Getting Doctrinal
Have you ever hear someone say to you something like:
"Oh dear! Now, we wouldn't want to get too doctrinal now; would we? Only talk about Jesus," they say triumphantly.
I have heard it many times, in all church denominations.
To me, this mentality sounds an alarm, that cries out for attention, from all such satanic delusions sweeping the world saying:
"It is time to seek the Lord, till He come, and rain righteousness upon you." (Hos.10:12).
My studies have revealed that the Word has been awaiting "just such a time as this," (Esther 4:14) to address believers around the world thus:
"My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:" ("Deuteronomy 32:2).
The Alarm Is Sounding
There seems to be a great momentum developing in Christian circles against what they stoically term as “getting doctrinal.”
The ecumenical movement, including some within our own ranks seems to shrink back in abject horror at the very mention of the Word “doctrine.” They have essentially, made “doctrine out to be a dirty word, and in the minds of many, “doctrine” has been placed at the top of the list, as the greatest barrier to “unity.”
“Only talk about Jesus,” is the triumphant call of millions.
The ecumenical movement has infiltrated our own ranks as well. They can be heard echoing the chant: “If you get too doctrinal, : you’ll never get any converts to the church; you’ll never be able to experience true unity of the faith.”
And so the push is on: out with the doctrines, and on with “unity,” “brotherly love,” and “faith.” Should the SDA Church join with the throngs, in this clarion call for doctrinal “unity?”
If we were to join this world-wide call; would we then be answering the prayer of Jesus in John, chapter 17?
It will be the position of this study, that as SDA’s, we would be signing our own, spiritual death warrants, by joining the world in this grand delusion sweeping every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
A Few Questions To Be Asked
1/ Should our generation just continue to mindlessly drift on, especially our young people, while the coming generation can’t even address God as their loving Creator; just because the idea, (the doctrine), of creation has been made out to confound us all: It has indeed been tampered with to the point where millions see it as unimportant.
2/ Should we just shrug our shoulders, when people refuse to believe that God is our Judge, just because the doctrine of the judgement has been perverted to say something like: “God will punish us forever, by burning us in hell for the rest of time, if we don’t obey Him.”
3/ Is it right that multitudes of people are deceived and saddened, just because of the thought, (doctrine), that while they are still stuck here on this rotten earth; their loved one has been arbitrarily separated from them, being whisked off to heaven, and now enjoying eternal bliss, or possibly even suffering eternal fire?! What does this kind of false doctrine of the state of our beloved dead say about our Lord’s character?
4/ Many times, I have been in the middle of talking with someone – even in my own church, and at times the discussion would turn to some point of Bible prophecy, and as soon as a difference in understanding would arise, the cry always comes forth: “We’d better not get too doctrinal here. Let’s just talk about Jesus.” And I am asking the question: “Is it possible to really talk about any doctrine, without talking about Jesus?”
As is often the case, the prophet of the Lord gives us some startling, yet assuring insight on this whole issue. In Great Controversy, pg.45-46 we read:
“There is an alarming indifference, in regards to the doctrines which are the very pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground, that after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories, and fatal delusions, which the faithful in ages past, imperiled their lives TO RESIST AND EXPOSE, ARE NOW REGARDED WITH FAVOR, by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.”
Why Is Doctrine So Important?
People have forgotten how the purpose of a given doctrine, is NEVER to ensure our salvation; but to understand it more fully.
Why is this?
Because true, Christian principles, which all believers supposedly espouse, are really just ideas, or statements, about some aspect of God’s character. Bible doctrines can be used as one of the evidences of Christian principles:
“...what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? “ (1 Cor.14:6).
Webster’s dictionary defines “doctrine” as “a principle accepted as authoritative.” In other words, a Christian, Biblical doctrine, is supposed to reflect, a living principle about God Himself, that is 100% reliable, and trustworthy. A Christian doctrine is indeed, “authoritative.”
Christian doctrines, are wonderful reflections on the Person of Jesus Christ, and our heavenly Father. I think Jesus best sums up the importance of doctrines that follow this basic criteria:
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (Jo.17:3). A doctrine that does not help one to do this, is either not Christian, or, it is not properly understood. Perhaps, this one principle, would help explain many such fights over things like When did Christ first enter the Most Holy?
Christians must get doctrinal. Christians who are truly doctrinal, in the Biblical way, are totally united, and of one mind. (see 1 Cor.12:8-14, Isa.52:8, 1 Cor.3:8-9, Phil.2:1-8).
The Bible says “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; CONTINUE IN THEM, for in doing this; thou shalt BOTH save thyself, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE.” (1 Tim.4:6). How is this verse different from what everyone is saying about “getting doctrinal?” Why is it that anyone would be saved through a doctrine?
One thing is for sure. There is obviously, from this and many other verses, a definite, strong relationship, between the Words “doctrine,” and “salvation.”
As we previously mentioned, 1 Cor.14:6 tells us that “doctrine,” is one of several ways by which God Himself communicates with people. God uses Christian doctrines, as one of the evidences of Christian principles, and let us recall: Christian principles ALWAYS relate to us Biblical facts about God’s character. (Jo.17:3). According to the Bible, and SOP, doctrines are literal, direct revelations from God, to people who are open to His Word.
Some appropriate caution now needs to be brought forth. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God.” (2 Jo.9-11, 1 Jo.5:11-12). Does this not directly oppose the world wide call for de-emphasizing doctrines?
There are three, main tests, that are surefire ways to see if a doctrine is truly Christian, or not:
1/ Is it based on the Bible only? (Isa.8:20, Ps.119:105).
2/ Is it strictly centering in, or reflective of, Christ, and Him crucified? (Gal.6:14)
3/ Is it a doctrine of true Godliness? Does the doctrine challenge one to live a life that reflects their love for God, their fellow human beings, or, even for themselves, at times?
(Mat.22:37-40).
Galatians 6:14, in particular, is extremely crucial to determine if a doctrine is a Christian doctrine: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord...”
Now, if anything is, this verse, is most certainly doctrinal! Christ crucified on the cross is a doctrine, just as are many other facets of His love to us. Ellen G White has something interesting to say about the doctrine of Christ, and Him crucified:
“There is one, great, central Truth, to be kept ever before the mind, in the searching of the Scriptures: “Christ, and Him crucified. ALL OTHER TRUTHS, (doctrines), are invested with power and influence, corresponding to their relation to this theme!” (Man.31, 1890).
How many of your beliefs are you NOW able to fully relate to this grand theme?
“CHRIST IN ALL THE DOCTRINES,” must be the Christian’s watchword. After all; “What shall it profit you except [one] shall speak to you, either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or, by doctrine,” (1 Cor.14:6) unless you can relate every doctrine you hold dear, to the central pillar of Christ and Him crucified?
As a Christian, you will be seen relating all of your doctrines to the Bible’s litmus test for "Christ in the doctrines;" and you will be able to tell people what every doctrine you believe, says about the person and character, of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or, God the Father.
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"...We believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved..." (Acts 15:11).
Your brother in Christ
David T. Battler