I have heard some Christians, including preachers, say that adherence to sound doctrine is not that important. They argue that we are saved by grace and not by getting all of our theology correct. By doctrine, we mean the collective body of Christian teachings.
But sound doctrine is important. In a number of places in the Scriptures, we are cautioned against false teachings. For instance, Jesus warned His disciples about the doctrine of the Pharisees: “Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12, KJV).
Doctrine is important because it influences how we think and act. Cults use doctrine, for instance, to indoctrinate followers to indiscriminately submit to wacky leaders and dictators. Terrorist organizations use their doctrine to radicalize followers to commit irrational, atrocious acts against humanity.
For Christians, the Bible should be our main source of doctrine. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine….” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). Jesus came from heaven and spent the majority of His earthly ministry teaching His disciples and the multitudes that came to hear Him. Subsequently, God used holy men to pen Jesus’ body of teachings that through them we might walk according to truth and not in error.
The Danger of Errant Doctrine
I believe that one of the greatest threats to the Christian church today is that of errant doctrinal teachings. This diabolical threat is not outside the church but within the church. In his first epistle, John writes, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, KJV).
This was a church family matter. John was writing to believers about those who minister to believers. He reveals why we must be discerning toward those who preach and teach the Word. According to him, even during his day, many false prophets existed. How much more so is that true for us today?
Also, consider these sobering words from Paul the apostle to the elders of Ephesus in his farewell address to them:
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”
Acts 20:29-30, KJV
Paul was warning them of the danger of false teachings that would find their way into the church after he left them. The word “perverse,” used in the verse, means to twist or distort. That is the nature of false teachings–distortions of the truth. These teachings have the power to lead astray believers who lack discernment and understanding.
Our Greatest Defense
Every believer in Christ should become a student of sound doctrine. It is our greatest defense against false teachings. If one does not know the truth, how can he know that false teachings presented as the truth are not the truth? God’s Word is the standard by which all religious teachings should be judged.
This subject underscores the importance of belonging to local church where the Word of God is faithfully preached and taught. You should not attend a church just because of its proximity to where you live. Or just because it is your family’s church. The list goes on and on. Please make sure that the local church where you belong is a place where sound doctrine resides.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.