Recently we had a panel discussion at Morningside Church consisting of four pastors on the subject of “What is a healthy Church?”

My heartfelt message was about “Sound Doctrine.”  1^st and 2^nd Timothy, and Galatians, Chapters 1 & 2 really lay out in scripture the importance of sound doctrine:

“Sound Doctrine” is a body of principles based on absolute truth from the Word of God. 

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-16, (KJV), “Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go there.  Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto (eternal) life.  And few there be that find it.”

Man’s choice determines his destiny! Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  You will know them by their fruit.  Galatians 5:22-23. (KJV)

There have always been teachers who have promoted false doctrines.  This is nothing new. Some have predicted dates of our Lord’s return, and others have propagated the diabolical teaching of Universalism.  This teaching says that since Jesus took all our sins, everybody is automatically saved and individuals don’t even need to repent or accept Jesus.  According to this erroneous doctrine, salvation is an automatic process, an already done deal, without anyone choosing to receive Jesus as their Savior.

It is true that Jesus took all of our sins on the cross, but man’s will is still against God.  Also, some believe that being guilty and repenting of sin is not necessary because of grace.  Some even go as far as to believe and teach that there is no Hell!

Don’t believe man’s teachings unless they agree with the Word of God!

“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…”   2 Timothy 2:15. (KJV)

Sound doctrine, based on the true Word of God, will always build people up.

Sound doctrine will produce love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:5 – “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:…” KJV

1 Timothy 3:16, (Amplified) lists six things about sound doctrine.  And, without controversy, great is the mystery, (something previously hidden now divinely revealed) of Godliness.

1. Jesus was made visible in human flesh.
2. Justified and vindicated in the Holy Spirit.
3. Was seen by angels.
4. Preached among the Gentiles.
5. Believed on in this world.
6. Received up to Glory.

Truth will always pass these three tests:

Truth will always exalt Jesus.

Truth will always line up with God’s Word, the Bible.

Truth will always witness in a Christian’s spirit.

A.W. Tozer wrote years ago, the chief dangers that confront the Church now and in the future are:

1. Religion without the Holy Ghost
2. Christianity without Christ
3. Forgiveness without Repentance
4. Salvation without Regeneration
5. Politics without God
6. Heaven without a Hell

Your foundational beliefs as a Christian must be based on God’s Word.  When you are familiar with the Scriptures you are better equipped to recognize false doctrine.  Sift all doctrinal teachings through the truths in the Bible and pray for God to reveal any false teaching that may be presented to you.

Don’t go with the flow of strange doctrine, but rather, stay in the flow of the Holy Spirit.  Keep studying the Word and it will correct you when you are wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)