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There is such a thing as “sound doctrine.” This term is not widely used in the religious world nor embraced by some of God’s people. The feeling of interpretation is left up to the individual determining his own course of faith. Doctrine is established upon the foundation of men’s current knowledge and wisdom. Historical precedents guide the construction of these doctrines to give them a sense of legality and acceptance. Doctrine becomes the norms of society filtered by the rising views of the religious conscience. Lost in this maze of dogma is the true source of doctrine – the word of God.
The use of the word “sound” relates to the measure of health or truthfulness of a thing. It suggests strength and well-being on the part of the object. A sound mind is one that is healthy and well-established. A sound foundation is surety of strength. To be sound of body, mind and soul shows completeness in all aspects of a man’s existence. Doctrine that is sound is founded in truth with the character of firmness. It is valid, solid and cannot be overthrown or refuted.
Paul exhorted Timothy to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Doctrine is what is taught. The problem Paul wrote about centered upon the apostasy of the faithful who would no longer endure the truth in teaching only the word of God but through their own desire for knowledge gather those who would appease their self-made knowledge.
The people of God who accept the teachings of men without the acceptance of God’s word follow after “unsound doctrine.” Their ears may be tickled but “their hearts are far from me … they worship Me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men … laying aside the commandment of God, [they] hold the tradition of men” (Mark 7:6-8). The heart is not resting upon the will of God. Men who follow the commandments of men lay aside the will of God for their own desires.
How often have you spoken with your neighbor about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the answer is given, “That is not what we believe.”? This person is correct in their reasoning because the answer is not given from the doctrine of God’s word but the teaching of men. There is only ONE truth – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only doctrine we are to follow. Following any other person is unsound. Following any other faith is unsound. Using any book for spiritual guidance than the Bible is unsound.
Sound doctrine is rooted upon the promises and teachings of God. There can be no other truth but what is found in the revealed word of God. To endure sound doctrine is to stand for truth as it is found and changing nothing. If what I practice and teach is not found within the pages of the Bible, it is not truth. As I examine the faith for which I belong and there is no evidence of such in scripture, it is of unsound origin. Sound doctrine is doctrine that is soundly entrenched upon the Rock of Salvation.
Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
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