As Christians, why is it important to hold to Christian doctrine?
The Apostle Paul teaches the Christians at Ephesus seven blocks of Christian doctrine they were to hold to. And we are to do the same: There is:
One Body: The Church.
One Spirit: Holy Spirit.
One Hope: Our Resurrection.
One Lord: Jesus Christ.
One Faith: Trusting God for all things.
One Baptism: A Cleansing for sin, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
One God: Creator, Redeemer, and Keeper of our souls. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
And even if we as Christians do not agree on the interpretation of these blocks of Christian doctrine; we are not to argue, or be involved in various disputes over them. The important thing is to stand together in love, and not let Satan (our enemy) divide us, and destroy our unity.
It is important that we know the truth of God's Word, so we can stand on it, and testify to the world concerning it. As the saying goes: "You cannot lead a person to a place you have never been."
And Christian leadership has an important responsibility to help the church, "hold the line" (sort of speak) regarding Christian doctrine. See the Apostle Paul's words of encouragement to the elders of the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38)
The tragic occurrence in many New Testament churches is a infiltration of distorted doctrinal ideas and practices. Two things are vital for a church to grow in maturity, and effective Kingdom work.
1. A knowledge of the Truth of God's Word.
2. A commitment to stand firm upon God's Truth. (GP)
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