Why Doctrine

Many are abandoning Christian doctrine these days, thinking it's not important. These folks tend to focus on the experiential. Doctrine is vital, though. It makes a vast difference in one's life. It's important what you believe. It's not faith in faith. It's faith in a Person, the Person of Jesus Christ, Who is God, the Son. And it's faith in God's written Word. "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3). That sounds like a description of our times. "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9). Sound doctrine is so important that we must refute those who oppose it. "You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Why are people turning away from sound doctrine? Perhaps they don't want to live up to its demands. The Book of Hebrews was written to Christians who were considering turning back to avoid persecution. So was the Book of Galatians. False teachers were trying to avoid being persecuted (Galatians 5:11). That's probably still true today. There's no easy road to Heaven. I'm not saying we work our way to Heaven. But I point you to 20 "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:20-21). We are called to suffer with Christ. Shall we try to put ourselves above our Master? "The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master" (Matthew 10:24). And that was said in the context of persecution. Perhaps those who don't think doctrine is important haven't lived it. There is a vast difference in theological systems and religions. Any works-based religion (most of them) leads to bondage & oppression. If you went from a relationship with Jesus to a works-based system, and really practiced it, you would notice a difference. A relationship with Jesus leads to joy, freedom (not license), and peace. If you don't notice a difference, you are in a very dangerous place. Learn how to practice what you believe. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It's the Truth! Practice it! It makes a big difference!