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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Over the past several decades doctrine has acquired a bad name, being associated with dogma, with its insensitive demands and unquestioning adherence to unfounded beliefs. But doctrine and the legitimate expectations of the church, can be – and are – good. In fact, Paul cautions us to, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16 “Sound doctrine” being that which conforms to the gospel. (1 Timothy 1:10 & Titus 1:9)
As such, the ‘Thus saith the Lord’ of the Old Testament is still venerated as scripture, but the sound doctrine Paul speaks of is primarily found in the teachings of Christ; with its pointed pronouncements concerning God and Godly living liberally salted with practical issues – such as how we relate to one another as family members or as members of the family of God. (Matthew 15:3-8; Titus 2:1; Ephesians 6:1-9 & Colossians 3:18-24) Teaching us to, “…say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives…” Titus 2:12
The problem being that some people choose not to conform to the sound instruction of the gospels and turn instead to something false – sometimes promoting it persuasively; their motives generally grounded in self-realization and conceit. (Romans 1:18-32) This type of doctrine results in controversies and quarrels; filled with envy, suspicion and strife. (1 Timothy 6:3,4) Which is not to say there won’t be controversy and strife in legitimate ministry. (One look at Paul’s ministry and the “issues” he dealt with gives full evidence of that.) That’s why part of the function of preaching the Word involves correcting and rebuking – encouraging the wayward believer and unbeliever alike; doing so, however, with “…great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men 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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head (through sound doctrine) in all situations,…” 2 Timothy 4:2-5
Paul challenged many of the ritualistic practices of strict Judaism, even as he advanced the Spirit of its ordinances and precepts; in particular the concept of, “…bring(ing) up children in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. (See Exodus 12:26; Deuteronomy 4:19 & 11:18,19) Deuteronomy 6:7 describing the process as “impressing” or stamping the expectations of the Lord on young people’s minds; which involved, “Train(ing) a child (sometimes through the discipline of Hebrews 12:5-11) in the way he should go,” so that “when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (Impressing or imprinting something on the mind and character of a person referring – at least in part – to stamping an image or information in clay; applying pressure so as to leave a mark, firmly fixing that image or information in the memory.)
Webster’s Dictionary defines doctrine as the principle or policy of an organization, religious or secular. Jesus beginning His ministry by proclaiming the first principle of Christianity as repentance, characterizing his words as good news. (Matthew 4:17 & Mark 1:15) Implying through that statement that all of us are sinners in need of a Savior, repentance being the key to unlocking the door to redemption. (See Luke 13:3 & Romans 3:22-24) He then ended his ministry by instructing his followers to go and make more disciples, “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20 But what all does that entail?
My response here is not meant to be all-inclusive. Everyone has access to a Bible – read it. My purpose here is to look at doctrine in its simplest form without detailing all the particulars that are available there. The “church” may be said to have officially started when Peter preached the very first “Christian” sermon in Jerusalem at Pentecost, part of which was meant to answer the question posed by the mass of people asking, “Brother, what shall we do?”; concerning Peter’s assertion that, “…God (had) made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36 Simply but directly he replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
Not a vague philosophy of belief in a great someone in the great somewhere who couldn’t possibly condemn anyone for anything; unless they were really, really bad. But a straight-forward assertion that Jesus is God’s son, our Savior, in whom we all have need. Later, Paul defended his life and ministry, summarizing his efforts as being based on the principles of turning to God in faith, repentance from sin, and faithfulness expressed in appropriate “deeds.” (Acts 26:20) “Consequently, (we) are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19,20
Once again, my intent is not to give short-shift to any scripture – Old or New – for, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching… and training in righteousness,…” 2 Timothy 3:16; but to hone in on the fundamentals of doctrine at least as I understand it. And it would seem to me that the main thrust of New Testament doctrine is love – His love for us and our love for Him – at times expressed in acts of compassion directed at others. A love that not only motivates us to do the obvious but to anticipate anything He might have us do – within the limits of His word. (Which is not a “love is all we need” theology perpetrated by so many today.) Jesus interpreting the Ten Commandments and ultimately the whole law as being encompassed by, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul… mind and strength. (Which) is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. There is no commandment great than these.” Matthew 22:37-40 & M. 12:30,31All the encouragement, expectations and constraints expressed throughout the Law – and the New Testament – covered by these two Old Testament verses combined into one (from Deuteronomy 6:5 & Leviticus 19:8), and given pride of place by Christ himself.
Paul citing the elementary truths or teachings of Christianity as repentance, faith in God, baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and judgment in Hebrews 6:1,2. (And even though he lamented the fact that many believers were stuck on these foundational teachings and unable or unwilling to move on to “meatier” subjects (See Hebrews 5:11-14); he used his understanding of the bedrock principles of Christianity to develop the broader theology of the faith. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then the twelve…” and numerous others before his ascension – including Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
So, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Ephesians 1:27 “What(ever) you heard from me, keep as the pattern of good teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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