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I cannot tell you the number of times I have been in a theological conversation with someone and they will say something like this: “I don’t know, I just think there are alot of other things in the Bible that are more important.” Or maybe you’ve heard it said (or even said it yourself): “I think it’s so sad when people get distracted by debating different theologies and forget about what Christianity is all about.” Because this way of thinking seems to be so common among Christians, I would like to address why doctrine is of utmost importance to every Christian.

Scripture Commands It
As Christians we are required to study and understand theology. This is not to say that all Christians should spend endless hours reading commentaries and gaining vast doctrinal knowledge on par with seminary professors or pastors. It should be noted, though, that all of the teaching within Scripture falls under the category of doctrine. As believers we are called to understand the teaching of Scripture and be able to defend it. Titus 1:9 says:

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Even though this specific passage is a description of the qualifications for an elder or pastor in the local church, it also describes a level of spiritual maturity by which all believers should measure themselves.

It is clear from Titus 1 that we are expected to know sound doctrine, but what is the practical application of that knowledge? If we don’t understand theology, Christianity becomes a legalistic religion of dos and don’ts. A relationship with God is meaningless unless we have some understanding of who He is. That is the essence of theology. It’s not a meaningless collection of Biblical facts, it is the study of God, His nature, and the way He has chosen to reveal Himself. The only way we can properly understand life is by having a proper understanding of who God is. The only way to have a proper understanding of God, is to see what Scripture teaches about the way He works. We do not study theology simply for the sake of gaining intellectual knowledge. We study theology in order to gain a deeper understanding of God and His character. As we gain a deeper understanding of God, His character, and His passion for His own glory, our relationship with Him grows deeper and deeper. We realize that God has something planned that is much bigger than ourselves. His purpose is much bigger than even our salvation! Everything God does has a purpose, and that purpose is His own glory! (This is a topic worthy of an entire posting itself. Stay tuned.)

We Represent and Defend the Truth
Another reason why theology is vital to every believer is found at the end of Titus 1:9, “to rebuke those who contradict [sound doctrine].” The reason we need to know and understand theology is so that we will be able to recognize and refute false doctrine. As Christians we are called to confront culture with the truth of Scripture for the glory of God. We cannot adequately do this unless we are able to discern teachings that are contrary to the Bible. Our theology is the lens through which we perceive the world. The only way to discern unbiblical teaching is to understand Biblical theology. As Christians we are required to be critical thinkers. Whenever anything is presented as truth we hold it up to the absolute truth of Scripture, and if it doesn’t match up we count it as false. Biblical theology is the filter that we use to discern truth from lies. Notice that at the end of Titus 1:9 Paul doesn’t say, “so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to ignore those who contradict it.” Paul is very clear that we are to “rebuke those who contradict [sound doctrine].” What is the difference between the words “ignore” and “rebuke”? The word “ignore” is a passive verb. Ignoring false teaching is simply to write it off as a lie and not think about it anymore. The word “rebuke” is much stronger. It is a very active verb. To rebuke false teaching is not only to recognize it as a lie, but to expose it as a lie so that others do not fall into its deception. That is what we are called to do as believers. That is why theology is so important for every Christian. We are in a spiritual battle and we have been given the Sword of the Spirit. We have the truth of Scripture and we are called to confront culture and expose false teachers with that truth. Biblical Theology is the culmination of Scriptural Truth.

Doctrinal Discussion is an Indicator of Spiritual Health
As Christians we are called to know, understand, and defend sound Biblical doctrine. Theological discussion/debate is a vital part of the process of sharpening our doctrinal standards. The discussion of theology is important for a number of reasons:

1. It shows that we still believe that doctrine is important.

2. It shows that we still believe in an absolute standard of truth.

3.It shows that we believe that two contradictory things cannot both be true.

Theological discussion is a healthy thing for believers to participate in. Doctrinal discussion exposes us to other possible interpretations of Scripture and it helps us to sharpen our own beliefs and convictions. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, captures this idea perfectly:

When we are a part of a people who become allergic to the discussion of doctrine, we are a part of a people who is soon to taste the dust of theological death.

We have the truth. We can know the truth. We are called to defend and proclaim the truth.

If you’re a Christian, doctrine really does matter.

By His grace, for His glory
Brandon