No one who reads and loves God’s Holy Book should ever feel that the term “doctrine” is intended only for Doctors of Divinity. A “doctrine” is simply a “teaching”, and “Bible doctrine” is a term for various subjects about which the Holy Spirit, Who caused the Bible to be written, wants us to be informed. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).
The word, “doctrine,” is used about fifty times in scripture, chiefly in exhortation to know God’s will and to be sound in teaching and preaching the Holy Word. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1 :9). (See also Matthew 16:12; 2Timothy 4:3)
Let us now refer to a few passages which show how careful the Lord wants us to be in receiving and transmitting His Word to others. We are not to pervert the gospel of Christ as do some to their own folly and final doom.
TRUE DOCTRINES
Are from God. (John 7: 16)
Have a purpose. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Create true fellowship. (1 John 1:7)
Are for nourishment. (1 Timothy 4:6)
Demand sincerity. (Titus 2:7)
Adorn when followed. (Titus 2:10)
Lead to holy lives. (Romans 6:17-23)
FALSE DOCTRINES
Are from Satan. (1 Timothy 4:1)
Lead many astray. (Acts 20:29-31)
Are to be avoided. (Ephesians 4:14-15)
Pervert Christ’s gospel. (Galatians 1:7)
Are to be shut out. (2 John 1:10)
Are hated by God. (Revelation 2:14-15)
Are the doom of false teachers. (2 Peter 2:1; Galatians 1:8)
THE GOSPEL STANDARD