When can a Doctrine be Considered Truly Biblical?

WHEN CAN A DOCTRINE BE CONSIDERED TRULY BIBLICAL?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

My view is that a doctrine can be considered biblical on the following considerations, among others:

First, a biblical doctrine must be aligned to the revelation and authority of Scripture. It must find its theological anchor on God's eternal word. Its authority and superintendence in a Christian community stands on its validity in conveying a set of biblical truths to its readers and hearers. My view is that any doctrine that falls short of this consideration is decidedly unbiblical.

A suitable illustration can be identified in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 where Paul confronts two deviant Ephesian teachers. The two men rejected some unspecified fundamental teachings of the church and accordingly "suffered shipwreck". This is an allegorical depiction of the perilous impact of the false teaching on those who subscribed to it.

Another set of heretics mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:17-18 taught that the resurrection of believers was already past! This teaching implied that those "left behind" including the two heretics were not true believers! Paul was compelled to excommunicate the first set of heretics from the Ephesian Christian community until and unless they recanted the heresy.

Secondly, a biblical doctrine should guide believers in assimilating the truths of God's word under a given theological context. For instance, Christian soteriology or doctrine of salvation is governed by a specific set of doctrines that concern the works of Christ which the church has affirmed through the ages since the New Testament. A biblical doctrine stands on specific pillars of Scripture. It affirms certain fundamental biblical truths for which emphasis should be laid to the congregation or members of the Christian tradition.

Thirdly, a biblical doctrine should serve to distinguish Bible-centered Christian groups from heretical and apostate sects. Most cultic groups subscribe to doctrines that violate or materially contradict the teaching of Scripture. Some Christian sects deny the deity and divinity Jesus Christ and/or the Holy Spirit. Other groups violate Hebrews 1:1-2 and other relevant passages of Scripture that affirm that Jesus Christ is the final prophet to the church. Instead, they teach that verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture is still open and that the writings of their leaders are inspired.

If a Christian doctrine substantially fails the test of Scripture, it should be flatly rejected by Bible-believing Christian communities. Its teachers should also be singled out for isolation.

 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2025