Why Is Sound Doctrine So Important?

By R. W. McAlister

    One may ask, “Where does the Savior command that sound doctrine be taught?” We must keep in mind when we read the New Testament that we’re reading the words of the Savior. Paul wrote, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (I Cor. 14:37). Peter explained how the words of the New Testament came to be. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:20-21). No man was given a thought and left to his own discretion as to exactly what to write. All the writers were “carried along” by the Holy Spirit who was communicating the very words of Jesus.
    Now, understanding that principle, look at what the New Testament (the words of the Savior) has to say about sound doctrine.
    Paul wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (II Tim. 4:3-4). Paul was exhorting Timothy to remain faithful to the doctrine which had come from heaven (I Tim. 1:3; II Tim. 2:2). The young preacher was warned that there would be some who would turn from sound doctrine and turn unto fables. Paul equates sound doctrine with truth in this text, speaking of sound doctrine in one verse and the truth in another. Again Paul wrote: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).
    How can those among us today say doctrine isn’t important? Jesus said to speak that which is sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is that which is healthy to us spiritually. To teach doctrine which is not sound is to teach a corrupted doctrine that will cause one to be lost, not saved.
    Dear reader, it’s important that you embrace sound Biblical teaching, without man’s additions or subtractions, for this is a matter of eternal importance (Rev. 22:18-19).

- R. W. McAlister preaches for the Anna Church of Christ in Anna, IL.He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/