Is Bible Doctrine Important?
One of the fundamental marks of liberalism is its constant attack against “doctrine.” A growing number of people are now saying, “Doctrine is not important. Jesus is important. Let’s lay aside our petty doctrinal differences and get back to Jesus.”
Friends, Bible doctrine is SO IMPORTANT that God made sure II John 9-11 was recorded: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” If doctrine is not important, then these verses do not mean anything. Doctrine is utmost importance!
The word doctrine means: “instruction, teaching.” Therefore, the “doctrine of Christ” is the instruction or teaching that Christ gave. Is the teaching of Christ important? Is the truth important? Is sound doctrine important? YES!
Just how important is the doctrine or teaching of Christ? Paul told Timothy to “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” and “that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine”
(II Timothy 4:13, 16; 1:3) Titus was told to “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:” Paul warned that some “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;” (II Timothy 4:3) that we are as “children” when we are “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), and to “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17). Elders are to be able “by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” (Titus 1:9). Every Christian is to “Hold fast the pattern of sound words (doctrine).” and “contend earnestly for the faith” (II Timothy 1;:13; Jude 3). Therefore, we see not only the importance of doctrine but also the strict warning to anyone who would pervert or change Christ’s doctrine.
If doctrine is unimportant, then what parts can be changed? Can we do away with the doctrine of: the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the church of Christ, the acts of worship, the plan of salvation? If any point of doctrine can be changed, they WHO has the right to change it and HOW FAR can he go in changing it?