Category: Basic Bible Study

What Is Doctrine? Many people think doctrine is merely something preachers study in seminary and talk about with other preachers. But doctrine is something that is important for everyone in every walk of life.

The word “doctrine” has it roots in the word “doctor”. Originally a doctor referred to a “teacher” or “a learned man”. Thus, one can readily see the connection in these words when he realizes that “doctrine” just refers to “that which is taught”.

The Bible talks about “the doctrine of Christ” and “the apostle’s doctrine”. God’s word clearly states that it contains all that is necessary for salvation, and that if anyone adds to or takes from God’s word, or teaches other doctrines – they are accursed by Him. (See Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-9)

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When one suggests that it is possible to follow only the Bible in their effort to serve God, it brings different responses. Sometimes this statement is met with indifference. Occasionally someone will act like that is a noble thought, but really impossible to do. And at other times someone will say, “That is what I do.”

Yet when questions are asked, it becomes obvious that they are not following the Bible only because, 1) they refer to themselves as some particular “brand” of Christian; 2) they admit that they follow the teachings of some particular man, and that, in essence, they interpret the Bible according to the teachings of this man; 3) they are a member of a church that identifies itself with a term not found in the Bible; 4) in “the name of Christ” they practice things that are clearly not authorized in the Bible, and many times the list could go on.

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Many times in trying to discuss the Bible with someone, the statement will be made, “Well, we just can’t understand the Bible alike.” This statement appears to satisfy many people. It seems to give a plausible reason for all the religious division in the world, and it also seems to give a smug sense of satisfaction that says, “No one really knows, so my interpretation is just as good as anyone else’s.” Well, I would like to suggest to you that the problem with which we are faced is not one of a literary nature – the problem lies in the hearts of men. But let’s back up and examine the original question.

When someone says, “Can we understand the Bible alike?” – the question itself prompts a question. For example, “Can we understand Math alike?” All recognize that if someone understands basic math – he will get the same answers as all others who understand basic math. Thus if someone adds 2 and 3 and gets 6 – and insists that they are correct, they simply do not understand basic math. No one comes along (at least not yet) and insists that they have the right to their own belief about 2 + 3, and if that is how they interpret the equation (i.e. 2+3=6), we should all respect it. Everyone realizes that if basic Math can be understood AT ALL, it can be understood ALIKE.

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The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (IITim.3:16-17). In a word, Paul is saying, “The Bible is sufficient.” It is all we need.

People indicate their lack of faith in this passage when they say such things as, “Well, my church teaches…”, or, “In our last council, our church decided to allow…”, and, “We follow the Bible and our church traditions.”

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Many people view the Bible as a book we cannot understand alike. If you think about that a moment, it is impossible not to understand the Bible alike. If two people understand the Bible, they understand it alike. When two of us study it together and come up with different understandings of the same passage, both of us may misunderstand it. If we don’t come to the same understanding of a verse, one of us may understand it and the other misunderstand it. Just because we come to the same understanding, however, is no guarantee either of us understands it.

It is possible to understand the Bible. Paul wrote of the inspiration he received and told the Ephesians, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4). In the same epistle he wrote, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). Reading those passages without bias, one realizes God expects us to understand his word. Obviously he has not made a requirement we cannot obey.

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The Bible is referred to in many different ways. We speak of it as God’s Word, the Good Book, the Holy Scriptures, and the Sword of the Spirit. It is also known as the Book of books and the Living Word. Some call it simply THE Book, for nothing else seems necessary. It stands alone, towering above all other writings.

This matchless book is no mere book of philosophy. It is no collection of the wit and wisdom of the ages. It is truly a supernatural and divinely produced work revealing the God of Heaven to mankind.

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