THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE There is a specific sense in which the word "doctrine" is used, that refers to a core, or central body, of teaching. This is a kind of network of affirmations that find their locus in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of this circumstance, they complement one another, and stand together as a whole – an integrated and interrelated body of realities, or eternal verities. -- Tomorrow:
"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor 3:15-18, KJV)
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It is for this reason that the word "doctrine" is never used in the plural – at least not in a good way. We read of "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt 15:9), "doctrines of men" (Col 2:22), "doctrines of devils" (1 Tim 4:1), and "divers and strange doctrines" (Heb 13:9). The NIV refers to "false doctrines" (1 Tim 1:3; 6:3). But never is the truth of God described as "doctrines" – never!
Some examples of the use of the word "doctrine" will suffice to introduce us to the singularity of the message described as "truth" – also, never used in the plural.
Jesus spoke of a doctrine that was from God. "If any man will do His will, he shall know of THE DOCTRINE, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17). There is a single message that God is delivering to men. It is vast in scope, and diverse in its facets. Yet, it is one, and only those who fervently desire to do God's will can know it is from God.
Sound preaching is referred to as "the doctrine of the Lord. "Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORD" (Acts 13:12). This did not refer to a series of statements about God Himself, but to the revelation that was given by the Lord, and was to be proclaimed.
A doctrine that has a "form." "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart THAT FORM OF DOCTRINE which was delivered you" (Rom 6:17). The "form" of reference is baptism, the theme of the sixth chapter of Romans. It is the encapsulation of the doctrine in a "form." The "doctrine" is summarized in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15:1-3). Baptism brings the believer into participation with all three.
The doctrine by which things are measured. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom 16:17). The comparison is not to be made with a multiplicity of teachings – "doctrines" – but with "the doctrine."
The focus of attention. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto THE DOCTRINE; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Tim 4:16). This emphasizes the thrust of sound teaching, which in summary and in detail is in strict harmony with the "eternal purpose" of God.
A doctrine according to godliness. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and TO THE DOCTRINE which is according to godliness" (1 Tim 6:3). There is a harmonious body of teaching that leads one to conclude the necessity of godliness, or a holy manner of life.
A doctrine that can be adorned. "Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may ADORN THE DOCTRINE of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10). Ungodly manners of life are in sharp conflict with the whole of sound teaching, with its statements, direction, and implications.
A doctrine with principles. "Therefore leaving the PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" (Heb 6:1). Rather than teaching consisting of a number of doctrines, the doctrine inspired of God contains certain principles, or foundational realities.
A doctrine that is summarized in Christ. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, he hath both the Father and the Son" (2 John 1:9). Christ Jesus Himself is the embodiment of truth. Sound doctrine is, therefore, the proper exposition of Him – His Person and accomplishments.
There is a doctrine by which words that are preached is measured. "But speak thou the things which become SOUND DOCTRINE" (Titus 2:1). The scale of truth is not variable, but is constant and unchanging. If this was not the case, it would not be possible to measure conduct by that doctrine.
It should be apparent that there is a body of teaching that stands above behavioral correction. This is a "doctrine" that centers in Christ Jesus, not human conduct. It declares the Gospel, expounds the New Covenant, and announces God's "eternal purpose." That "doctrine" is the spiritual lexicon upon which all sound reasoning is based.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the singularity of Your doctrine.