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The Importance of Doctrine

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Doctrine holds paramount importance in defining the true path of faith and obedience to God. The Bible clearly states that God is not the author of confusion, and thus, He is not the source of doctrinal discord. Disagreements among clergymen, especially on critical matters like the Sabbath, portray a false image of God as unconcerned with doctrine, which contradicts His nature. False doctrine deceives and destroys both godly maturity and unity, scattering believers like leaves in the wind. It is through adherence to true doctrine, as given within the Church of God, that believers are equipped for every good work and prepared for the Kingdom of God. The Church of God stands as the pillar and ground of the truth, containing the doctrines necessary for salvation and spiritual growth. These doctrines are not merely intellectual concepts but are practical instructions that must shape daily conduct and attitudes. They provide the logical framework for understanding life from God's perspective, dissolving its mysteries and guiding believers to live as part of the body of Christ in every aspect of life. True doctrine, delivered as a specific package, aligns with God's purpose and leads to the correct conclusion for life, distinguishing the Church of God from all others. Fellowshipping with those who reject true doctrine, such as by observing Sunday in defiance of God's commandments, risks absorbing false teachings and losing one's spiritual identity. Such actions fail the test of faithfulness to Jesus Christ, as they seek fulfillment apart from Him. The fruit of false doctrines in other spiritual organizations has produced a world filled with the very evils God warns against, proving they are not the source of truth. Believers must remain separate, adhering to the true doctrines of the Church of God, to avoid being deceived by appearances of morality or social good that lack the foundation of God's plan. Christian doctrine transcends mere morality, focusing not just on behavior but on conduct and attitudes rooted in devotion to Christ, the Father, and the plan of redemption. It prepares believers to glorify God and witness for His way, aligning with the ultimate purpose of establishing His government and religion on earth. False doctrines in other churches, centered on worldly focuses rather than the Kingdom of God, lead to a different path and destination, as belief inevitably shapes conduct. Thus, doctrine makes a profound difference, and only through obedience to the true teachings within the Church of God can believers be prepared as first fruits for His return.

Basic Doctrines: Doctrine

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In these days of psychology and feeling, doctrine is not very popular. But it is absolutely necessary for the salvation! Here are the basic doctrines.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The vast majority of Christian-professing churches has been saturated with pagan doctrines (like antinomianism and dispensationalism), derived from Gnosticism.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Confusion over time of Passover, the wavesheaf offering, and Pentecost results from making assumptions unwarranted by clear scriptural evidence.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Faith is difficult enough to maintain on its own, but greatly confused when the pastor dilutes correct doctrine with 'benign' false doctrine from the world.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church was invaded by Gnosticism that denigrated the 'enslavement to Yahweh, His Law, and the Sabbath,' replacing it with Greek philosophy.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.

Growing in Grace and Knowledge?

Article by Staff

Changing doctrine in not a sign of growth, but of apostasy. How could we 'abide in the doctrine' (II John 9-11) if God changed it from time to time?

God, Allah, Rick, and John

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Rick Warren, the energetic and ambitious founder of the Purpose Driven Church movement, is now seeking to syncretistically merge Islam and Christian faiths.

Unity (Part 1): God and HWA

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.

Keeping the Truth Pure

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

If we allow doctrine to be contaminated with man's flawed reason, it will defile the truth. Job's friends used profane sources in their arguments.

What Is a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

False prophets—including the great False Prophet of Revelation—claim to speak for God, yet reveal themselves in predictable ways. Here is what to look for.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Like the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.

Together We Stand - But on What?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul, using the body analogy in I Corinthians, focuses on the need for unity and inter-relatedness by concentrating upon sound doctrine.

Guard the Truth!

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

The true church of God is an invisible, spiritual organism, of those people that have and are led by the Spirit of God, who hold fast to apostolic teaching.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.

Tests of True Knowledge

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.

The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.

Essential Characteristics of Our Calling

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Doctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

False doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.

Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Inspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.

Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Five)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Right now in the church of God, doctrinal differences divide us, including when to start the count to Pentecost when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath.

Devil in the Details?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

A mysterious commentary has been used and repeatedly re-quoted as a proof that the azazel goat represents Satan. This source warrants closer inspection.