THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF DOCTRINE IN SCRIPTURE

More than one third of the New Testament is devoted to DOCTRINE -  the doctrine of Jesus Christ - BIBLICAL doctrine. Why would God have allowed so much exhortation to correct doctrine if it weren't that important?
It is apparent that we are living in the "end-times" as prophesied in the Bible and that the prophesied end-time APOSTASY (falling away from faith) is widespread in the church of today...

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

 

The saddening consequences of this is that many 'Christians' are totally unaware that THEY are part of this Apostasy and that they are being misled on how absolutely critical Biblical doctrine is.

Be ye not deceived
Throughout the Bible, the warnings about false prophets and teachers abound and are clear. In fact, the Bible talks about Deception 93 times in the Bible and more specifically mentions Deception concerning Doctrine 35 times - DO NOT BE DECEIVED! How is it then, that there are so many who blatantly ignore these warnings?!

The Traditions of men

Much of Jesus' own teachings was on correction and the importance of correct doctrine, without which, we are warned over and over again of God's impending judgement. Many are being led astray by following the traditions of men:

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

and the unscriptural teachings of ignorant clergy. Many "Christian" churches have practically turned their backs on the Bible, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men; effectively turning those true bible-believing churches (who believe in the  the Bible as their sole authority) into members of a "cult".  Nowadays, when one quotes scripture to illustrate and prove correct doctrine, one is shunned as "unloving', 'over-the-top', 'fanatical', 'extremist' etc etc. However, the Word of God is clear; and those who preach comfortable Christianity, the Word-Faith message, a prosperity gospel, Dominion theology, Kingdom now theology, experiential theology, ecumenism and the Unity of the New Age Movement will all have to answer to God for leading their flock astray. Anything that adds traditions of men to Scripture violates this basic fundamental warning, including christmas, easter, lent, the mass (transubstantiation) and psychology, to name but a few.

Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Any Catholic need just read a few pages of the Catholic Catechism (Laws of Catholicism) and compare them to the plain teachings of the Bible to see how great is Satan's deceptive control of this church. This deception is almost complete.

It is prophesied about many "Christians":  

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

These are super-spiritual people!! Able to perform miracles "in the name of Jesus"! Why does God turn them away? Because their miracles are based on a false gospel and traditions of men.

We are called to test what man says - don't plainly accept what a preacher says - go to your Bible and "see if it is so" - and if it's not in the Bible, we are commanded by God to reject it, expose it and "be ye separate"! Beware of false prophets. Just because a preacher is ordained (by fallen man!), doesn't mean you have to accept what he says... test it by our final and ONLY authority - The Word of God. 

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Why is DOCTRINE so important?
Without correct doctrine, it is impossible to have correct conduct!

Jesus suddenly started talking in parables instead of simple preaching. Why? Because too many didn't want to receive in their hearts what He was saying. Everyone could physically hear Him, but only those who really wanted to hear the Truth could understand. And so it is today... 
He that hath an ear, let him hear! 
We have no excuse.
Amen.