Bible Doctrine

THE apostle says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

The foundation of any structure is the most important part of it; because it is the part upon which other parts rest, or depend. No matter how strong, or how costly may be the superstructure, if it has not the support of a firm foundation, it must sooner or later fall. So it is with the church of God, and with the individual members composing the church. The foundation upon which they rest their faith must be laid in Christ. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Other systems of religion may crumble and come to naught, but the Christian religion must remain while the earth remains; for its foundation is immovable.

Why were the true people of God not exterminated by the Inquisition during the terrible persecutions of Papal Rome? Because they were "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets," and because "they were rooted and grounded in love"—the love of Christ. So it must be with every true Christian. His faith must rest upon the foundation, or doctrines, of the apostles and prophets.

The world is full of sins and theories concerning the creation, the fall, the plan of redemption, and the final destiny of man. And after men have racked their brains and explored the sciences in search of a satisfactory solution for these problems, they must finally return to the Bible; for it alone reveals the truth on these important matters, and if any speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Here we find a system of truth beautiful and harmonious. Those who build upon it need not fear defeat. Men, because of their education and for other reasons, may differ in their understanding of it; but the truth itself never changes. "The foundation of God standeth sure."

The churches are suffering because the doctrines of the Bible are not taught. People have gotten into wrong practices in consequence of having imbibed erroneous doctrines. They suppose their faith, or theory, is founded in Scripture, and that they are building a perfect superstructure, or character, upon a good foundation, when in reality they are self-deceived, and are only standing upon the tradition of their fathers —unfounded in the word of God.

The desire of the age is excitement, sensation; but its real need is truth, sound doctrine. Where are we to look, says one, for truth, if not to an educated ministry? So far as your minister's instructions are in harmony with the Bible, of course you will receive them. But ought not ministers to be sound in faith, having been chosen to act as Christ's representatives to preach and to teach the gospel? Certainly they ought; but it is a fact to be deplored that many ministers enter the profession for the same reason that the doctor or the lawyer enters his—to make money—and they are therefore ready and willing to sacrifice truth and principle for money's sake, caring more for their own interest than to feed the flock of their charge.

I think these facts are not overstated. It is just the condition of things pointed out by the prophet Isaiah (56:9-12), to be seen in the last days. Paul also said the time would come when they would not endure sound doctrine, and would be turned away from the truth unto fables.

Modern ministers declare unto their congregations the results of geological research and of the most recent scientific investigation, or perhaps tickle their ears with flights of oratory exhibiting their own excellency of speech, or wisdom. How different the preaching of Paul? He says, "I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power." 1 Cor. 2:2, 4. Again, "I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Acts 20:27.

Compare for a moment the effects and results of the apostle's preaching with that of the modern divine. As we pass out from a popular church, our ears are greeted with eulogies pronounced upon the speaker: "What a talented man!" "How eloquent!" "Isn't he a fine orator!" "What a smooth easy speaker, and how careful not to hurt anybody's feelings!" Thus people go home gratified and self-satisfied, but not especially edified.

Now let us go back to Paul's experience. He records it in 2 Cor. 11:23-28. Imprisonment, stripes, shipwreck, perils, hunger, thirst, weariness, pain, and finally death. This was the people's recompense to the great apostle. But why was this so? Because the doctrines he taught were unpopular, and were full of reproof for their wicked practices. The people became enraged because they could not answer the arguments and overthrow the truth of the apostle's doctrine.

History is repeating itself in our day. When the plain truth of the Bible is taught in a community, ministers and people conspire together to silence it or in some way to resist its influence. They will shun it as though they would certainly be injured by closer contact. If men could see that by this course they work against their own eternal interests, how different would be their actions! "No matter what a man believes, if he is only honest," is a sentiment oft repeated by even professors of religion. Eternity will reveal the fact that this is only a subterfuge of Satan; and that many precious souls will be lost because they have tried by this means, possibly with success, to satisfy a guilty conscience. A plea of honesty can save no man who is walking contrary to light and knowledge.

I do not believe God is trifling with man. He means what he has said in his word, and no effort of man to misconstrue his meaning can ever change the consequences of failing to cheerfully comply with his will. Peter talks about people "wresting the Scriptures unto their own destruction." The time has come when God wants his people to lay aside isms and traditions, and "receive with meekness the engrafted word." A clean work of reform must be wrought by the remnant. Sound doctrine must take the place of man's opinion.

Beautiful gems of gospel truth have long been buried under the rubbish of superstition and tradition, but in the providence of God they are being unearthed, and are free to all who will receive them.

The doctrines of the Bible will make us "wise unto salvation." They alone reveal God's purposes concerning us and our duty to him. May the Spirit guide us into a knowledge of God's will, and to a faithful performance of the same.