Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of
you,saying, This people draweth nigh unto
Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.
But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men. And
He called the multitude, and said unto them,
Hear, and understand: not that which goeth into
the mouth defielth a man; but that which cometh
out of the mouth, this defielth a man.
Matthew 15:7-11
Before I begin this blog I must define the words in italics for italics are used when the Greek word, or the need for an addition of a word(s) to make clear in English is used. The Word for doctrine in Greek, which means a teaching, is not used in verse 9 above, rather the word means, a precept, a commandment, or an ordinance. This is close to the word "doctrine" but is different as the word "ordinance" means an authoritative rule or law, a decree or command, a public injunction or regulation, an established rite or ceremony. We often do not have a good understanding of a word or the we use the word in a wrong manner leading us to develop our character. This need to examine what we believe, to examine why the translators used such as italics is important as we are told to demolish imaginations and every that holds itself up against the knowledge of God: "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2Corinthians 10:5).
The various teachings of the various Churches, such as the teaching of Orthodox Christianity or the teaching of Liberal Christianity. A person may object to "doctrines", that is, the teachings, creeds, injunctions, ceremonies, etc., but it is not just doctrine that is objective to, rather to one particular doctrine, may be your objection. Let us look at the doctrines (teachings) of Liberal Christianity who hold to a belief that their doctrines (teachings) are upheld that their beliefs, their doctrines are from the history of the Church. The Orthodox Christians say the same thing: so who is right? What should we believe? Here is an example of Liberal Christianity, their doctrine that teaches the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man. Is this Biblical or is this contrary to the doctrines (teachings) of Authentic Christianity? Both Liberal Christianity, and Authentic Christianity require intellectural defense or examination. To object to theology, that is, the study of God may find objection, and it does often in Liberal Christianity but this is only setting up one theology over the interests of another. The answers to the question as to Liberal Christianity over Orthodox Christianity will not be found is there is not a clear and thoughtful examination.
Why is all this important? Because character is determined by our choices. God does not alter our disposition until we enter into the experience of sanctification. We cannot overcome sin, this Jesus deals with and until Jesus has become our close friend and we have a relationship with Him we are at loss to fight the battle of sin. How can we then fight this battle? it is by moral choices for it by our moral choices that our character is transformed, or developed and this development of our character is built upon the word of God, or the culture of this world, but in either case we must have a clear understanding as to what is Authentic Christian Faith.
I will be gone next Monday and Tuesday, maybe a couple of days more as I go to have a surgical procedure. Until I get back, read the word, pray, meditate upon the word, not your thoughts alone, but the word as it is written. You will be blessed and your character will conform more and more to our Savior Jesus Christ.
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul:
he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Proverbs 19:8
Develop your character according to Scripture
Richard L. Crumb
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