I stumbled on the beautifully messy world of doctrine when I wanted to know more about salvation some time ago. I landed in the landmine of the Calvinist/Arminian debate. It was just so much information all at once and everyone was backing their claim with scripture.
So for those who’re curious, Calvinists believe that God already chose the people who will be saved before the beginning of time (Predestination). Arminians however, believe that salvation is available to anyone who willingly accepts it, not a specific group of people.
I was confused and bothered at the same time. Why can’t we just love God and put aside all these arguments? Why are we complicating something so simple? Does this matter in the grand scheme of things?
Well, I have learnt that the gospel is simple, yes, but it is also complex. It is humans trying to make sense of the ways of God. And God, being infinite and transcendent can be difficult to understand. In most cases, one camp is not teaching the truth, as to whether they are doing it intentionally or unintentionally, that’s another story.
So what exactly is doctrine?
A doctrine is a creed or body of teachings of a religious or political group presented for acceptance or belief.
Why study church doctrine?
✔Over time, I have learnt that if we are told in scripture to “love the Lord with all our minds”(Mat 22:37), then it is important to use our intellectual capacities to at least make sense for lack of a better word, of our faith where possible. The study of doctrine is proof of our love for God.
✔If we give ourselves to studying doctrine, we will be in a better position to know when we are being sold another gospel. The epistles of Paul show us how easy it is for well-meaning Christians to be swayed by people who were seemingly more eloquent or performed mighty miracles.
"You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed." - 2 Corinthians 11:4
The major reason for the many Christian denominations we have is doctrinal differences. The fundamentals may be the same but secondary doctrines might be different. The reason why some sects are not considered Christian even though they have a semblance of the faith is because of doctrine.
The lack of effort in this area is why we have so many people falling for false prophets and cultish organizations. If we can rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15), it will be difficult for us to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. - Eph 4:14
Have you ever heard of stories where people were told by so-called clergymen to come to a river to be bathed so that they could receive some divine favour?
That they should donate huge sums to “move the hand of God” when the Bible is so clear that God cares more about our obedience than our sacrifice. and that it is better to submit to God's will than to twist His hand to do things our way, which is a bad idea by the way. I have a story to share on this one, maybe someday when I have recovered from the embarrassment 😭.
✔We can make a defence of our faith to unbelievers and believers alike whenever the need arises. We are in a better position to talk about the things we believe in as we fulfil the great commission through evangelising. It might not make sense to people but it will give them an idea.
I am a nurse and I make some effort to sharpen my knowledge so that I can be in a better position to care for my patients and answer their questions. The same applies to doctrinal study.
One thing of note is that knowledge puffs up. There is the likelihood that one will learn so much that he starts to pride himself on that. He starts to think about our faith solely from an intellectual perspective. We have to do well to balance out the excesses. Like Paul says, “I did not come to you with the excellence of speech but proclaiming the testimony of God” (1 Cor 2:1).
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. - 1 Cor 2:4-5
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, not theology, not articulated speech. There is no hierarchy in Christianity where the most learned are in the top tier and the least learned are in the bottom. God looks at the fruit of our hearts, not the titles preceding our names.
We need a combination of doctrinal wisdom along with a Spirit-filled enthusiasm for Christ. Doctrine without the Holy Spirit leads to legalism but the Holy Spirit without doctrine leads to fanaticism - Dr William Lane Craig
So yeah!
I pray that this encourages you to be a more systematic student of the Bible. That you spend time learning about doctrine starting from your church. You can check their website if they have one or ask your pastor. You might be intrigued by what you’ll find.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. - John 16:13
Welcome to your Theo bro/Theo sis era. May the Holy Spirit be with you!
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