INTRODUCTION

An ever growing perspective from the “Emerging Church.”

“As part of this tradition, I embrace the need to keep painting, to keep reforming. By this I do not mean cosmetic, superficial changes like better lights and music, sharper graphics, and new methods with easy-to-follow steps. I mean theology: the beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible, salvation, the future” (Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis, p. 12, emphasis added).

Here is an example:

“Jesus at one point claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus was not making claims about one religion being better than all the other religions. That completely misses the point, the depth, and the truth. Rather, he was telling those who were following him that his way is the way to the depth of reality (ibid, p. 21).

Do we have a theology (doctrine) that has been passed on to us from the apostles, the foundation of the church? Is doctrine immutable, based on the counsel of an immutable God and immutable Bible or does it change within time and remain open to one’s own interpretation?

WHAT IS DOCTRINE?

Doctrine: (Latin: doctrina) is a code of beliefs or ‘a body of teachings’ or ‘instructions’, taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system” (Wikipedia).
Doctrine: “Something that is taught; a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief” (Merriam-Webster).
Doctrine: “The formal teachings of the church” (www.camdenrcia.org/glossary.htm). “A collection of the basic points or a religion” (www.godonthe.net/dictionary/d.html). “A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school” (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn).

A better definition…

Doctrine is the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe our faith derived from the Scriptures. It is deeper than facts alone.

As J. Gresham Machen pointed out years ago, “Jesus’ death is an historical fact but it is not doctrine. Jesus’ death for our sins (1 Cor. 15) is doctrine” (i.e. propitiation, atonement, substitution, etc.).

Doctrine is scriptural teaching on theological truths (Sam Hamstra, Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, p. 185).

WHY IS DOCTRINE AVOIDED TODAY?

Because it’s…

Divisive — Yet doctrine is intended to prevent divisions!

“Unity is not found in uniformity of thought, but in the fellowship of the Spirit, based on sound doctrine which, in turn, is predicated on the clear teaching of Scripture. This is why Paul exhorts us to “mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom 16:17). The false prophets call for unity based not on Scriptural doctrine, but on their (the false prophets) claim for authority. Those who insist on fellowship based on sound doctrine are labeled legalists, while the false prophets are the ones imposing unscriptural demands upon those who follow them” (Media Spotlight Special Report, Latter-Day Prophets: The Restoration of Apostles and Prophets and the Kansas City-Vineyard Connection, September 1990, p. 14).

Unnecessary – Yet doctrine is filled with application!

“There is a direct line that runs from our doctrine to our actions, from what is in our minds to what is in our words and ways” (Tom Wells, A Vision for Missions,i> p. 108).
“Doctrine is the necessary foundation of duty; if the theory is not correct the practice cannot be right. Tell me what a man believes, and I will tell you what he will do” (Tryon Edwards).

Boring – Yet doctrine is based ultimately on our Lord and His Word!

“Doctrinal preaching certainly bores the hypocrites; but it is only doctrinal preaching that will save Christ's sheep” (J.I. Packer).

Abused – Agreed, but just because men have given doctrine a bad name (through unloving tactics and hypocrisy), that does not mean we should frown upon the actual concept!

“Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world” (Francis Schaeffer).
“Doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse than useless; it does positive harm. Something of ‘the image of Christ’ must be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings” (J.C. Ryle).
Our lifestyle is to make doctrine attractive! Titus 2:10 — “Showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:1).

IS DOCTRINE NECESSARY?

Doctrine is indispensable to Christianity.
Especially as pastors we can’t deny its necessity!
Addressing the qualifications of pastors, Paul in Titus 1:9 said, “Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

What can we draw from this text?

Our doctrine should come from the Word of God!

“Hold fast to the faithful Word which is in accordance with sound doctrine.”
If the teaching of God’s Word makes up doctrine therefore all of our doctrine must be extracted from and supported with the Scriptures!

Our doctrine is to be “sound” (healthy).

hugiaino didaskalia — “A medical metaphor that sets the proper understanding of the gospel in contrast to the sick and morbid craving of Paul’s opponents” (William Mounce, Pastoral Epistles, p. 392).
Our teaching is characterized as healthy; the false teachers’ doctrine is diseased.
The goal in the Pastorals goes beyond the content of the doctrine to the conduct it produces. Healthy doctrine produces love and unity and good works (the latter being a theme in Titus), while the diseased teaching of the false teachers leads to, 1 Timothy 6:4, “Controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions.”
J.C. Ryle said, “We should no more tolerate false doctrine that we should tolerate sin.”

Verses regarding unsound doctrine…

Ephesians 4:14 — “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.”
1 Timothy 1:3 — “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines.”
1 Timothy 4:1 — “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.”
1 Timothy 6:3 — “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness…”

Verses regarding sound doctrine …

1 Timothy 4:6 — “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
Titus 2:1 — “But as for you (in contrast to the false teachers), speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”
Titus 2:7 — “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine.”

We are called to:

Exhort in sound doctrine:

This is connected with “able to teach” from 1 Tim. 3:3 (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2, 24).
Exhortation is closely associated with teaching, but as teaching primarily relates to the intellect, exhortation (preaching) chiefly influences the conscience, heart, will and actions of the hearer, urging people to apply the truth that has been taught.
“Here the meaning would seem to be ‘exhort’ in the sense of urging one’s hearers to accept the sound doctrine and respond appropriately to it” (George Knight, The Pastoral Epistles, p. 294).
Are the people we have been called to shepherd being built up in sound doctrine?

Today the emphasis of most sermons seems to be focused on entertainment (comedy, tearful illustrations) and meeting felt-needs. Pastors seem to go out of their way to avoid doctrine!
John MacArthur said, “The basic task of the church is to teach sound doctrine. It is not to give one pastor’s opinion, to recite tear-jerking illustrations that play on emotions, to raise funds, to present programs and entertainment, or to give weekly devotionals. In Titus 2:1 Paul writes, ‘But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine’” (The Master's Plan for the Church, p. 84).
Are we proclaiming the Word to stabilize God’s people in the faith — to keep them “no longer (as) children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14)? We have a responsibility to provide for people a spiritual foundation to orient them in the right direction, encourage their hearts and safeguard them from error.
Isn’t this our calling? 1 Timothy 4:6 — “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”

Refute those who contradict:

Refute is to point out what it wrong, to expose error. From within the context consider:

Some (“especially those of the circumcision”) were “rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers” (Tit. 1:10). Titus was to “silence (them) because they (were) upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain” (Tit. 1:11).
The Cretans themselves were known as “liars, evil beasts (and) lazy gluttons” (Tit. 1:12). “For this reason (Titus was to) reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1:13).

There is a need to detect false teaching and confront it with sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6; 6:3; 2 Tim. 4:3; Tit. 2:1, 7).
Example from Paul in Galatians 1:

The Gospel was formulated in Christian terms and was defended without reservation.
Truth is essential because we adhere to a faith that calls for belief! We must believe what is right! There is an inseparable link between spirituality and doctrine (Col. 2:6)!
Therefore Paul said, Galatians 1:8-9 — “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”
The Apostle John did the same throughout his epistle — doctrinal tests for determining true spirituality.

Know the “the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). From the early church, there is one common confession. Guard it! Protect the church! Refute those who contradict!

Both exhorting and refuting from Titus 1:9 keep in line with the pastor’s responsibilities to feed and protect the sheep.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?

The Gospel, heaven and hell, sin, the world, man, the person and work of Christ, spiritual warfare, the attributes of God, repentance, positional and progressive sanctification, justification by faith alone, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the Bible…
Where do you stand on these issues? Are you teaching God’s people about these core components of our faith?

HOW DO WE AT THE GRACE TABERNACLE IMPLEMENT THIS TEACHING?

With our church in general: We have provided a clear doctrinal statement in our Constitution and on the web site agreed upon unanimously by the members of the congregation.
With our leaders: We require all potential elders and deacons to complete a lengthy application affirming and explaining their agreement with the church’s doctrinal position.
With our teachers: We are very careful whom we permit to teach and carefully monitor their instruction and any curriculum utilized.
With our new members: We take our prospective members through the Doctrinal Statement where our primary positions are clearly stated. They are asked to state their beliefs on key components (agree, disagree, don’t know). They are also asked to promise, with a signature, that they will never teach against the church positions either formally or informally.

We have found it helpful to divide doctrine into three categories/tiers.

Non-negotiable/Cardinal Doctrines — The Resurrection, the Second Coming, Justification by faith alone, the Trinity, lordship salvation, the deity of Christ… (We believe complete agreement here is necessary for salvation and church membership).
Church distinctives — Special creationism, church discipline, sovereignty of God in salvation, gender roles, the inerrancy of Scripture, believer’s baptism, position on charismatic gifts… (We believe agreement here is not necessary for salvation, but is necessary to teach in the church/hold office and preferable for church membership).
Disputed doctrines — Timing of our Lord’s Return… (We believe in exercising charity in these highly disputed and often unclear areas).

WHERE HAVE WE SEEN DOCTRINE MISUSED?

As a basis for legalism: We are very careful to not allow personal convictions and preferences to become elevated to a level of doctrine within the church – that’s legalism. We would much rather observe the doctrine of Christian Liberty!
As an end for salvation: We believe that we are saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. As C.H. Spurgeon once said, “Believing the right doctrine will no more save you, than doing good works will save you.” Again it is emphasized; right doctrine does not guarantee one is right with the Lord!

SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Based upon the biblical information above, every true church of Jesus Christ must be committed to identifying, teaching and defending sound doctrine.
False doctrine is nothing new: Matthew 15:9 — Jesus said, “But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” They didn’t want sound doctrine in Jesus’ day and prophetic word tells us it will be resisted even more as we see the Day of His Return drawing near: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 — “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Yet may we, as faithful shepherds be found “holding fast” (clinging to, devoted to) to sound doctrine” (Tit. 1:9)!

“The Word of God tells us that Christ’s church is glorious... (But) today the glory of the church is thickly veiled. It is no exaggeration to assert that in the main it presents a picture of advanced decadence and extreme feebleness... Let it be said emphatically, the church is where the truth is. Sound doctrine always has been, is today, and ever will be the foremost mark of the true church. But who dares to assert that there is today in the churches a rising tide of interest in doctrine? By and large people do not go to church to learn about God from His infallible Word, but to be tranquilized. And that the glory of God is both the beginning and the end of common worship does not seem to occur to them” (R.B. Kuiper).