Posted on by Andy White

What is Doctrine?

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. (Deuteronomy 32:2)

What is Doctrine? (November, 2009)

A Test.

Examine the following statements and see if you can determine which statements are doctrine and which statements are practical instruction.  Answers will follow.

  1. God chose his people in Christ before the foundation of the world.  (Ephesians 1:4)
  2. Love your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)
  3. Jesus is God.  (John 1:1-3,14)
  4. Seek first the kingdom of God.  (Matthew 6:33)
  5. Do not worry about anything, but pray with thanksgiving about everything.  (Philippians 4:6)
  6. All those who God chose will come to Christ.  (John 6:37)
  7. He that has the Son of God has life.  (I John 5:12)
  8. He that does not have the Son of God does not have life.  (I John 5:12)
  9. Be sober.  (Titus 2:4)
  10. Thou shalt not steal.  (Deuteronomy 5:19)

Now, have you taken some time to classify these statements?  Now for the answer:

If you identified that all of these statements are doctrine, then congratulations, you are correct.  Doctrine is an often misunderstood word that simply means teaching or instruction.  Thus, whether the teaching is a statement of fact like “Jesus shall save his people from their sins,” or a command like “love your neighbor”, it is, in both cases, doctrine.  Many people misunderstand doctrine to refer to abstract theological concepts that do not have direct bearing on our daily lives, but this idea is foreign to the scripture.  For example, consider that Paul instructs Titus to “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), and then goes on to list such things under this category as teaching older men to be sober, older women to not gossip, younger women to obey their husbands, and everyone to obey magistrates and other earthly leaders.

The Bible is filled with “sound doctrine”, and it includes everything from declaring that there is one God, to instructing children to obey their parents.  Briefly, “sound” doctrine is any teaching that is true, honoring to God, and in harmony with the Bible.  In this sense, the entire Bible is doctrine.  In contrast to the sound doctrine of the Bible, there are many false doctrines.  A false doctrine is any teaching that is contrary to the Bible.  For example, Paul speaks of “doctrines of devils” like forbidding people to join in godly marriages or commanding people to abstain from certain foods (I Timothy 4:3).  He describes in Ephesians 4 that the purpose of teachers of the word is so that the church would be built up in the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God (true doctrine), so they would not be “carried about with every wind of doctrine (false doctrine).  This is accomplished through “speaking the truth in love”.  False doctrine is better known by the shorter and simpler term: lies.  To those that did not believe Christ, he said, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44) 

Now, what about the second part of the question?  Well, if you identified that all of these statements are also practical instruction, then congratulations, you are correct again and you have passed the test.  I alluded before to “abstract theological concepts that do not have direct bearing on our daily lives”; however, the Bible does not contain any such statements.  Everything that God has taught us in the Bible about himself, his will, his plan, his character, and his work of redemption, among other things, is of direct practical value to our lives.  Paul instructed Timothy that all scripture “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.”  (II Timothy 3:16-17)  This means that in order to be prepared for a life of good works, one must be equipped by continual instruction from the word of God, the only source of sound doctrine.

The truth that we believe will have a visible effect on our lives and the fruit that we bear.  This means that believing that Jesus rose from the dead will affect how we think and live, believing that we were dead in sin apart from his grace will affect how we think and live, believing that Jesus Christ is Lord will affect how we think and live, and so on. 

Some would claim that it is not so important what you believe, but how you live.  That is, that we should focus more on performing good works than on teaching sound doctrine.  However, this is really an unbiblical divorcing of works and beliefs.  In fact, the Bible everywhere shows that faith and works must go hand-in-hand.  James taught that faith (belief in the truth) would manifest itself in good works (James 2).  Paul always grounded his instruction in concrete statements of fact:  God forgave you through Christ, therefore forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), or God’s choice of who he would save was not based on your works, so do not boast (Romans 9-11).  Jesus taught that it was not only the outward works that were important, but the state of the heart (Matthew 5). 

Biblically, sound doctrine and righteous living cannot be separated.  What you believe in your mind and your heart will direct your actions throughout your life.  As Jesus said, “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Luke 6:43).  The Bible was given to us that we might be established in sound doctrine, so that through belief in the truth, we might be conformed to the image of Christ in all holiness.   May God bless us to be always growing in the truth, that we might glorify him through the fruit that we bear.

Posted on by Andy White

Faith vs. Science

The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order which has been imposed on it by God, and which he revealed to us in the language of mathematics. – Johannes Kepler

I recently began reading Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh and Sean McDowell.  The purpose of the book is to make a rational, evidence-based case for the truth of the Christian faith.  The introduction addresses several common misconceptions about Christianity like, “There can’t be just one right religion,” and “God has not provided enough evidence for rational belief.”  It has been very interesting.  One misconception of particular interest to me is, “Christianity and science are at war.”  As someone who has both loved science and believed in Jesus since I was a child, I am moved by the importance of this subject.

As the McDowell’s challenge this misconception they cite several eminent scientists throughout the ages who have also been believers in God.  Even more significantly, they show how belief in a rational God who created an ordered universe has actually been a driving force for many scientists.  After all, if an intelligent God made the world to be governed by certain consistent natural laws, then it is neither futile nor vain to diligently seek to discover those laws.

Of course, one need not be a Christian to be a great scientist.  And some Christians do resist science, perhaps fearing that it will undermine their faith.  Nevertheless, the truth can always stand up to examination and testing, so true believers should be the friends of true science.  After all, The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof, so further discovery of how the world is made can only ultimately redound to the glory of the God who made it.

The laws of nature are written by the hand of God in the language of mathematics. – Galileo Galilei

 

Posted on by Andy White · 2 Comments

Millennium

And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years…

Eschatology, the study of the end times, is one of the most fascinating areas of theology.  Few have studied or written on the subject more extensively than my friend Mike Rogers.  His latest post discusses the millennium, the thousand year reign of Jesus described in the book of Revelation.

New to the subject? Mike has a test and flowchart for determining your prophetic viewpoint.  Interesting takeaway from the test: what if the truth doesn’t fit neatly into one of the common frameworks?

Posted on by Andy White

Eschatology of the Psalms

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. – Psalm 72:8

In contrast to the very negative outlook of much modern thought on the “last days”, the Psalms paint a highly hopeful picture.  Most Christians recognize that the Psalms prophecy of the coming chosen one, the Messiah.  They foretell his suffering (Psalm 22), his death and resurrection (Psalm 16), his ascension and priesthood (Psalm 110), and many other aspects of his life and ministry.  However, the Psalms also present a glorious panoramic view of the reign of the Christ.  Psalm 110 prophecies of the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father after his resurrection.  The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.  The New Testament records the historical accomplishment of this fact in a number of places.  For example, Hebrews 1:3 states that when he had by himself purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.  With Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, given all rule and authority, we now live in an age in which he reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Psalms declare and describe this glorious period of the Messiah’s reign.  Though characterized by conflict and struggle (rule thou in the midst of thine enemies), yet is the Messiah presented as ever conquering and victorious.

His reign is a righteous reign

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. (Psalm 9:8)

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. (Psalm 67:4)

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. (Psalm 72:4)

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Psalm 96:13)

All nations shall worship him

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.  For the kingdom is the Lord‘s: and he is the governor among the nations. (Psalm 22:27-28)

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. (Psalm 66:4)

God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. (Psalm 67:7)

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. (Psalm 72:11)

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. (Psalm 72:17)

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. (Psalm 82:8)

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. (Psalm 86:9)

Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. (Psalm 96:10)

Closing thoughts

The current age is one in which the Messiah rules, seated at the right hand of the Father.  In the midst of our struggle, we can take heart that his reign is a victorious reign.  Since he rules, we have much to hope for in both the present and the future.

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. (Psalm 72:7)

 

Posted on by Andy White

The Preeminence of Relationship

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” (Luke 10:39)

At the heart of true religion is a relationship with the living God.  To know the Creator intimately and personally ought to be the principle desire of the creature’s heart.

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

When Jesus called his disciples, he did not merely give them orders and send them on their way like servants, but took them to himself and nurtured fellowship like family.  They were his brothers.  He wanted them, not just to work, but to be with him.

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,” (Mark 3:12)

Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.  This was the place of a disciple.  There at his feet, she heard his word.  Through his word, God communicates himself to us.  We can know him because as the perfect God, he is able to perfectly express himself through his word.  Through that expression, the internal thoughts, intents, and purpose of the heart of God – which would otherwise be transcendent and unknowable to man – are revealed to the creature.  All scripture is God-breathed, and so the very breath and Spirit of the eternal God moves to communicate with man in human language.

Since the Creator descends to communicate with the creature, he is therefore knowable.  Indeed, it becomes not just possible to know him, but imperative.  Therefore, anything less than a personal, active relationship with the living God is deficient.  However honorable one’s religion, upright one’s character, or diligent one’s life, to forego communion with the maker of all things is to neglect the ultimate for the sake of something lesser.

Mary sat at the feet of Jesus because, above all else, she wanted God.  She chose the “good part”, and it will never be taken from her.

Posted on by Andy White

Biblical Principles of Government

“Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force!  Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” (George Washington)

Some say Religion and Politics are the two subjects one should not discuss in polite company, so I guess I’ll have some fun and dip my toes in both ponds at the same time.  The Bible has a lot to say about government.  That should not be too surprising, given that the central subject is the supreme Governor of the world.  In the midst of a time when politics can be highly contentious, the Bible provides many important principles to guide our thinking.  Here are a select few.

We should desire good rulers and we should pray for our rulers.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)

This verse implicitly acknowledges the direct impact that those in authority have on the lives of the people they govern.  For this reason, we ought to desire that those in authority govern with justice and wisdom.  By going to God in prayer first we also recognize that, though politics is a tool, God alone is Savior.  By praying for both rulers we like and rulers we dislike, we put our faith in God rather than man.  Moreover, it is an opportunity to love our neighbor whether or not we get our way in any given political battle.

We should be subject to the higher powers.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

Rightly followed, this principle can make Christians simultaneously the most loyal, law-abiding citizens and also those best positioned to advocate for righteous societal reform or stand against tyranny.  On one hand, Christians should obey earthly authorities as though they are obeying God himself.  In doing so, they will be a delight to their rulers and will provide stability to their society.  On the other hand, this verse makes clear that all earthly authorities are derived authorities.  No earthly authority is absolute, and so Christians will not offer blind allegiance to the evil dictates of corrupt rulers.  They have a higher authority.

Perhaps it was on this basis that when Peter and the other apostles were commanded by the high priest not to preach Jesus, they replied: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Government is Force.

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:4)

Government can do things nobody else has the right to do, and they can do so on threat of force.  They bear the sword.  They can confiscate your money; they can deprive criminals of their freedom; they can execute murderers.

We should govern ourselves.

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10)

The Bible teaches us that if we live according to love, then we become a law unto ourselves.  Much of Government’s role is to prevent us from doing ill to our neighbor.  If I love my neighbor, then I will not contaminate his drinking water; I will not steal his chickens; I will not promise to build his barn, get paid, and then fail to do it.

Over the years I have heard a number of people quote Thomas Jefferson as saying, “That government is best which governs the least.”  And, rightly so, Christians often tend to favor limited government.  How wonderful would it be to live in a society where government has minimal interference in the lives of its people and serves only those purposes that only it can serve.  However, there is an important caveat that is revealed by looking at the next part of Jefferson’s quote:

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

Self-government.  Personal responsibility.  Morality.  Discipline.  These are principles without which a free society cannot exist.  And when they are not present among a people, the door is open for tyranny.

We must not make an idol of government.

“Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” (I Samuel 8:5b)

We ought to earnestly desire a just and righteous government.  However, we must also recognize that government is not our savior.  Neither politics nor government can solve our deepest problems.  Government cannot purify mens’ hearts, heal human divisions, or enrich the land.

When ancient Israel asked for its first earthly king, Samuel warned them of the mild tyranny that even a relatively decent king would bring about.  God also characterized their desire for more powerful government as a Spiritual condition: they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Government is accountable to God.

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.” (Revelation 19:16)

Jesus is the King of Kings, and as such, all earthly powers and authorities are accountable to him.  It is on this basis that Christians can speak truth to power, advocate for social reform, seek justice for the oppressed, and oppose tyranny.  The most powerful kings have their own king, as one mighty ruler learned so long ago:

“The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Daniel 4:17b)

Posted on by Andy White · 2 Comments

Do You Take the Bible Literally?

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)

I am often asked, when discussing religion, if I take the Bible literally.  People intend different things by this question, and a terse answer may not always hit the mark.  In fact, even the definition of “literally” may be somewhat controversial, so I find it best to use the question as an opportunity to explore the matter further.

I believe that God has spoken (indeed, is speaking) to us, through the Bible.  As the word says, “all scripture is God-breathed.”  This itself is a stunning declaration.  The timeless, almighty, transcendent God has spoken to us little humans, in human language!

Christians call the Bible “God’s word,” acknowledging that he speaks and that, moreover, he speaks truth.  If the Bible is true, then it follows that I should take it exactly as it intends to be taken.  Another way to say this is that, of course I ought to take it literally, which includes accounting for style, genre, and context.

For example, when I am asked this question, I like to go straight to the gospel: I believe that Jesus was literally born of a virgin, that he actually performed miracles, that he really died on a cross, and truly rose again the third day and ascended to heaven.

The early Christians took the gospel literally in this way.  The Apostles’ Creed, for example, does not merely state abstract theological truths, but grounds the faith in real historical events.  “I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;” etc.

On the other hand, the Bible contains plenty of figurative language and symbolism.  What do you do with a passage like this?

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” (Revelation 13:1)

Revelation contains John’s prophecy of “things which much shortly come to pass,” so should John’s early listeners have expected a literal seven-headed ten-horned beast to rise out of the sea?  The answer, in this case, is actually not that complicated.  The Bible itself tells us to interpret John’s visions here as symbols. When the book of Revelation begins, it specifies that the prophecy was signified (“the meaning or idea expressed by a sign, as distinct from the physical form in which it is expressed,” Oxford English Dictionary).

Therefore, taking the Bible literally in this example means believing that John literally saw a vision of a seven-headed beast and that the vision actually and truly symbolized a reality that God intended to convey using the symbol.  To expect a physical seven-headed beast, in this case, is actually not taking the text as it is written.

Interpreting the Bible can be challenging.  Nevertheless, the core message is clear and straightforward to understand.  Moreover, if we read the Bible with faith and seek to take it as it is intended, we will be well on our way toward greater understanding of this glorious text.

 

Posted on by Andy White

All My Tears

So weep not for me my friend, When my time below does end, For my life belongs to him, Who will raise the dead again. (All My Tears, Julie Miller)

At the heart of the Christian gospel is this dramatic creed, “that he [Jesus] was buried, and that he rose again the third day.”  Christ’s victory over death forms the foundation of Christian hope for life to come.  Moreover, it is, alongside his sacrificial death for sin, the basis for newness of life here and now.

The Scriptures speak of the consummation of God’s saving victory for his people in this way, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

For those who possess the life of Christ, resurrection is both a future hope and a present reality, for he said, “I am the resurrection, and the life.”  Embracing that reality has radical consequences for life here and now.  This blog seeks to examine those consequences, looking at life in light of the astounding truth that he rose again.