The Importance Of Doctrine

Why sound doctrine is essential

The issue of doctrinal importance is one that many churches are wrestling with at the moment, particularly in less conservative circles. Many see doctrine as a divisive subject and not to be discussed with any hint of authority. However the issue of doctrinal divisiveness rests with the hearer rather than the teaching of Scripture. False doctrine divides, truth unites. True biblical doctrine will only divide when one party refuses to submit themselves to the authority of the Word of God.

Others don’t want doctrine to get in the way of practicing deeds. This is absurd. Nothing is more practical than sound doctrine as there is no basis for godly behaviour without the truths of God’s Word. This is attested by many of the New Testament epistles. Romans provides a classic example. Paul gives us pure theology for the first eleven chapters and then turns to deeds in chapter twelve as the consequences of sound doctrine. The indicative statements precede the imperative commands. Creeds do not hinder deeds, rather creeds lead to deeds.

A. W. Tozer presents the importance of doctrine this way, “IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE to overemphasize the importance of sound doctrine in the life of a Christian. Right thinking about all spiritual matters is imperative if we would have right living.” Tozer is right. The way we think determines the way we live. James M. Boice adds, “Doctrine alone does not produce spiritual maturity, but there is no maturity without it.”

It’s interesting to note that in every field of human endeavour and human thought, accuracy is considered a virtue. Ignorance is not a virtue and God warns many times against it (Rom 1:13; 11:25, 1 Cor 1:8 etc). When it comes to false doctrine, a solid foundation of sound doctrine gives us the ability to fend off error. Without that solid foundation, we lack the ability to fight error.

Practice without the foundation of biblical doctrine leads to mysticism. Biblical doctrine is of ultimate importance, because the more we know, the more our faith grows and the better we can love and worship our God.