Carolinsblog

Spiritual growth needs unavoidably spiritual-healthy food…

Doctrine based on God’s word alone and doctrine whose roots are grounded on that Word alone is sound doctrine – also often referred to as “faithful to the Bible”. The reason why it is important do differentiate between healthy and unhealthy doctrine is because through the doctrine which shapes us we can either grow spiritually or dry out.

Paul warns frequently in his letters against false and unhealthy doctrines (e.g. in Galatians 1,6-9 / Philippians 3,2-15 / Colossians 2,8-23 / 2. Thessalonians 2,2-3) because he knew the results of such a doctrine – He knew such spiritual malpositions among christians… he himself was freed from the religion of judaism to the gospel of grace.

The definition of a false doctrine is biblical based pretty obvious and unmistakeable. A heresy can normally be separated clearly from the gospel of Jesus. More difficult is it with an unhealthy doctrine… what do I understand by this term?

When a doctrine is based on something else than the Bible itself, it does not carry, for it has no eternal foundation. It will be hard for me to find biblical conclusive evidence – a biblical foundation – which I really need for me personally.

“Where is the focus of the sermon?” is maybe a good approach in order to find out about what this doctrine is really about – what is the goal?

Jesus’ goal for his disciples, Pauls personal goal for the churches and also Johns goal in his letters was that they may increase in the knowledge of Jesus (John 8,19 + 14,6 + 8,31-32 + 16,13 + 17,17 + 10,14-15 / Philippians 1,9-11 + 3,8-10 / 1. John 2,13 + 2,3-4 + 5,20), for this is eternal life (John 17,3).

Christ is being preached – Paul says that about the gospels doctrine (Philippians 1,18).

Now the question is more specific: Is Christ being preached?

I quickly get into legalism if my goal is a christian perfect life and not to grow in the knowledge of Jesus… or the tendency to get into liberalism prevails because the focus is on tolerance and love towards all people instead on Jesus and Gods biblical principles.

There are plenty of both and both “sides” have the same problem… each of these unhealthy sides do not have Jesus – only Jesus – in the center and they are not grounded on Gods word alone… one preaches less Christ.

I would make myself guilty on the work of Christ which is totally sufficient and final because I try to complement Jesus with something in this doctrine. That will probably always remain our struggle: to focus Jesus alone, to rely just on His word and to preach Christ in truth.

The church fathers at the time of the Reformation did not formulate the five solas for nothing: Solus Christus – Sola Scriptura… (Christ alone – the scripture alone).

I do not need to add something to Jesus, because He himself is enough for me. 

Gods word explains itself and that is why I do not need any other soure for my theology than the Bible alone…

Paul warns not only against false and unhealthy doctrines but simultaneously encourages the churches to hold fast on the true doctrine, on the grace of Christ… (2. Thessalonians 2,15 / 1. Corinthians 15,1-11 + 58 + 16,13 / 2. Corinthians 1,21-22 / Philippians 1,27-28 + 2,14-16 + 4,1 / Galatians 5,2 / 2.Timothy 1,13-14)

When I started to yearn for the healthy, freeing and live-bestowing gospel, I found a spiritual home under this doctrine, in my church… I am so grateful to Jesus for this. I long more and more for the doctrine of the true gospel and simply for Jesus…

I have been thinking lately about how much the christ-centered doctrine in my church and in the sermons I oftentimes listen to during the week shaped me and how this became a solid foundation for my life. I experienced how I was (& am) allowed to grow spiritually and how good – encouraging, lovingly, admonishing, healing – the right, the healthy doctrine is for me.

Only through bible-based doctrine – the right understanding – of the gospel can I grow spiritually and become mature and I absolutely want to hold on to that. It became for me an unbelievably valuable treasure to be lead into the truth and to trust more and more and to stand fast.

“Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” Romans 10,17

I long for so many more people to experience exactly what it is like to truly believe and become so alive in HIM.

With warm greetings,

Your Carolin