The Importance of Sound Doctrine
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AT is sound doctrine? This phrase comes from the Greek words, ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ, HUGIAINOUSE DIDASKALIA. The basic meaning is doctrine which is right, correct, sound, and without any error or perversion. This is the kind of doctrine that Paul wanted Titus to speak continually, since the verb “speak” is found in the present tense and imperative mood. This means a continuous action and a command to obey. Now we ask the question: Why is sound doctrine so important? Why should you and I emphasize sound doctrine in our preaching and lives? Let us examine the following reasons why:
Sound doctrine is important because it comes from God. Yes, my brethren, sound doctrine only comes from God, since it is inspired of Him. The Apostle Paul wrote the following concerning the inspiration of the Scriptures, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Sound doctrine is important because it is inspired of God, since holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, we, as faithful Christians, must respect the doctrine of Christ at all times.
Sound doctrine is important because God expects us to proclaim it. The Apostle Paul commanded Titus to speak those things which were proper to sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). Even the young evangelist Timothy was commanded to uphold the patter of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13). Sadly, there are many who are showing no respect for the authority of sound doctrine, and refuse to proclaim it just the way we find it in the Scriptures. As faithful children of God, we must take heed to the command to emphasize sound doctrine in our lives and in our teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
Sound doctrine is important because it can help us grow spiritually. False doctrine cannot help us in any way to grow spiritually. The only Word that can help us grow the way God wants us to grow is His Word. God’s Holy Word is able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15; cf. 1 Peter 2:1-2), and is able to build us up (Acts 20:32).This is why the Apostle Peter exhorts us to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word (2 Peter 3:18). May the Lord give us the wisdom to always uphold sound doctrine in our lives.
Sound doctrine is important because it can help us to refute error. Yes, my brethren, sound doctrine can help us to refute the error of false doctrines that are being promoted in our days. Sound doctrine can help us to know that baptism is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38). It can help us to know that there is only one true Church of Christ (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 4:4). It can help us to know that salvation can be lost (Philippians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Revelation 2:10). The more we study sound doctrine, the better off we will be regarding defending the doctrine of Christ (1 Timothy 1:3; Jude 3).
Sound doctrine is important because not to obey it will bring terrible consequences. A careful study of the Bible reveals that not to obey the doctrine of Christ will result in divine punishment from God. The Apostle John wrote in 2 John 9-11 that those who do not keep the doctrine of Christ will not have God nor Jesus on their side. If you do not have the Father nor the Son in your side, then you cannot be saved. Those false teachers in the context of 2 John were denying the incarnation of Jesus Christ (v. 7). Anyone who perverts the doctrine of Christ will not spend eternity in heaven! Therefore, sound doctrine is important!
Sound doctrine is important because it can help people know the right way to make it to heaven. False doctrine cannot teach a person the right way to make it to heaven. Only sound doctrine can accomplish such a task. The wrong address will not guide you to the right destiny! Any honest person who studies the New Testament will learn what he or she must do in order to be in a saved condition in the sight of God. The Bible teaches that an honest person will be able to discern the right doctrine (John 7:17). The plan of salvation according to the New Testament is for a person to hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17), believe in the gospel (Mark 16:16), repent of his or her sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ as the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10), be immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16), and live a faithful life in Christ (Rev. 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 2:12). False doctrine only teaches error regarding salvation. We must uphold sound doctrine because this doctrine is the only one that can show people the right way into heaven. May the Lord help us to always uphold sound doctrine in our lives!
Willie A. Alvarenga
P.O. BOX 210667
Bedford, TX 76095
(817) 681 4543
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