Articles
Does Doctrine Matter?
One of the dangerous ideas that I see being taught is the idea that doctrine does not matter when it comes to our relationship with God. I hear people saying, “God does not care about our doctrine, He only care if we have faith.” Since I know this is a very popular movement among those who profess to be Christians, I feel the need to ask the question, does doctrine matter?
1 Timothy 1:3 charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
If we will but look into the scriptures we will find the answer to this question. Every book of the New Testament, with the exception of Philemon, warn us about false teachers and false doctrine.
Matthew 24:11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
Acts 20:30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
Unfortunately, in every generation there are false teachers spreading their perverse doctrines that are totally made up in their own imaginations. The truly sad thing is that people will listen to and believe these false teachings. If the blind follow the blind then both will fall into the ditch.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
As listeners we all have a simple responsibility. We are to test what we are hearing to make sure it is actually the word and will of God. Question everything you hear. Do not accept what you are taught just because I or anyone else say something is the truth.
2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Most false teachers will usually quote some scriptures to support their false doctrine. However, they twist the scriptures into something that is not being taught. Please always be careful to make sure what you are taught is the will of God. Make sure they give you book, chapter, and verse to support what they teach and make sure the scripture is properly being used.
Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
When you realize someone is trying to lead you or others into the ditch with their false teaching, note who they are, avoid them and their teaching.
WBF
