In the mind of the Apostle John at the writing of his second epistle, the words, "the doctrine of Christ", carried a weighty significance that was not subject to men's wresting and exploitation. Like the holy Scriptures, the doctrine of Christ is not subject to any private interpretation. Though the doctrine of Christ is exceedingly vast in that which it comprehends, nevertheless, in all of that vastness there is a oneness in its meaning, purpose, direction, and divine intention. The doctrine of Christ is expressed in the words of the Holy Scriptures, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, combining spiritual things with spiritual words. If men would know, and receive for themselves the doctrine of Christ, they must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be baptized into Him. Such ones must be walking with Jesus as His disciple, saturating their hearts and minds with the very words of the Scripture. The doctrine of Christ is about Jesus Christ: His Person, His redemptive work, and God's eternal purpose in Him, as they are expressed in the very words of the Scripture. The doctrine of Christ is about salvation from sin unto life everlasting.
"The ears of the Lord of Sabaoth" (Jas. 5:4) are constantly attentive to the prayers of the righteous and to the cries of those among that number who are afflicted and oppressed. Let us seek grace that we may serve our great God acceptably with reverence and godly fear through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. --Al Stoner
Monday, April 20, 2015
The Doctrine of Christ
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (II John 9-11).
In the mind of the Apostle John at the writing of his second epistle, the words, "the doctrine of Christ", carried a weighty significance that was not subject to men's wresting and exploitation. Like the holy Scriptures, the doctrine of Christ is not subject to any private interpretation. Though the doctrine of Christ is exceedingly vast in that which it comprehends, nevertheless, in all of that vastness there is a oneness in its meaning, purpose, direction, and divine intention. The doctrine of Christ is expressed in the words of the Holy Scriptures, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, combining spiritual things with spiritual words. If men would know, and receive for themselves the doctrine of Christ, they must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be baptized into Him. Such ones must be walking with Jesus as His disciple, saturating their hearts and minds with the very words of the Scripture. The doctrine of Christ is about Jesus Christ: His Person, His redemptive work, and God's eternal purpose in Him, as they are expressed in the very words of the Scripture. The doctrine of Christ is about salvation from sin, from death, and from hell unto life everlasting and a dominion in the world to come.
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