Doctrine is not important to many religious people today. A common belief distinguishes between the gospel of Christ and Christian doctrine. One is necessary to hold to and be in agreement about, the other is not. Others emphasize the “Man” rather than the “Plan,” and call those who advocate for unity in doctrine to be “legalists.” They emphasize a relationship and deemphasize the necessity of adhering to scriptural precepts. In their words, they serve “the Living Word [Christ}, and not a bunch of dead words on paper.”
The apostle Paul felt differently. In his words to Timothy, he denounced some in his time that were causing disputes, straying from the “purpose of the commandment.” He noted the “ungodly and sinners” the “unholy and profane” who were guilty of various listed sins like murder, fornication, homosexuality and lying. He ended the list with “any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:3-11).
Paul used the words gospel and doctrine interchangeably. It is a false dichotomy when we go to scripture and divide into essential and non-essential truths to be obeyed. Put simply, any effort to distinguish love for Christ with obedience to Him is indefensible. He is not only our Savior, but also our Lord! “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10).
The word “sound” used in 1 Timothy 1:10, when used in reference to the human body, refers to a healthy individual. Physically, he is sound. When referencing doctrine, Thayer says it refers to true and incorrupt doctrine. The word doctrine is also translated teaching, and refers to that which is taught in scripture. Consider these words from the Lord, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). Using the definitions (teaching and doctrines in Jesus’ statement are different forms of the same word), Jesus said that those who worship vainly are “teaching as teachings the commandments of men.” When we substitute man’s doctrine for sound doctrine, we do not please Him! It does matter what we believe. We must not do anything that is contrary to what is taught — “sound doctrine.”
Consider that religion in our culture has adopted views of faith that mirror the inclinations of men themselves. It is not a reflection of God’s will for man at all. It hasn’t been for a long time. “Fear God, and keep His commandments for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
