We often hear really good people that are church members and love the Lord say
“Well, it does not make any difference what you believe, if you are only honest and do
the best you know how.” A careful study of the Scriptures shows that the Lord and
Apostles thought differently.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” (Isaiah 1:18)
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)
Jesus answered them, and said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:16,17)
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed back and forth, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Eph. 4:11-15)
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of
Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:7-11)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
But speak you the things which become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1)
Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9)
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, sincerity, (Titus 2:7)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)
Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto you have attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied there. (Hebrews 13:9)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. Take heed to thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you will both save thyself, and them that hear you. (1 Timothy 4:15,16)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13,14)
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 to all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32)
If we are only to be “made free by the truth” it is very important that we know the
truth. The truth must be sound doctrine.
“Well, it does not make any difference what you believe, if you are only honest and do
the best you know how.” A careful study of the Scriptures shows that the Lord and
Apostles thought differently.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” (Isaiah 1:18)
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)
Jesus answered them, and said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he will know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:16,17)
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed back and forth, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Eph. 4:11-15)
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of
Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:7-11)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
But speak you the things which become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1)
Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9)
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, sincerity, (Titus 2:7)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)
Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto you have attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied there. (Hebrews 13:9)
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. Take heed to thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you will both save thyself, and them that hear you. (1 Timothy 4:15,16)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13,14)
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 to all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32)
If we are only to be “made free by the truth” it is very important that we know the
truth. The truth must be sound doctrine.