Focus: Doctrinal Faith (Pt.1)

Text: Rom.10:17

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

By doctrinal faith I am referring to faith that is originated, informed and influenced by truth. In the Hebrew, truth and faith stem from the same root. The Christian faith is rooted in sound biblical doctrine. Doctrine refers to the revelation of divine truth.

God declares through Moses, "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass" (Gen.32:2). God says, "MY doctrine…" Doctrine has nothing to do with human tradition, philosophy or opinion. Doctrine speaks of the teachings, revelations or instructions of God. 

Faith rests on the solid rock of truth. Faith is centered on what God has revealed of Himself, of man, and of the universe.

The Jewish authority accused Peter and John of having filled Jerusalem with "your doctrine" (Act.5:28). "Your doctrine" is referred to as "the apostles' doctrine" in Act.2:42. Paul talked about "my doctrine" (2Tim.3:10).

When we get into the Gospels, we read about "his doctrine" - that is, the doctrine of Christ (Mk.4:2; 12:38). Christ Himself talks about "my doctrine" in John 7:16, and in John 18:19, the high priest "asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine." In Heb.6:1 and 2Jh.1:9,10, we read of "the doctrine of Christ." In Act.13:12, we have the "doctrine of the Lord." With all the Scriptures that I have cited, I want you to see that our faith originates from God's Word, and it is solidly built on that Word. The doctrine of God is the bedrock on which our faith is based.

Paul calls "sound doctrine," "good doctrine," and "the doctrine of God" (1Tim.1:10; 4:6; 2Tim.2:10; Tit.1:9; 2:1,10). It is also described as "that form of doctrine," and the "doctrine according to godliness" (Rom.6:17; 16:17; 1Tim.6:3). Our faith rests on a sound or healthy doctrine, and on a good doctrine. It is the kind of doctrine that empowers us to live godly lives. Paul enjoins us to "adorn the doctrine of God." It is wardrobe, and by it we look beautiful - basking in true beauty and awesome glory.

Doctrinal faith is an objective faith, not subjective belief. It presupposes a previous revelation. It is the authentic and authoritative faith. It is faith that has the backing of God.

This kind of faith works. It's real and true. It moves mountains. It is life-altering. It endures and triumphs. It's wholesome and winsome. I say to you: make sure that your faith is built on the solid rock of divine revelation, which is rooted in "the Scripture of truth," according to Daniel.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter