Scripture exists to teach us who we are, what we believe, how we ought to live, and what it is awaiting afterwards. It should hardly surprise us, then, that the Bible consistently teaches what we call "doctrine"—a word that simply means "teaching" or "instruction". Just as a physician studies medicine to restore our bodily health, so we who follow Christ study the Bible and its doctrines to know God, grasp truth more firmly, and learn to walk in the footsteps of the one who heals our souls and directs our paths. This is the value of being a disciple of Christ.
We see this emphasis in the letters of the apostle Paul when he writes, "I want you to know" (Colossians 2:1; Galatians 1:11) and the steadfast commitment in the early church to continue in "the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). The apostle John expressed it when he wrote: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13).
It becomes clear that God desires us to know Him and understand His teaching. He has not hidden his truth from us, nor made it so mysterious that we cannot grasp it. Our Lord, our God, wants the faithful Church to have an accurate understanding of what he says to the disciples of Jesus. The truth is not merely intellectual knowledge—it is knowledge that alters our priorities and shapes our eternal destiny.
God places such emphasis on knowledge because ignorance leads to the destruction of His people (Hosea 4:6), whereas knowledge brings freedom (John 8:32).
I find it deeply troubling when professed Christians know more about football, technology, fashion, or entertainment than they do about the God they claim to love and serve. I mention this not to condemn anyone, but I do urge you to seriously consider repentance if this situation applies to you.
If we know so little about God, about the Holy Bible, and about Christian doctrine that brings salvation, meaningful change, and true purpose, how can we expect the church to become the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13–14)?
Please consider taking time to reflect on the Holy Scriptures and the apostles’ doctrines, which are matters of life or death in a world that has become lost in the pursuit of temporary desires, selfish motives, and empty riches.
Questions for Reflection
1. How much time do you spend studying the Bible compared to other interests? What does this say about your priorities?
2. Read 1 John 5:13. Why did John write his letter? What was he trying to say to his readers?
3. In which areas of Christian doctrine do you feel most uncertain or unclear? How might this uncertainty affect your faith and witness?
4. What was the early Church approach to the apostles' doctrines? Have you considered if this could be behind their determination and witness?
Credit: image has been created using AI.
