Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceIn Christian theology, doctrines are the core teachings and beliefs derived from the Bible that form the foundation of the Christian faith. They serve as guiding principles for understanding God, salvation, the nature of humanity, and the moral and ethical standards expected of believers. Doctrines are essential for maintaining the integrity and unity of the faith, providing a framework for teaching, preaching, and living a life that honors God.
Biblical BasisThe Bible emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine. In
2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the role of Scripture in forming doctrine and equipping believers for a life of faith.
Key Doctrines1.
The Doctrine of God: Central to Christian belief is the understanding of God as revealed in the Bible. This includes the belief in the Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." The New Testament further reveals the triune nature of God, as seen in
Matthew 28:19 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
2.
The Doctrine of Christ: The person and work of Jesus Christ are central to Christian doctrine.
John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The doctrine of Christ includes His incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and future return.
3.
The Doctrine of Salvation: Salvation is a key tenet of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that humanity is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
4.
The Doctrine of Scripture: The Bible is regarded as the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
2 Peter 1:20-21 states, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
5.
The Doctrine of the Church: The Church is the body of Christ, a community of believers called to worship, fellowship, and witness.
Ephesians 4:4-6 describes the unity of the Church: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
6.
The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology): This doctrine deals with the end times, including the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment.
Revelation 22:12 records Jesus' promise, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done."
The Role of Doctrine in the Life of BelieversSound doctrine is vital for spiritual growth and maturity. It protects against false teachings and helps believers discern truth from error. Paul exhorts Timothy in
1 Timothy 4:16 , "Pay close attention to your life and to your doctrine. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you." This highlights the importance of adhering to true doctrine for personal salvation and the edification of the Church.
Challenges and ControversiesThroughout history, the Church has faced challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity. Heresies and false teachings have arisen, necessitating the formulation of creeds and confessions to clarify and defend orthodox beliefs. The Apostle Paul warns in
Galatians 1:8 , "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" This underscores the seriousness of preserving the true gospel message.
ConclusionWhile the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that doctrines are foundational to the Christian faith, providing believers with a comprehensive understanding of biblical truths and guiding them in their spiritual journey.
Greek
1319. didaskalia -- instruction (the function or the information)... Word Origin from didaskalos Definition instruction (the function or the information)
NASB Word Usage doctrine (9),
doctrines (3), instruction (1), teaching (7
...2085. heterodidaskaleo -- to teach other doctrine
... Definition to teach other doctrine NASB Word Usage advocates a different doctrine
(1), children (2), different doctrine (1), teach strangedoctrines (1)....
3807. paidagogos -- a trainer of boys, ie a tutor
... 3807 () is used of the role of the (OT), especially the necessary "letter" (,
technicalities) needed to establish thedoctrines of salvation, grace, faith, etc...
417. anemos -- wind
... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: anemos Phonetic Spelling: (an'-em-os) Short
Definition: the wind Definition: the wind; fig: applied to emptydoctrines...
Library
The GreatDoctrines of the Bible
The GreatDoctrines of the Bible. <. The GreatDoctrines of the
Bible Rev. William Evans. This eBook was produced by...
Exposition of theDoctrines of Grace
... Exposition of theDoctrines of Grace.... We use the term then, not because we impute
any extraordinary importance to Calvin's having taught thesedoctrines....
TheDoctrines of the Encratites.
... Book VIII. Chapter XIII."TheDoctrines of the Encratites. Others, however,
styling themselves Encratites, acknowledge some things...
For theDoctrines of Redemption Belong no More to the Natural Man....
... [Way-2-20] For thedoctrines of redemption belong no more to the natural
man? For thedoctrines of redemption belong no more to...
Of those who Reject theDoctrines of Philosophers, as Well as...
... The Oration of the emperor constantine, which he addressed "to the assembly of the
saints." Chapter X."Of those who reject theDoctrines of Philosophers, as...
Of the Saviour'sDoctrines and Miracles; and the Benefits He...
... The Oration of the emperor constantine, which he addressed "to the assembly of the
saints." Chapter XV."Of the Saviour'sDoctrines and Miracles; and the...
History andDoctrines of Heresies.
... Book VI. Sec. II."History andDoctrines of Heresies. That Schism is Made, Not by
Him Who Separates Himself from the Ungodly, But Who Departs from the Godly....
Zwingli's DistinctiveDoctrines.
... 52. Zwingli's DistinctiveDoctrines. Zwingli'sdoctrines are laid down chiefly
in his two Confessions to Charles V. and Francis I.((Sec....
The SethianDoctrines to be Learned from the "Paraphrase of Seth....
... Book V. Chapter XVII."The SethianDoctrines to Be Learned from the "Paraphrase
of Seth.". The opinion of the Sethians appears to...
Concerning theDoctrines Held by the Sons of Constantine....
... Book III. Chapter XVIII."Concerning theDoctrines held by the Sons of
Constantine. Distinction between the Terms "Homoousios" and...
Thesaurus
Doctrines (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Doctrines (9 Occurrences). Matthew 15:9 But in vain they
do worship me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men.
...Imputation
... THE SCRIPTURAL BASIS OF THESEDOCTRINES 1. Imputation of Adam's Sin to His Posterity
2. Imputation of the Sins of His People to Christ 3. Imputation of the...
Pharisees (86 Occurrences)
... They could not bear hisdoctrines, and they sought by every means to destroy his
influence among the people. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PHARISEES....
Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... The resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:51), and otherdoctrines which need
to be explained but which cannot be fully understood by finite intelligence...
Lutheran
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to Luther; adhering to
thedoctrines Of Luther or the Lutheran Church. 2. (n.) One...
Romans (8 Occurrences)
... The object of the apostle in writing to this church was to explain to
them the greatdoctrines of the gospel. His epistle was a...
Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To teach; to train. 3. (vt) To punish; to discipline. 4. (vt) To make
disciples of; to convert todoctrines or principles. Int....
Colossians (1 Occurrence)
... A large part of it is directed against certain speculatists who attempted to combine
thedoctrines of Oriental mysticism and asceticism with Christianity...
Sadducees (14 Occurrences)
...DOCTRINES OF THE SADDUCEES 1. Laid Stress on Ceremonial Exactness 2. Disbelief in
the Spiritual World, in a Resurrection, and in Providence: Their Materialism 3...
Heresy (2 Occurrences)
... be avoided. Heresies thus came to signify self-chosendoctrines not emanating
from God (2 Peter 2:1). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1...
Resources
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