Friday, January 25, 2008 at 2:02am
Let doctrine lead us to God's love
Column: For His Glory
How do you define the word "doctrine"? Webster's Online Dictionary defines it this way: A doctrine is something that is "taught or instructed." That is their main definition; a secondary definition states that a doctrine is "a principle or position or a body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief."
Now we know that Webster's dictionary is highly respected, but if you ask me, that definition leaves much to be desired. Don't misunderstand me. The definition is not wrong, but is that what we seek for when we seek to learn biblical doctrine — just to be "taught certain instructions"? It is no wonder that we hardly hear any doctrinal sermons in churches today, and when we do, we leave asking ourselves the question, "So what?" Yet we cannot neglect doctrinal sermons. Jesus Himself thought doctrine was important when He rebuked the Pharisees and scribes for teaching false doctrines: "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9)
What was the problem of the Pharisees and scribes? They were teaching their own commandments instead of teaching the people the word of God. Why is that extremely important? Isn't someone else's opinion just as good as another's? After all, many people interpret the Bible differently, don't they?
Yes, many people interpret the Bible differently, and I believe it stems from their definition of "doctrine." You see, if we view the study of doctrines as just learning some guiding instructions or principles, then we can miss the big picture or the real picture. Why, then, is Jesus making such a big deal about correct doctrine? Because doctrines, when properly understood, define the character of the God we serve.
In other words, Jesus was upset because what the Pharisees and scribes were teaching marred the character of God. It made God look like an unloving, exacting judge looking to zap sinners in their transgressions, when this was far from the truth. God is a loving God, whose patience and forbearance are unmatched and is driven by His desire that all should repent and be saved. When I study biblical doctrines, I make sure I try to understand them in the light of who God is in His very nature, and God's nature is love (cf. 1 John 4:8). It is when I study doctrines in the light of His character that doctrinal studies gain their significance. I begin to recognize that God's immense pleasure is for us to spend time together in intimate fellowship — that He has set aside for me a day of rest so that I can step out of the "rat race" and enjoy uninterrupted time with the people I love and worship with. It is amazing that the God of the universe would want to spend time with me, but it is true, it is in His word, because He is love.
God is love, and let us never forget that. Yet, if you are struggling with your understanding of God, if you feel a natural hatred toward Him, it may be that some of your doctrinal understanding of His character is flawed. Maybe you were taught the things that are contrary to His character and you need to study His word on your own once again. Whatever the problem, don't give up on God because His love won't give up on you — for God is Love!
— — —
Gio Marin is the pastor of the College Station and Waller Seventh-day Adventist Church in the state of Texas. He graduated in December 2007 with a master of divinity degree from Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, with a dual emphasis on systematic theology and church growth & evangelism. Send him an email at {email GioMarinColumn@aol.com}GioMarinColumn@aol.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Gio Marin.
Now we know that Webster's dictionary is highly respected, but if you ask me, that definition leaves much to be desired. Don't misunderstand me. The definition is not wrong, but is that what we seek for when we seek to learn biblical doctrine — just to be "taught certain instructions"? It is no wonder that we hardly hear any doctrinal sermons in churches today, and when we do, we leave asking ourselves the question, "So what?" Yet we cannot neglect doctrinal sermons. Jesus Himself thought doctrine was important when He rebuked the Pharisees and scribes for teaching false doctrines: "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9)
What was the problem of the Pharisees and scribes? They were teaching their own commandments instead of teaching the people the word of God. Why is that extremely important? Isn't someone else's opinion just as good as another's? After all, many people interpret the Bible differently, don't they?
Yes, many people interpret the Bible differently, and I believe it stems from their definition of "doctrine." You see, if we view the study of doctrines as just learning some guiding instructions or principles, then we can miss the big picture or the real picture. Why, then, is Jesus making such a big deal about correct doctrine? Because doctrines, when properly understood, define the character of the God we serve.
In other words, Jesus was upset because what the Pharisees and scribes were teaching marred the character of God. It made God look like an unloving, exacting judge looking to zap sinners in their transgressions, when this was far from the truth. God is a loving God, whose patience and forbearance are unmatched and is driven by His desire that all should repent and be saved. When I study biblical doctrines, I make sure I try to understand them in the light of who God is in His very nature, and God's nature is love (cf. 1 John 4:8). It is when I study doctrines in the light of His character that doctrinal studies gain their significance. I begin to recognize that God's immense pleasure is for us to spend time together in intimate fellowship — that He has set aside for me a day of rest so that I can step out of the "rat race" and enjoy uninterrupted time with the people I love and worship with. It is amazing that the God of the universe would want to spend time with me, but it is true, it is in His word, because He is love.
God is love, and let us never forget that. Yet, if you are struggling with your understanding of God, if you feel a natural hatred toward Him, it may be that some of your doctrinal understanding of His character is flawed. Maybe you were taught the things that are contrary to His character and you need to study His word on your own once again. Whatever the problem, don't give up on God because His love won't give up on you — for God is Love!
— — —
Gio Marin is the pastor of the College Station and Waller Seventh-day Adventist Church in the state of Texas. He graduated in December 2007 with a master of divinity degree from Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, with a dual emphasis on systematic theology and church growth & evangelism. Send him an email at {email GioMarinColumn@aol.com}GioMarinColumn@aol.com{/email}. © Copyright 2008 by Gio Marin.