3/19

Doctrine and Doctrines
Clay Curtis

Doctrine means teaching or instruction. Concerning Christ Jesus we read, "And they were astonished at his [DOCTRINE]: for he [TAUGHT] them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes" (Mar 1:22.)

Throughout scripture, the word "doctrine" is almost always in the singular when it describes God's doctrine (Joh 7: 16, 17; 2 Joh 1: 9; Rom 16: 17.) Usually, when the scriptures refer to man's teachings the word is in the plural (Mat. 15:9; Mar 7: 7; Col 2: 22; I Tim 4: 1; Heb 13: 9.)

The doctrine of Christ is singular because no matter the subject (or where it is found in scripture) it is concerning Christ Jesus the Son of God whose person and office never changes. God's doctrine feeds the appetite Christ gives. The appetite he gives in spirit is for Christ Jesus the same yesterday and today and forever. The doctrines of men are many because they feed only the flesh of men. The appetites of men change and vary from one moment to the next. So do their doctrines.

Divers Doctrines

Divers doctrines are teachings invented by men which offer a variety so as to please men.

The pack of snacks mom brings home with all different kinds of goodies in it is called a—"variety" pack. It has "various" flavors and colors for whatever appeals to your taste or your eye at the moment. Those are "divers" snacks.

Man has invented a "variety" of teachings concerning God, concerning man's condition and concerning salvation. Such teachings are designed by man to appeal to whatever men's taste may be at the moment because men change. God's doctrine is one. It does not change. The teaching of God is always, continually the same because it is concerning Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13: 7-9.)

Strange Doctrines

Strange doctrines are teachings not found in God's word.

If you were lost and your father sent someone to teach you the way to get home that would be true doctrine. Yet, someone else comes along teaching a way which will carry you about from the way your father taught you. You know their teaching is "strange" because it does not agree with the word--the teaching or doctrine--of your father.

God's word is his doctrine sent down from heaven. Any time you are taught by men, compare what men teach to what God teaches in his written word. If what they instruct agrees with God it is true doctrine; if what they teach does not agree with God's word, if it is not in agreement with the person and work of Christ Jesus, or if it is foreign to the teaching that salvation is by grace, then you can be sure they are teaching strange doctrines--be not carried about (Heb 13: 9.)

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