Doctrine

In the Bible, the term "doctrine" refers to the set of beliefs or teachings that are derived from scripture and form the foundation of faith and practice within the Christian community. The Greek word for doctrine, "didachē," indicates a teaching or instruction, often associated with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles (Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:42). Doctrine encompasses various aspects of faith, including the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, salvation, ethics, and the role of the church.The importance of sound doctrine is emphasized throughout the New Testament. For instance, Paul instructs Timothy to "hold fast the pattern of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13) and warns against false teachings (1 Timothy 4:16). Similarly, the Apostle John encourages believers to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). Thus, doctrine serves not only as a guide for personal belief but also as a safeguard against heresy, helping believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of God.

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