The Doctrine Police by Dylan Stewart
Name calling is often a go-to response for people who are unwilling to listen to opposing viewpoints when discussing the Bible. How long has it been since someone called you a “legalist” for recognizing the strictness of the New Testament Law (Matthew 5:19; James 2:10)? When is the last time someone called you an “anti” for not supporting something which is not clearly approved in the Scriptures (Revelation 22:18-19)? The term “doctrine police” is a phrase I heard for the first time just recently to describe those who recognize the importance of abiding in the one true doctrine of Christ. A few months ago, I encountered a preacher who encouraged people to (I’m paraphrasing) stop policing other people’s doctrines and just accept one another as Christians. The vast majority of the world shares a similar attitude when it comes to Christianity, but is this mentality supported by the Scriptures?
Although a significant portion of the religious world claims it does not matter what we believe when it comes to the Bible just as long as we believe in God and Christ, the Bible tells us our doctrine (what we believe, teach, and practice) actually matters. We must worship and serve God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), which means we must do it the exact way God has specified. We also must do everything by the authority Christ has granted us in His Word – “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17) – meaning our doctrine is only satisfying to God if it is approved by the Scriptures. Consider the following New Testament passages which explain just how much our doctrine truly matters.
Our doctrine is defined by what the Bible says:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Our doctrine is not defined by what man says or wants the Bible to say:
“Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (Matthew 15:7-9).
There is only one true doctrine:
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16a).
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42).
The Bible speaks harshly about those not in accord with the one true doctrine of Christ:
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing” (1 Timothy 6:3-4).
“Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9).
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
We must constantly “police” ourselves and others if we want to make it to Heaven.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5a).
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
Conclusion
We must never allow anyone to lead us to believe our doctrine does not matter. We must always strive to only “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Abiding in sound doctrine is essential to our salvation, so the next time someone calls you a name for “policing other people’s doctrines,” take it as a compliment for doing what Christ requires – “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). It looks like we actually need more "doctrine police," doesn’t it?
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