A simple word “doctrine” can illicit multiple different responses from different people. Some Christians are afraid of the word “doctrine.” Some think that “doctrine” is too difficult for them. Others look at “doctrine” with an air of ambivalence (i.e. bochap). Perhaps a rare few love to dive deep into “doctrine.” But seriously, what is “doctrine?”
The word “doctrine” comes from the Greek word διδαχή (didachē), which literally means “teaching,” or “that which is taught.” Hence, “doctrine” is really not a difficult word, it just refers to the teaching of Jesus Christ! Anything that is taught to us through Jesus or His apostles constitute doctrine.
Diving a little deeper, let us look at some verses that describe to us what “doctrine” may cover:
1. Doctrine includes the good news of Jesus
“Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us” (Acts 5:28)
The apostles were spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. This was the “doctrine” that the Jewish leaders were angry about. Hence, the doctrine of Christ is important because this is the doctrine that we need to share with all the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Doctrine includes the good news of salvation
“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17)
Christians escape from sin by obeying the “doctrine” that can save us. Hence, the doctrine of Christ is important because this is the doctrine that all men need to obey in order to be saved.
3. Doctrine includes the parables of Jesus
“And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow…” (Mark 4:2-9)
Jesus, in going everywhere to preach His “doctrine,” spoke in parables. The parables of Jesus are a unique and memorable way to teach others the doctrine of Christ.
4. Doctrine includes teachings about the fundamental principles
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2)
The “doctrine of Christ” includes the foundational principles like “doctrine of baptisms,” laying on of hands, eternal judgment etc. The doctrine of Christ is important because it includes the fundamental teachings that form the basis of our faith.
5. Doctrine includes warning against hypocritical teachers
“And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces…” (Mark 12:38-40)
Jesus, in going everywhere to preach His “doctrine,” warned of the scribes who were hypocrites. When we warn Christians of hypocritical teachers, that is also part of the doctrine of Christ.
6. Doctrine includes warning against false teachers
"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… 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 Timothy 4:1-6)
While others were preaching “doctrines of devils,” Timothy was exhorted to warn Christians of such false teachers, and instead be nourished up in the words of “good doctrine.” When we warn Christians of false teachers who propagate lies, that is also part of the good doctrine of Christ.
7. Doctrine includes teachings about faithful conduct
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith… Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:1-10)
Titus was exhorted to speak “sound doctrine,” which includes instructions to the men & women, both young and aged, about faithful Christian conduct. The doctrine of Christ helps us to order our conduct in a manner that is pleasing to God.
8. Doctrine includes teachings opposed to sinful conduct
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane… for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:9-10)
Conduct that is ungodly, unholy, profane and sinful is contrary to “sound doctrine.” The doctrine of Christ warns us against sinful conduct that is abominable in God’s sight.
Concluding remarks
Having discussed all that is above, what ought to be our attitude towards doctrine? We should not be afraid of doctrine, because anything Jesus teaches to us is doctrine! We should not be ambivalent towards doctrine, because the doctrine of Christ is crucial for our faith! Instead, we should strive to know doctrine, because the doctrine of Christ helps us to conduct ourselves faithfully before God. Furthermore, we need to know the doctrine of Christ well, so that we can guard ourselves against false teachers whose false teachings will shipwreck our faith. Let us continue steadfastly, to hear and do all that Jesus teaches to us, according to His doctrine.
“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 Timothy 4:16)
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