Scripture as the Source of Sound Doctrine

SOUND DOCTRINE SERIES

PART 1 - SCRIPTURE AS THE SOURCE OF SOUND DOCTRINE

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Do the Scriptures outline a set of discernable teachings for the church that can be classified as sound doctrine? 

This question may sound simplistic at the outset until one recognizes that some modern Christian societies today do not consider Scripture as the exclusive source of revelation for their faith and practice.

In the thinking of our post-truth society, truth is considered relative. It is not embedded in a religious text but is left to the discretion of the individual. 

In some Western societies, spirituality is a private affair. It is common to find a statement such as thus: "I am spiritual but I am not religious." What this statement implies is that one may not be a professing Christian but to the extent that he acknowledges that God exists, he can be classified as a spiritual being.

One of the overarching characteristics of orthodox Christianity is its unquestioning stand on the authority and infallibility of the biblical Scriptures. 

Now back to our question above...

My answer to this all important question is in the affirmative. My view is that the Christian faith is inextricably intertwined with the written Scriptures. 

There is no Christianity outside the bounds of the revelation of Scripture. The Christian faith cannot be expressed, affirmed or taught without the authority and instruction of the written word of God in the Bible. The Bible ought to shape and inspire the worldview of every follower of Christ.

The Bible indeed holds and conveys not only a discernible set of teachings that collectively constitute sound doctrine. It also communicates the mind of God for every Christian society, leading us to discover both His nature as the source of all that exists, seen and unseen, and His redemption plan for mankind.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NKJV).

Notice the self attesting nature of Scripture as God's word. Paul here makes a number of affirmations which we shall examine below.

First, Scripture is given by God. He is its ultimate author and source. Orthodox Christianity holds that Scripture in its two cannons is God's voice to humanity in all ages. 

We hear God whenever and wherever Scripture is taught or proclaimed in the gathering of a church congregation or in a market place evangelism. God's voice is also heard when Scripture is read in silence in a devotional study. 

Secondly, Scripture is inspired. The Ellicott Bible commentary says that the statement of 2 Timothy 3:16 presupposes the inspiration of the entire text of the Old Testament Scripture that Paul contemplated at this point in time. This should apply to the New Testament Scripture text as well now that the Scriptures are sealed.

The statement of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 distinguishes the Bible from any other religious writings. The Bible was written by men who were moved by the Holy Spirit as they penned down the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21). 

The authors of Scripture were not conveying their private thoughts or opinions on what they believed God sought to communicate. The truth is that God guided their thoughts and insights so that what was ultimately written agrees with God's purposes for us, communicating His will for God's covenant people through the ages.

Thirdly, Scripture is profitable for doctrine and reproof. The Pulpit Commentary renders the phrase "profitable for doctrine and reproof" as a reference to both the wide use and greater power of Scripture and its infallibility. 

The effect of the study of Scripture on the believer is profound. It is a sanctifying agent. It confronts and disproves deep seated notions that are otherwise not consistent with the revelation of Scripture. It dissuades the believer from such inconsistencies. It also rebukes sinful disobedience and draws the believer into conviction and repentance.

Fourthly, Scripture serves as a tool for instruction in righteousness.The Bible is preeminent in the instruction of God's people in truth. It is the ultimate training manual for the spiritual development of the mind and character of God's people. It illuminates, informs, guides and edifies the child of God in truth (2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 4:12-14).

In conclusion, we can attest that Scripture is the foundation of all sound doctrine. This truth lies at heart of this series of teachings. 

In our next segment of this series, we shall examine the question below: 

What can we learn about the concept of sound doctrine in the Old Testament Scripture?