Doctrine Still Matters

By Chester Tatmon

The apostles in general and the Apostle Paul in particular stressed the importance of studying and teaching sound doctrine. Although there are many important subjects in the Bible, in this book, we have chosen to highlight some that we consider to be very important. I think it is critical that one be as accurate as possible when studying the nature of God, His Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the concept of the Trinity. In addition, it is imperative that the Bible be utilized as the primary source for investigating these doctrines; the Apostle Paul encouraged his spiritual son Timothy to study to show himself approved. Study what? Probably the Old Testament manuscripts and even the letters that had been sent to him. I would like to echo him in saying to all who read this book, study to show yourselves approved because doctrine still matters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645150299

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Doctrine Still Matters

Chester Tatmon

Copyright © 2019 by Chester Tatmon

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

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Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Introduction

Well, does Bible doctrine really matter that much? Or is this much ado about nothing? Some will say we have experiences. Isn’t this sufficient? Well, I believe the question that should immediately come to mind is, what are our experiences based on? Are they just floating around in the air, never landing on anything? Experiences must have a foundation to rest on, and in the Christian faith, they should rest on God’s word and sound biblical doctrine.

John W. Robbins states, It is the first duty of the Christian to understand correct theory—correct doctrine—and thereby implement correct practice. This order-first theory then practice is both logical and biblical. It is, for example, exhibited in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans in which he spends the first eleven chapters expounding theory and the last five discussing practice. The contemporary teachers of Christians have not only reversed the biblical order, they have inverted the Pauline emphasis on theory and practice. The virtually complete failure of the teachers of the professing church to instruct believers in correct doctrine is the cause of the misconduct and spiritual and cultural impotence of Christians. The church’s lack of power is the result of its lack of truth. The Gospel is the power of God, not religious experiences or personal relationships. The church has no power because it has abandoned the Gospel, the good news, for a religion of experientialism. Twentieth-first century American Christians are children carried about by every wind of doctrine, not knowing what they believe or even if they believe anything for certain.

What is the definition of the word doctrine? According to the Dictionary of Theological Terms, the definition of doctrine is "(Lat. doctrina, from docere, to teach) that which is taught and believed to be true by a church. In various ways, churches sanction their official teachings or doctrines."

When you enter the New Testament, you will observe that a great deal is said about doctrine. For instance, at the very beginning of the book of Acts, Dr. Luke records in chapter 2:42, And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Notice that Luke was very specific about what kind of doctrine, not just any doctrine but the apostles’ doctrine. I wonder why Luke was so specific about the kind of doctrine that was being taught. Is it possible that he considered this to be a major issue? Actually, it is the Holy Spirit that is moving him to record this. Therefore, I think we can safely say that sound doctrine is very important to the Holy Spirit.

In exploring this subject, we will interact with the following areas: the Apostles’ doctrines, Primary doctrines, Secondary doctrines, Erroneous doctrines, and Jesus’s doctrines. This is clearly not an exhaustive study. It is more like an introductory course for the babes that are seeking to grow in Christ. But in my view, I think it is important and extremely necessary.

Chapter 1

The Apostles’ Doctrine

Every house must have a foundation, and the foundation must be sure or the house will not stand. So it is with the church. Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesus 2:19-20). Notice Apostle Paul asserts that the church was built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, which I believe is another way of saying the apostles’ doctrine. Remember when Jesus was with His disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his great confession about Jesus being the Christ. What was Jesus’s response? "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed