How important is doctrine in the larger scheme of things? What, biblically, holds water before the throne of God?
Using these questions as a premise, I would like to examine Philippians 1:15-18.
Philippians 1:12-18 (ESV)
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
What is Paul saying here? And how do we interpret his words and apply them to today?
Paul's response to those preaching with sinful intentions and motives is quite extraordinary! He even mentions that some preach solely to make him suffer! His response is complete and utter JOY that, despite their motives, the gospel was being spread!
This is truly remarkable! Do people today still preach the gospel with the wrong intentions? Absolutely! There are churches out there today that exist for the purposes of getting rich, and there are churches that twist the Bible to represent God as always loving but ignore the flip side to attract the crowds.
To take it one step further, Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, and Mormons all incorporate at least a portion of the scriptures into their services. Yes, they may have twisted the gospel and screwed the scriptures, but shouldn't we still be joyful with Paul that the gospel is being preached?
To quote another scripture passage, Ephesians 2:8-9 8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
From our perspective, it is God that saves us. We are not saved because we deserve it, or because of some work we did. To put it simply, no one deserves eternal life!
In the larger sense then, doctrine, has no bearing on someones eternal life. Doctrine is not divinely inspired and thus should never cause us grief or separation unless the gospel is not being preached. God will punish the teacher, if sinful motives are involved, it is only our place to rejoice with Paul that the gospel is still being spread.
2 comments:
Did you ever consider seminary??? ;) LOL
I'm flattered Amy. *blush* We studied this passage in church that day, and it really made me think about its significance in modern times.
Seminary had been briefly considered and mostly rejected unless God reveals some inner talents that I don't yet know. :)
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