Is Doctrine Important?

Some say, “I believe in Jesus, not in any doctrine”. Through the years I have heard people say, “we have too many doctrinal sermons”. Again, we sometimes hear, “after all doctrine is not important”. What does the Bible say?

1.The English word “doctrine” occurs 51 times in the King James Version.

2.The word doctrine means “teaching”, “instruction”, “precepts” .

3.Jesus was concerned about doctrine:

a. People were astonished at His doctrine - Matthew 7:28.
b. Jesus warned of false doctrine - Matthew 16:6-12.
c . Jesus said man-made doctrine makes worship vain - Matthew 15:9.
d. Jesus said His doctrine originated with God - John 7:16.
e. Jesus said true doctrine was attainable - John 7:17.

4.The apostles were doctrinal preachers - Acts 2:42; 5:28; 13:12.

5.One must obey the right doctrine to become a Christian - Romans 6:17.

6.We are not to fellowship those who do not hold to sound doctrine - Romans
16:17; II John 9-11.

7.Many other references indicate that we truly need to be concerned about doctrine.

a. No other doctrine - I Timothy 1:3.
b. Sound doctrine - I Timothy 1:10.
c. Good doctrine - I Timothy 4:6
d. Give attendance to doctrine - I Timothy 4:13.
e. God has a doctrine - I Timothy 6:1.
f. Paul has a doctrine - I Timothy 3:10.
g. Scripture is the basis for sound doctrine - II Timothy 3:16-17.
h. Faithful preachers are doctrinal preachers - II Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1.
i. If I forsake the doctrine of Christ I forsake Christ - II John 9-11.
j. Teachers of false doctrine are to be identified specifically by name - Revelation 2:14, 15.

Bible believers are always concerned about sound doctrine.

-RK