The anti-doctrine squad comes in all shapes and sizes. They never seem to give up on their cause to hound out doctrine in the corridors of the church. Their slogans are a number: “No creed but the bible,” “do not give me doctrine just give me Jesus,” “I am not a theologian but a Biblicist,” and so on and so forth. One can sympathize with the heart behind some of these statements. However, no matter the good intentions, they still reveal a faulty and logically inconsistent perception of the Christian faith and reasoning. Granted, the ivory tower theologians whose theologizing is simply for the classroom and not the pews have not helped the situation. They have succeeded in becoming doctrine scarecrows in churches. It needs to be stated, however, that doctrine is important to the growth and health of the church. Let me offer six reasons why.
DOCTRINE BUILDS LOVE IN THE CHURCH
Doctrine is the truth about the triune God as taught in the Scriptures. To know doctrine is to know God and to grow in your love for God. The commandments are summed up in the word love: Love God and love others (Deuteronomy 6:4). “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
DOCTRINE UNITES THE CHURCH
A group of people that believe the same truth and are devoted to loving God and others with all that they are and all that they have will invariably be a united group. Some people are of the mind that churches should hold to the bare minimum in order to build unity because doctrine divides. However, when a group of people are grounded in doctrine, they are united in Christ and are no longer tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4).
DOCTRINE PRODUCES HUMILITY IN THE CHURCH
Doctrine is instructive and reveals the nature and work of the triune God. When a church is exposed to the splendour, majesty, power, and glory of God, they are left in awe of who He is and respond in humility (Isaiah 6:1-9, 40:13-31, Psalm 8). True knowledge of God strips away every residue of pride and arrogance.
DOCTRINE CALLS FOR OBEDIENCE FROM THE CHURCH
God calls His people to love Him, and one way they will show their love is by devoting themselves to the book of the law daily (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Jesus Christ says if you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). A church grounded in doctrine is a church that will lovingly obey the Lord. Theology is not a cold pursuit of facts, but a red-hot pursuit of the living God. It is a longing to know God and obey Him like a deer pants for water. In addition, this pursuit affects every sphere of our lives.
DOCTRINE EVOKES WORSHIP IN THE CHURCH
One indicator of whether one’s pursuit of doctrine is based in the right motives is whether or not it leads to worship. A right pursuit of doctrine leads to a worshipful heart. Be wary of doctrinal studies, teachings or conversations that do not leave you amazed at the power, wisdom and glory of the triune God (Romans 11:33).
DOCTRINE PROTECTS THE CHURCH
Doctrine puts fences around the church. It is a safeguard against error and false teaching. A church grounded in sound doctrine is equipped to live the truth and defend the truth. A church that does not pay attention to doctrine, and a church without people who know and love doctrine, is a church that will be led astray and swayed by every wind of false doctrine. It will also be a church that will be characterised by divisions and infighting (Ephesians 4:12-16).
Conclusion
Healthy churches love doctrine and are grounded in it. A right pursuit of doctrine will lead to love, humility, unity, worship, obedience and the safety of the church. Dear Christian pursue sound doctrine.
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