Just What Is Doctrine? Mr. Thayer, in his Bible Dictionary, says doctrine is “the correct knowledge of the gospel, to be held firmly and faithfully, and to be conscientiously delivered to others.” The first part of the definition serves our purpose here. Doctrine is the “correct knowledge of the gospel.” What is the gospel? It’s the good news of salvation through Jesus and everything related to that, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Doctrine is that body of knowledge taught by Jesus and His apostles.
Where does doctrine come from? It comes from God, 2 Timothy 3:16, NLT. What Jesus taught is the doctrine, John 12:49, NASB, John 6:35-41, NASB. The apostles also spoke and wrote doctrine, Romans 1:1-4, NLT. The Holy Spirit guided the apostles in this, John 15:26-27, NLT.
What are we to do with the doctrine? According to Mr. Thayer, we must hold it firmly to ourselves and faithfully act on it. And that means we’re going to obey it. And how is that done? Paul said in Romans 1:5, NLT that everyone must obey the faith, the gospel. He said the same thing at the letter’s close, Romans 16:26, NLT. Obedience to the gospel is imperative.
Not obeying the gospel means spiritual death, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, NLT. Fire, condemnation, and judgment on everyone who does not know God in their lifetime and does not obey the gospel.
So, doctrine is super important. If we don’t get this right, there will be hell for us after death.
Once again, to be clear, what are we to do with the gospel? Obey it.
And that means submitting to God’s terms of salvation and living godly lives.
Don’t fall for false doctrine given by false preachers. People will purposely do this. Some people speak things not found in the Bible right now. They get away with it because people like to hear eloquent speakers and their motivational sermons 2 Timothy 4:3, NLT. Sermons regarding the good life on earth are contrary to the gospel message of heaven. Study the scriptures.
People were preaching a false doctrine just a few years after Jesus’ resurrection. False doctrine has been preached for over 2,000 years. Paul had something to say about this in Galatians 1:6-9, NLT. To be accursed by God is an unimaginable torment.
Why is doctrine so important? Well, it’s God’s word, and He means for His doctrine to be followed, Isaiah 55:11, NLT. Not following it leads to hell, and nobody in their right mind wants that. Everyone must follow God’s teaching for salvation and eternal life. Jesus taught disciples to build their lives on Him; He is the solid rock, the foundation of life. He also warned some would make their lives on sand, something porous, not reliable, and thereby surely fail, Matthew 7:24-26, NLT.
It’s straightforward. Follow correct doctrine and go to heaven, or follow incorrect doctrine, and one makes his bed in hell.