Doctrine keeps believers on path of truth

With Pentecost Sunday upon us this weekend, the Church’s beginning comes into focus. How did such a small group of believers turn into the worldwide church we have today?

The New Testament book of Acts gives us the answer in Chapter 2: “And the believers continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Good fellowship, meals together, communion together and praying together are all essential parts of growth, but the first thing listed in the verse is that they were laser-focused on the apostles’ doctrine. Some other versions of the Bible say they “held firmly,” “were devoted to” and “gave their full attention to” the apostles’ doctrine.

Sound doctrine is the key to persevering in the Christian life. From Day 1 of the Church’s beginning until now, there has always been false doctrine taught by deceivers and those who preached for notoriety. Any doctrine that demotes the deity of Jesus or adds human works to the cross of Christ to achieve right standing with God is false doctrine.

So exactly what is the apostles’ doctrine? It is the proclamation of Jesus as Messiah, the spotless Lamb of God sent to earth by means of a virgin birth, to live a sinless life that would pay the penalty for our sins. It is the good news that he is the way, the truth and the life, and that there is no other name under heaven given to mankind whereby we can be saved. It is most certainly not a blending of Old Testament laws with the finished work of the cross. That is what the Galatians were guilty of when they received the apostle Paul’s rebuke. They tried to blend Old Testament circumcision and the cross of Christ as necessary for salvation. Paul wasn’t having any part of the add-ons, and neither should we.

How serious is God about the apostles’ doctrine that declares Christ as the only way? Look at what John the apostle wrote in his second letter, “Whoever transgresses, and does not live in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” As believers in Christ, we are not to affirm false teachers’ beliefs or wish them well in their heresy. Paul told the Roman church to do the same, “Mark those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine you have learned; avoid them.” We are not to mix heresy with truth just to be nice and get along. The Holy Spirit through Paul meant it when he said to avoid them.

Doctrine is not a word to dread. It is not a synonym for boring. It is a liberating word because it is precisely what keeps us on the path of truth found in the New Testament letters of the apostles.

Ken Staley is pastor of Faith Church of Pleasant Grove at 9:30 a.m. and Harrisville Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Both are Global Methodist congregations. Text Ken at 918-852-9797.