The importance of sound doctrine is evident. Because sound doctrine is important, one must know by what a doctrine, or practice, is to be measured to determine its soundness. When the Bereans heard Paul, they “...searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). How were they determined to be “so”? By the scriptures!! If they were “so,” they were “sound doctrine.” If they were not “so,” they were not “sound doctrine.”

John, the apostle of love, charged, “Try the spirits...” (I John 4:1). Paul commanded, “Prove all things...” (I Th. 5:21). These instructions imply a standard by which to “try” or “prove.” That standard is the word of God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16,17).

In discussing soundness, people sometimes say something like this: sound in whose eyes? One brother considers a doctrine “sound.” Others think it “unsound.” We must be concerned with “soundness” in the eyes of God, not men. If it cannot be determined that a doctrine is “sound” or “unsound,” then we must raise the question about the understandability of the Bible. But, we are taught to understand the will of God (Eph. 5:17). Discussions and debates should have as their primary purpose the determination of the soundness of a doctrine, or practice.

While it is true that every man must use the Bible to determine “soundness” for himself, it does not follow that just because he reaches a certain conclusion, that it is sound. That is one of the reasons for continuous study, and a lot of humility.

Let us keep in mind that the Bible is understandable and that will hold us accountable for reaching the right conclusions. For years we have taught this to our religious neighbors, let us make sure that we apply it to ourselves.

May the words of the Psalmist express our thinking: “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” - Glenn Melton

Obligations Of Every Christian

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life...”
I Timothy 6:12

“Put on the whole armour of God...stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11

“...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.”
Jude 3