IMPORTANCE
OF SOUND DOCTRINE
We often hear really good people, those who are church members
and to some extent love the Lord, say: “Well, it does
not make any difference what you believe, if you are only
honest and do the best you know how.” But a careful
study of the following Scriptures will convince anyone that
Our Lord and the Apostles thought differently: Come now,
and let us reason together, saith the LORD: (Isa. 1:18)
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according
to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isa.
8:20)
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine,
but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I
speak of myself. (John 7:16,17)
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto
a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness
of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed
to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they
lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even
Christ: (Eph. 4:11-15)
Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Tim 4:1)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess
not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver
and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not
those things which we have wrought, but that we receive
a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not
in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth
in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the
Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds. (2 John 7-11)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them. (Rom.16:17)
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: (Titus
2:1)
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that
he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince
the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9)
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in
doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (Titus
2:7)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation,
to doctrine. (1 Tim. 4:13)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
(2 Tim. 2:15)
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things,
thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished
up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto
thou hast attained. (1 Tim. 4:6)
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
For it is a good thing that the heart be established with
grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that
have been occupied therein. (Heb. 13:9)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always
to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason
of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Pet.
3:15)
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able
to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them;
that thy profiting may appear to all. 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 4:15,16)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2 Tim.
4:2)
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard
of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That
good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy
Ghost which dwelleth in us. (2 Tim. 1:13,14)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:16,17)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free. (John 8:32)
The truth must be sound doctrine, and if we are to be made
free only when we know the truth, then surely it is of vast
importance that we know the truth.
