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Doctrine Matters
Priests, under the Law of Moses, had multiple responsibilities, one of which was to teach the Law to the Israelites. Ezekiel said they were to teach “…the difference between the holy and the profane…between the unclean and the clean” (Ezekiel 44.23).
Whenever a dispute was to be settled, the priests were to settle it according the the standard that God had authorized: the Law. Ezekiel made it clear: “In a dispute…they shall judge it according to my ordinances…” (Ezekiel 44.24).
Teaching is necessary to God’s people, but a standard must exist. Having a standard to settle differences comes through teaching (cf. Ezra in Nehemiah 8.8,12, where he read from the book of the Law of God, “…translating to give the sense…” so that the people “…understood the reading…the words which had been made known to them.”).
A standard provides the means whereby justice can be administered, because the standard provides the evidence wherein a lawbreaker may be properly charged and punished. Likewise, the gospel serves as a standard.
In stating that the gospel is the standard in religion today, we are not suggesting that it cannot be misrepresented or perverted, for that very thing was done (cf. Galatians 1.6-9). To avoid this, care must be taken to teach exactly what the Lord and his apostles taught.
Jesus recognized God’s words as his standard for all of his teaching:
“I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught me.”
John 8.28
“For I did not speak on my own initiative, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak…therefore, the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”
John 12.49-50
“I do exactly as the Father commanded me.”
John 14.21
“The words which you gave me I have given to them…
I have given them your word.”
John 17.8,14
The “Apostles’ Doctrine” (Acts 2.42) initially was that standard. But a different doctrine began to be preached. Consequently, churches other than the church Jesus built began to arise. This was the natural fruit of “another gospel.” If preachers today would preach exactly what the apostles preached, only Christians would be the result, and there would be no differing denominational bodies as we know today.
The standard was called “sound doctrine” by Paul, and he told both Timothy and Titus to honor it:
“…Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”
Titus 1.9
“Teach no other doctrine…”
1 Timothy 1.3
This is especially true when preaching to one who desires salvation from his sins.
In the Bible, when individuals asked, “What must I do to be saved?”, remember there was a standard. It was the apostles’ preaching in the book of Acts. That was the “form of doctrine” (i.e., standard of teaching) that resulted in freedom from sin (cf. Romans 6.17-18).
It is often asked, “What about praying for your salvation?” Why is a “sinner’s prayer” so often offered today? In reply, let it also be asked, “Why isn’t the answer given by the apostles preached today?” Someone is preaching “another gospel” (Galatians 1.6-9).
Jesus was asked, “‘Lord, are there few that be saved?’ And he said unto them, ‘Strive to enter in at the straight gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able’” (Luke 13.23-24). Do you understand Jesus’ answer to the question? Did Jesus answer “few” or “many”?
How do you “call upon the name of the Lord”? Did you call in like manner as Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22.16)? As those in Jerusalem (Acts 2.38)? As those from Rome did (Romans 6.3-6,17-18)?
What answer was given to you when you desired to be saved? How can you know whether or not you were given the correct answer? Let me suggest the following remedy: Read, beginning in Acts 2.22, the sermon Peter preached. At the conclusion of that sermon (v. 36), those sinners, who had crucified Jesus, asked Peter what they needed to do (v. 37). His answer is in v. 38. Do what they did and you will be added by the Lord to his church (v. 47).
Consider why this suggestion is plausible. For those who did as Peter commanded (v. 41), were they saved? They did not pray. Today, if a sinner hears the same message as preached by Peter, believes it, repents of his or her sins, and is baptized, with the understanding that his or her sins are washed away in baptism…due to the fact that he was not told to pray, nor did he pray a “sinner’s prayer,” is that sinner yet in sin? It’s a matter of doctrine.
“Take heed what and how ye hear.”
Mark 4.24; Luke 8.18
