THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF TRUTH

" . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

Devotion 6 of 20

CONSIDERING "DOCTRINE" #1

A brief word concerning the use of "doctrine" in Scripture will also serve to clarify the point. When used of proper instruction, "doctrine" is also used in the singular, never the plural. In every version of Scripture, the term "doctrines" refers to error and falsehood. We read of the "doctrines of men," "doctrines of demons," "divers and strange doctrines," and teaching for "doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt 15:9; Col 2:22; 1 Tim 4:1; Heb 13:9). The NIV refers to "false doctrines" (1 Tim 1:3; 6:3). Such doctrines are "divers" in that they lack harmony, and tend to promote division and discord. They are "strange" because they do not blend with God's "eternal purpose" or complement the clear teaching of Scripture.

The "doctrine" of Scripture is its overall thrust and emphasis. It is the tenor of revelation, and the character of the teaching. True teaching derives it strength from Jesus Christ. It tends to expound the purpose of God, clarify spiritual life, enhance the worth of our salvation, and make practical righteousness reasonable.

The NIV translation uses the word "teachings" in 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, and Hebrews 6:1. In my judgement, this misrepresents the intent of the Holy Spirit. Paul spoke of the "ordinances" he delivered to the Corinthians ("traditions," RSV, NASB, and NRSV). This does not speak of the thrust of Paul's teaching, but of his instruction concerning conduct in the assembly. The Thessalonians were also addressed concerning matters of human conduct ("the traditions which you have been taught"). The Hebrews were admonished to avoid an emphasis on the elementary principles of the faith, called "the principles of the doctrine of Christ." None of these cases justify the use of the word "doctrines." In each of the instances here mentioned, an application of the doctrine, and not the doctrine itself, was the point. While that may appear to be pointless, it is not. Faith takes hold of doctrine. The individual can build a life upon the foundation revealed in doctrine. This is not true, however, of the application of doctrine, or the bringing of it to bear upon every-day life. Such applications are not an end of themselves, but a means of refocusing the heart upon the doctrine. In other words, the point is to bring personal life into harmony with the doctrine, which is the point, and wherein lies Divine power.

The following references declare the singularity of true doctrine. The term represents the thrust of the teaching, the supporting postulates that gives the teaching its logic. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His DOCTRINE" (Mat 7:28). "And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His DOCTRINE" (Mat 22:33). "And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in His DOCTRINE" (Mark 4:2). "Jesus answered them, and said, My DOCTRINE is not Mine, but His that sent Me" (John 7:16).

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You, in Jesus' name, for the singular focus of truth--for the oneness of doctrine. I praise Your name for the clarity brought to the heart by this Divine arrangement.

-- TOMORROW: CONSIDERING "DOCTRINE" #2 --