Filter by Categories

Basic Doctrines: Doctrine

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

True Christians must believe and behave in accordance with God's doctrine, as Jesus Christ declares that true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him (John 4:23-24). The way of life taught by Jesus Christ requires genuine obedience to God's doctrines, which form the foundation of Christian belief and action. The fundamental doctrines of Christ, as outlined in Hebrews 6:1-2, include going on to perfection, repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. These elementary principles are the starting point for every Christian, who begins as a spiritual infant and must grow toward maturity in the doctrines of Christ. Jesus Christ, as the author and finisher of our faith, begins and ends every Christian's eternal salvation, teaching the most fundamental truths first, just as human parents start with the basics when educating their children. These basic doctrines are the foundation upon which deeper, more complex theology rests. Sound doctrine is crucial, representing not just a gospel about Christ, but the gospel of Christ—what He taught, lived, and expects us to follow. His doctrine is the pattern of sound words and the body of truth delivered to the saints, providing a solid foundation for the church to defend and contend for the faith against false teachings. True Christian doctrine claims that Jesus Himself is the truth, not merely a teacher of truth (John 14:6). This doctrine guides believers to salvation, revealing how to live in a way that pleases God and instills the fundamental traits of His character. Only through His doctrine can a person hope to find and remain on the path to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate source of true doctrine, as revealed through His teachings and actions during the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7. His words were not His own but came directly from God the Father who sent Him, affirming that His doctrine is of divine origin. He declared that doing God's will verifies the truth of His teachings, demonstrating a perfect alignment with the Father through constant communication and obedience. This relationship underscores His blamelessness, proving that His message is the truth from the highest Source. Jesus emphasized that to recognize the truth of His doctrine, one must possess the right attitude and motivation—desiring to do God's will and to glorify Him. Selfish attitudes or ulterior motives blind individuals to the truth, preventing accurate evaluation. He contrasted His adherence to divine instruction with the Jewish authorities, whose refusal to practice God's law revealed their faulty judgment and disconnection from the true Source. Their rejection of His teaching was, in essence, a rejection of the Father, carrying grave consequences. Furthermore, Jesus asserted His unity with the Father by stating that He works the works of God, mirroring the Father's actions out of love and a desire to please Him. His role as Eternal Judge, entrusted by the Father, signifies His worthiness of equal honor, reinforcing that His doctrine and authority stem directly from God. Even His bold claims during the Feast, asserting a profound relationship with the Father, were corroborated by His miracles, leading some to accept His divine origin. As the High Priest, Jesus confirmed that both He and His message originate from God the Father. He is the truth, and the Father's word is truth, assuring us that the teachings received from Them are trustworthy and revealed through His works. In a time of doubt and suspicion, His holiness, faithfulness, power, and authority stand as a firm foundation, offering assurance that His promises are true and will lead to complete salvation. We can trust both the Revelator and His revelation, clinging to it as we move forward amidst a worsening world.

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.

Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The following seven points refute the unsubstantiated claim that America ever was, or continues to be, a Christian nation.

Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.

Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Adopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.

Building on a Perfect Foundation

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Many hear or read God's Word and think they believe. Jesus says that many say to Him, 'Lord, Lord,' as if in submission, but they never truly follow Him.

Is Mary Worthy of Worship?

Article by David C. Grabbe

The Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!