THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST Devotion 10 of 12 "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son." – Tomorrow:
"Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son." (2 John 8-9, NASB)
I am not speaking of options. Abiding in the doctrine, or teaching, of Christ reveals whether the individual possesses the Father and the Son or not. If the Father and Son are not possessed, it makes little difference what else may be had, or what profession may be made. In a day when great stress is placed upon "the doctrines of men," this is something that must be known.
Throughout the years, men have tended to depersonalize "doctrine." Working with the Bible was though it was a series of independent teachings, they have formulated systematic theologies. Some people have even favored us by referring to their teachings as a "system." That is, a neatly packaged pattern of theological thought has been developed that reflects human understanding rather than Divine affirmation. In certain circles, it is not uncommon to hear and read expressions like "Apostolic precedent," "law of silence," "direct command," "necessary inference," etc. These are part of a religious system, and are nowhere found in Scripture. They represent an attempt to bind purely human understanding upon others.
In these patterns, there is no place for a living and active Christ. One who is "speaking from heaven" (Heb 12:25) is not integral to such theologies. Thus, the predominant part of their teaching does not pertain directly to the Son of God. Nor, indeed, is there room for the opening of the eyes of the understanding (Eph 1:18), or the "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God" (Eph 1:17). In fact, these very expressions sound an alarm among those with a propensity to religion patterns, even though those very expressions are inspired by God.
It is interesting that the word "doctrine" is never used favorably in Scripture in the plural form, that is, "doctrines." This is true of every major translation of Scripture. We read of men "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt 15:9; Mk 7:7), "the doctrines of men" (Col 2:22), "doctrines of devils," or demons (1 Tim 4:1), and "divers and strange doctrines" (Heb 13:9). The NASB refers to "strange doctrines," and the NIV to "false doctrines" (1 Tim 1:3). Thus, when we read of "the doctrine of Christ," we are not speaking of a particular teaching, but of A SPECIFIC TEACHER! Unlike men, Jesus Christ always teaches consistently, and with a singular focus. His tutelage always leads in the same direction, away from this world, and into the presence of God. Let me be quite clear about this. The words "the doctrine of Christ" emphasize CHRIST, or the SOURCE of the teaching.
NAMES AND SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
However, as I have said, men have developed impersonal systems of religious thought that have actually taken the place of the Son of the Living God. Among such people, the important thing is whether or not you have embraced the system, NOT the Savior. Following Christ is not the point with these people, but following the order of thinking they have either developed or embraced. This allows for sectarianism, the dividing of the body of Christ, and fierce religious competition and debates.
For example, denominational names only have significance in view of these bodies of theological thought and persuasions. When you hear names like Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Lutheran, Catholic, Mennonite, Charismatic, or Seventh Day Adventist, what do you think about? How about names like Church of God, Assemblies of God, Reformed Church, Episcopal Church, Church of Christ, or Christian Church? When you hear these names, or similar ones, do you think of the Lord Jesus Christ? The Living God? The salvation of God?
I do not mean to demean any believer who may be found in such assemblies. I am not even speaking of people. These names are not tied to people, but to bodies of theological thought. It is not people who give these names their distinction, but the doctrine they have embraced and represent. I AM affirming that those bodies of thought, or systematic theologies, have taken the place of Jesus Christ. They remove the necessity for involvement with Jesus, being taught by Jesus (Eph 4:20-21), or receiving understanding from the Lord (Col 1:9; 2 Tim 2:7).
ATTEMPTING TO GO ON WITHOUT CHRIST
It is possible to begin "in the Spirit," only to seek perfection in the flesh. As it is written, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal 3:3). You cannot appropriate salvation with the wisdom of this world. It is absurd to think you could make advancement in that salvation by focusing on such wisdom. You cannot maintain life in Christ by something that did not bring you into Him!
We live in a time when worldly wisdom and the works of the flesh are being glorified – in the religious world! It is an intolerable situation! Legion is the name of those who have abandoned Christ Himself in order to appropriate what others have said ABOUT Christ (and that is a most charitable view).
It is fashionable for professed Christian leaders to become experts in things other than the Son of God. The organized church even offers credentials to these "scholars" for their expertise in things other than Jesus. They are thus allowed to market their wares in the religious arena, buying and selling without intimidating those who walk at a distance from God. Thus the attention of their listeners is diverted from the Redeemer to the "weak and beggarly elements of the world" (Gal 4:9).
It is not possible to successfully defend such a condition. Admittedly, it is not fashionable to so speak, yet it is necessary. Of themselves, academic pursuits and specialties are not wrong. No thinking person will stand up in favor of ignorance and a lack of preparation. These things become unlawful at the point they take precedence over the teaching Christ! Any emphasis that allows for learning without Jesus is wrong – in every sense of the word. God will not allow such independence.
It is still true that God has spoken to us in these last days "by His Son" (Heb 1:1). He is the One who is speaking from heaven (Heb 12:28). He is the One whose voice awakens people who are dead in trespasses and sins (John 5:25). He is the One who knows His sheep, and the One whom they know (John 10:14). The real people of God know His voice and follow Him (John 10:26-28). The saved are described as those who "have been taught by Him" (Eph 4:21). If all of that seems too mystical, it is simply what the Spirit has affirmed. Therefore, it is to be believed, whether it is understood or not.
Abiding in the doctrine is remaining under the tutelage of the Son. The abiding one is following Jesus wherever He leads. After all, He is "the Good Shepherd." Isaiah prophesied Jesus would "feed His flock like a shepherd" (Isa 40:11). Peter reminded us He is "the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1 Pet 2:25). There is no salvation apart from abiding, or remaining, in His care – which care includes His teaching.
The teaching of the Son of God by no means excludes the Scriptures, God's commandments, or those He has placed in the body for teaching and caring for His people. However, the critical factor is the Son Himself. The teaching that makes the difference is the teaching of the Son. The leading that ultimately brings us to God, is that of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for such a tender and efficient Shepherd. Knowing He faithfully feeds the flock of God, I ask You in His name to help me hear His voice, distinguish His direction, and recognize His presence.