Importance of Doctrine in Understanding Biblical Text
Doctrine, derived from a Hebrew word meaning "to learn," refers to a body of teachings or instructions [1]. In a biblical context, doctrine is crucial for understanding the biblical text because it encapsulates the core truths and principles revealed in Scripture. The Scriptures themselves are described as "given by inspiration of God" and "profitable for doctrine" [3].
The importance of doctrine is evident in several ways. First, it provides a framework for comprehending God's will and character. Jesus stated that those who are willing to do God's will "shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God" [8]. This suggests that an obedient heart is key to discerning divine teaching. The doctrines of the Gospel are understood to be from God, taught by Scripture, and lead to holiness and fellowship with God [7].
Second, doctrine serves as a guide for Christian life and practice. The "good doctrine" found in the Scriptures, particularly concerning Christ, is meant to be received and not forsaken [10, 11]. This doctrine influences the heart, which is considered the source of life's issues and is searched and known by God [4]. Ministers are exhorted to be nourished in doctrine, attend to it, and hold it steadfastly [7].
Third, doctrine distinguishes truth from error. The "mystery of the faith" refers to the doctrines of the Gospel, which are of divine revelation and contain truths to be believed [9]. These doctrines are called the "faithful word" because they are true, reliable, and unadulterated [12]. The resurrection, for example, is presented as a fundamental doctrine of both the Old Testament and the Gospel, expected by Jews, denied by some, and explained by Christ and preached by the Apostles [2]. Understanding such doctrines helps believers avoid being swayed by false teachers who might attempt to explain away core tenets [2].
Finally, doctrine is a communal element of Christian worship and instruction. In early Christian gatherings, participants might contribute a psalm, a doctrine, a revelation, or an interpretation, all for the purpose of edification [5, 6]. The "words" or doctrines given by Christ to his disciples were those he received from the Father, which they were then to preach [13]. These doctrines are not merely human teachings but are understood to be from God [13].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Talmud — (i.e. doctrine, from the Hebrew word "to learn") is a large collection of writings, containing a full account of the civil and religious laws of the Jews. It was a fundamental principle of the Pharisees, common to them with all orthodox modern Jews, that by the side of the written law, regarded as a summary of the principles and general laws of the Hebrew people, there was an oral law, to complete and to explain the written law. It was an article of faith that in the Pentateuch there was no precept, and no regulation, ceremonial, doctrinal or legal, of which ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 14:26 — How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:26 (DRC) — How is it then, brethren? When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation: let all things be done to edification.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Doctrines of the Gospel, The — Are from God -- Joh 7:16; Ac 13:12. Are taught by Scripture -- 2Ti 3:16. Are godly -- 1Ti 6:3; Tit 1:1. Immorality condemned by -- 1Ti 1:9-11. Lead to fellowship with the Father and with the Son -- 1Jo 1:3; 2Jo 1:9. Lead to holiness -- Ro 6:17-22; Tit 2:12. Bring no reproach on -- 1Ti 6:1; Tit 2:5. Ministers should Be nourished up in. -- 1Ti 4:6. Attend to. -- 1Ti 4:13,16. Hold, in sincerity. -- 2Co 2:17; Tit 2:7. Hold steadfastly. -- 2Ti 1:13; Tit 1:9. Continue in. -- 1Ti 4:16. Speak things which become. -- Tit 2:1. Saints obey, from t”
- King James Version “[KJV] John 7:17 — If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 3:9: Holding the mystery of the faith,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, called the "faith", because it contains things to be believed; proposes Christ the object of faith; is the means by which faith comes, and is unprofitable without it: it is called "the mystery", because it is of divine revelation, and could have never been discovered by human reason; and now it is revealed, the modus of many things contained in it remains a mystery; several of the doctrines of it are mysterious ones, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity; and which the ancient Jews call by this ver”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 4:2: For I give you good doctrine,.... Whose author, matter, use, and tendency, are good, and therefore should be received; so the Gospel is called, Ti1 4:6; and no other is here meant: it is the doctrine concerning Wisdom or Christ, as the following verses show; which serves to exalt him, and makes for the good and welfare of immortal souls; and such is the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ and his apostles, even all the doctrines and truths of the Gospel; forsake you not my law; or "doctrine" (o); not the law given on Mount Sinai, as Gersom interprets it; but the ”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 3:1: My son, forget not my law,.... Or, "doctrine" (e); the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, and the several truths of it; which, being of the utmost moment and importance, should be kept in memory, and not let slip, or be in the least slighted and neglected; see Heb 2:1; but let thine heart keep my commandments; as the ark, or chest, kept the two tables of the law put into it; it denotes a cordial affection for the commandments and ordinances of Christ, a hearty attention and obedience to them, and a constant and cheerful observance of them, flowing from love and gratit”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 1:9: Holding fast the faithful word,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, so called because it is true, and to be believed; it is the word of truth, and truth itself, and contains nothing but truth; and because it never deceived any, that gave credit to its doctrines, and its promises; and because it is pure, unmixed, and unadulterated, and is the sincere milk of the word; and because in it is a glorious display of the faithfulness of God to his perfections, to his holiness and justice, to his law, and to his covenant, word, and oath; and of the faithfulness of Christ, to him tha”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 17:8: For I have given unto them the words,.... Not commands, but doctrines; and these not the doctrines of men; nor any of the divers and strange doctrines; but what are called in Scripture the doctrine of God, of Christ, of the apostles, are agreeably to the Scriptures, and according to godliness; and are styled the word of truth, of faith, of righteousness, of peace and reconciliation, of life and salvation, and of the Gospel; and which Christ gave to his disciples, and gifts along with them to preach them, and abilities to help them: which thou gavest me; for the words ”