1st June, 2019
DOCTRINE OR DOGMA?
David Abankwah
READ: 1 Timothy 1:3-11
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
-2 Timothy 4:3 | KJV
A doctrine is a statement of fundamental religious beliefs, principles, position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief that is taught and believed to be true and accepted generally. A dogma is a belief or set of beliefs that is accepted by the members of a group without being questioned or doubted. To understand this well, let me give you an instance. The doctrine of Christianity is Jesus Christ because He founded it. He has laid down beliefs we ought to follow. A dogma is a set of beliefs that has been laid down by the denominations under Christianity normally called churches outside the main beliefs of the founder.
The doctrine of Jesus Christ is that, we ought to be baptised in water as He even set an example for it (Matthew 3:16) but the dogma of a certain denomination or church can be that, as for us, we will sprinkle water on our members. So you will see that, what the leader says is misinterpreted and misrepresented in these churches. The doctrine of Jesus Christ is that, He is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6) but the dogma of a church can be that, as for us, we will pass through Mary, the apostles or even certain people or things we have faith that we will be heard quickly. Such nonsense must stop!
The doctrine of Jesus Christ was that, He will come again to gather His elect and destroy the rest with unquenchable fire but there are certain dogmas circulating that, Jesus will never destroy anyone by fire and it is on this earth that we will all live. But the funny thing is that, you will see them marking certain houses thinking that they will claim them after Christ’s second coming. Do you think if we will live here on earth forever, I will leave my house for you to live in just because I am a first class fool, right? The doctrine of God, the head of Jesus Christ is that, man should not wear woman’s clothing and vice versa which is an abomination (Deuteronomy 22:5).
Yet, you will notice in the dogma of certain churches that, anything goes because Christianity is in the heart. But they fail to notice that the heart is a deceit and out of the heart comes all issues of life including sin. Instead of clinching to the sound doctrine, we think we are being restricted from doing what we want to do. Christianity is not an asylum where you can join and display your madness. It is not a funfair where you can enjoy yourself at will. If you don’t like to be rebuked, corrected or instructed by the doctrine of God and Christ to be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works, count yourself as a candidate of lake of fire.
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David Abankwah 