classification as an Ephesian Church (who lost their love). However, if you have no doctrine you can become like the church at Thyatira with love but no purity.

C.S. Lewis said this: “The (Christian) ‘doctrines’ are translations into our concepts and ideas of that which God has already expressed in language more adequate, namely the actual incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.” What Lewis said draws us to the central theme, so George Whitefield can sum up what needs to be your focus: “It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God.” If your attention is focused on doctrine and not the central theme of Christ, a personal relationship with Him and holiness, you have forgotten what is important. Don’t major on the minors so you can maintain your joy.

Love,

Dad