Search The Scriptures: May 27, 2001
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
INTRODUCTION:
A. Good morning my friends. I’m delighted to be able to welcome you to today’s broadcast of
the bible study program Search the Scriptures. As I’m sure you know, the Search the
Scriptures broadcast is a work of the Danville church of Christ and is one of many ways we
are trying to make Christ known to our community. Ladies and gentlemen, if you hear a sermon
you would to have, then I am happy to tell you can order, absolutely free, taped copies of this
broadcast or CD copies of all the Search the Scriptures’ programs. We will even pay all
postage. And this is not a gimmick to send you any unwanted material. We will just send you the
tapes or CD’s you request, and that’s it. If you would like to receive copies, then just write to us
or call us and let us know which study you want. Please place your order by the date the program
was first heard. Also, you can contact us on the Internet at www.danville.church.of.christ.org
B. My good friends, there was a time, in the not too distant past, when men and women sought to
unite upon the teaching of the bible in matters of doctrine. Whenever there were doctrinal
differences then those who differed would study the bible together in an effort to understand its
teaching. Back then, preachers would contend that if two people differed on what a passage of
scripture taught, then one or both must be wrong. Therefore, it became imperative that everyone
believed and taught the same doctrine; the doctrine of Christ. In unison, men of faith would read
and accept the profound words of the apostle John that says, whoever transgresses and does not
abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has
both the Father and the Son. At one time in our history - men and women understood that there
could be no fellowship between those who did not remain - either in belief or practice - in the
doctrine of Christ and with those who did. That was then, this is now. Today there are men
among us who are doing all they can to blur any distinctions between truth and error. Today we
are being told that abiding in the doctrine of Christ does not mean what we thought it meant.
Does it? Well, I believe the passage we read means just what it says, which is how brethren
throughout the years have understood it. And, this morning we are going to be spending our time
analyzing this single verse in the small epistle of 2 John. And verse in question is verse 9 that
we read a moment ago. The verse says, whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine
of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and
the Son. This was written late in the first century by the beloved apostle John. Now, when he
used the phrase doctrine of Christ, to what did he refer? Does John have reference to the
doctrine which Christ gave? That is, does the phrase the doctrine of Christ mean the whole
gospel system contained in the New Testament? That is, all that Jesus taught and commissioned
others to teach. If it does then the doctrine of Christ refers to the life of Jesus - including his
incarnation. But, also it would include any teaching about the church, and about baptism. If the
doctrine of Christ means the whole gospel system revealed by Jesus and his selected
ambassadors [the apostles and prophets of the New Testament] - then it would include the work
and the worship of the church, encompassing such things as how we can spend the money raised
by the Sunday collection, and any singing done within the worship. That is, if the doctrine of
Christ means the doctrine revealed by Christ - then it means that we are not to go beyond
anything revealed within the New Testament of Christ. Therefore, anyone doing something that
is not authorized by the New Testament would be going beyond the doctrine of Christ. That, my
friends, is how we - at one time - understood the words of 2 Jn. 9. But, today we are told that our
previous understanding of this text is nothing short of traditionalism. Now, we are told that to
place such a narrow interpretation upon this text smacks of legalism and church traditionalism.
So, today in the religious / church world there are a growing number of people - including
preachers - who have begun to advocate that the doctrine of Christ does not refer to what Jesus
revealed or taught. Instead, we are being told that the phrase the doctrine of Christ means only
the doctrine taught about Jesus. Now, just in case you missed it let me state that again. Today,
some are saying that the doctrine of Christ is not the teaching of Jesus and his apostles and
prophets. Instead, they are saying that the phrase the doctrine of Christ means only the doctrine
taught about Jesus, such as his miraculous birth, sinless life, his death on the cross, and his
burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven. This, they say is the doctrine of Christ. For
example, a preacher once stated this about 2 Jn. 9. He said (and I am now reading): “What is the
doctrine of Christ? The doctrine of Christ, in this case, does not consist of the things Jesus
taught, but the things taught about Jesus.” Ladies and gentlemen, this is not some innocent
twist being put upon this verse. Instead of being innocent, it is destructive to the souls of men
and women and to the purity of the church. Such a view limits the reach of 2 Jn. 9 to include
only the incarnation of Christ [which is the belief that Jesus is the divine son of God. That is,
belief that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh as a man]. These people are telling us that the
doctrine of Christ does not include matters such as how we are to worship God. It does not
include how one is to live. Just so long as one believes that Jesus was God incarnate then all else
does not matter. It means so long as one believes the so-called core of the gospel, then nothing
else matters. Just so long as one believes in the life - death - burial - resurrection - ascension -
coronation - and glorification of Jesus Christ, then whatever else is believed and whatever else is
practiced is not of any importance. This is why - ladies and gentlemen - that many churches have
no misgivings about ordaining homosexuals into their ministry. This is why churches never
consult the bible about such matters as instrumental music or premillenialism or the godless
doctrine of Realized Eschatology [or the A.D. 70 doctrine]. This is why many churches do not
have preaching about marriage, divorce and remarriage. That is, these things are not part of the
doctrine of Christ, according to those who wish to limit the scope of 2 Jn. 9 to mean only the
things taught about Jesus. These people have little or no scruples about drunkenness, or the use
of drugs - because to them these things are not part of the doctrine of Christ. As far as they are
concerned if one believes in Jesus - then that’s all that matters. One can be a homosexual
drunken gambler, just so long as he believes in Christ. That is, just so long as he believes in the
life - death - and resurrection of Jesus, then he is saved and worthy of fellowship regardless of
what else he believes or does. And, this is the reason why so many are able to extend fellowship
to those who differ with them doctrinally. For example, so long as the Methodists believe in the
core of the gospel, they can be fellowshipped by the Baptists. This, in spite of the fact that the
Methodists believe that sprinkling is an acceptable mode of baptism. The Baptist Church would
never practice sprinkling and call it baptism, but they can fellowship the Methodists because the
Methodists have accepted the core of the gospel. This is why the religious world is so absorbed
with something called “unity in diversity.” That is, so long as we are united in the fundamental
facts of the gospel, then we can accept those as brothers with whom we may differ in matters of
doctrine. Because the only doctrine of any importance is the doctrine ABOUT Christ. That is,
the doctrine about his life, and his death, and his resurrection. Sadly, some have now even gutted
these core fundamentals from the meaning of the doctrine of Christ. Some are now saying that
even to disbelieve that Jesus is the son of God is not sin. Once we embark down a road that
purges much of the doctrine of Christ, then it won’t be long before we eliminate it all together.
However, my friends, if it can be shown that the doctrine of Christ includes all that Christ taught
- either personally or by his designated representatives, then we destroy this damnable doctrine
known as unity in diversity. It will mean that what is believed - and what is practiced will matter,
because what is believed must be all that Jesus taught personally or representatively. And it will
mean that what is practiced must be taught by Christ either personally or representatively.
Therefore, it will mean that things like instrumental music, and a weekly observance of the
Lord’s Supper are very important. It will mean that what I believe about the establishment of the
church and the end of time will be crucial to my soul.
I. So, now my friends, let’s analyze the verse in question. To do so, we must begin with the
context. John’s second letter shows the necessity of abiding within the truth of God. Consider
verse 1 that says, the elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not
only I, but also all those who have known the truth. This is where the word truth is first
introduced. Then verse 4 says, I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children
walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. Here John talks about walking
in truth. This is not the first time the bible discusses the need to walk in (or abide within) the
truth. For example, back in John 15 Jesus speaks of the necessity of abiding in him. He says in
verse 4, abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in
the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. Jesus, however, did not leave to surmise as to
what is meant by abiding in him. He explains this in Jn. 15:7 when he says, if you abide in me,
and my words abide in you. Then in verse 10 Jesus nails down what is meant to abide in him. He
says, if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's
commandments and abide in his love. My friends, abiding in Christ is the same as keeping the
commandments of God. Also, it is the same as walking in the truth. And, the truth in which all are
to walk - is the word of God. Jesus said in prayer to God in Jn. 17:17, sanctify them by your
truth. Your word is truth. Ladies and gentlemen, this word of truth was revealed to the apostles
and prophets of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote of this in Eph. 3:3-5, when he said: how
that by revelation he made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by
which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in
other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to
his holy apostles and prophets. Just before Jesus was betrayed and crucified, he promised the
apostles that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them with the unique purpose of revealing to them
the truth of God. Jesus said in Jn. 16:13, however, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will
guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he
will speak; and he will tell you things to come. But shortly after Christ commissioned the
apostles to teach this truth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit - Satan sent his messengers to
teach error and lead men and women away from that truth. Paul warned of this in Acts 20:29-32,
for I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the
flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, [Things that are
not according to the truth of the Holy Spirit. And these things are intended] to draw away the
disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease
to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the
word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those
who are sanctified. It is this word of truth that will keep one in the grace of God. Next, ladies and
gentlemen, consider the warning of 2 Cor. 11:13-15 that says for such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan
himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers
also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their
works. My friend, what you and I need to understand is, the devil and his ministers are intending
to pervert the original teaching of the inspired men of God. Whenever this is accomplished the
end is damnation for those who believe and practice this false revelation. Paul warned in Gal. 1:9,
as we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than
what you have received, let him be accursed. The devil has substituted new ideas in his new
gospel, which are not according to the truth of the Gospel of Christ. And when these so-called
new truths are believed the result is damnation. Paul warned the Galatians of this in Gal. 1:6-7
when he wrote I marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the
grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you
and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. This now serves to take us back to the writings of the
apostle John in his first and second epistles. In them, he is emphasizing the need to abide in the
truth just as it was originally taught. He begins in 1 Jn. 2:3-5 by saying now by this we know that
we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says, I know him, and does not keep his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, truly the
love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in him. Here, John is underscoring
the fact that obedience to the word of truth is evidence that one is actually in Christ. John is
declaring that the word as it was revealed to the apostles and the prophets is truth, and that there
is no new truth to believe and obey. Also, he says in 1 Jn. 3:24, now he who keeps his
commandments abides in him, and he in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the
Spirit whom he has given us. These, ladies and gentlemen, are the commandments that were
initially revealed. These are the truths of the gospel that were given by the Holy Spirit. This now
brings us to 2 Jn. In this short book John mentions the need of abiding in the truth or the
commandments of God no less than nine times in the first 6 verses. John is drawing a contrast
between the truth of Christ and the deception of the devil. Then in verses 9-11 John emphasizes
the same thing. But instead of using the words’ truth or commandment, he substitutes the word
doctrine. Thus, the doctrine of Christ in which one is to abide is the same as the commandments
of Christ. And the doctrine of Christ is the same as the truth of Christ. To obey the
commandments coming from Jesus is the same as abiding within the doctrine of Christ. Also, to
walk in the truth of Jesus is the same as abiding in the doctrine of Christ.
II. Those false teachers who are wishing to confine the meaning of the doctrine of Christ to the
life of Jesus on earth are quick to point out verse 7. This verse says, for many deceivers have
gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a
deceiver and an Antichrist. To them, verse 9 is a mere repetition of verse 7. That is, the doctrine
of Christ is limited, they say, to “Jesus coming in the flesh.” It becomes obvious to any honest
bible student that the doctrine of Christ of verse 9 would include those in verse 7, but verse 7
does not exhaust verse 9. That is, the doctrine of Christ would include teaching about his deity,
but this does not deplete its meaning. It would include all that Jesus taught either personally or by
his inspired apostles and prophets. With this conclusion most of the scholars would agree. A.T.
Robertson commenting on 2 Jn. 9 said: “Not teaching about Christ, but that of Christ which is
the standard of Christian teaching.” Then B.F. Westcott said this about 2 Jn. 9. “In the doctrine
of Christ, the doctrine which he brought first in his own person, and then through his followers.”
These men are not cited as proof, but to simply point out that even those who are professors of the
Greek language conclude that the term doctrine of Christ refers to the teaching of Jesus, and is
not limited to the teaching about his person. Remember, my friends, the word doctrine is just one
of many words used by John to mean divine revelation. Whether he is using the term “words of
God” as he does in Jn. 3:34, or “his Commandments” as he does in 1 Jn. 3:24, or the “doctrine
of Christ” John has reference to the divine revelation given to man by God, through Christ.
Before we attempt to make some needed applications, let’s spend just a moment considering how
John uses the term “doctrine of” in other verses. For example, there is his use of the term in Rev.
2:14. There John records Jesus as saying, but I have a few things against you, because you have
there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam. What was the condemnation the Lord had for the
church in Pergamos? Some were holding to the doctrine of Balaam. Now, was the doctrine of
Balaam the teaching about Balaam, or was it the teaching done by Balaam? We are not left to
wonder what is meant. Jesus was not just concerned that some were being taught about Balaam.
No! He was concerned that they were believing and engaging in the things taught by Balaam. The
verse continues by saying: who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. The doctrine of
Balaam was not merely teaching about Balaam, it was the doctrine of compromise that was taught
by Balaam. Additionally in Rev. 2:24 we are presented with the doctrine of Jezebel. As with the
doctrine of Balaam, the doctrine of Jezebel was not teaching being done about Jezebel. Instead, it
was teaching that included the commission of fornication. According to verse 20 the church at
Thyatira was permitting this woman called Jezebel to teach and seduce my servants to commit
sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. John’s use of the term “doctrine of”
whether in reference to Balaam or Jezebel meant what these two were teaching. And this is
consistent with the way the term “doctrine of” was used by other New Testament writers. For
example, there is its use in Matt. 16:12. In this verse Matthew explains what Jesus meant when
he spoke of the leaven of the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The verse says, then they understood
that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees
and Sadducees. This means the doctrine being taught by the Sadducees and the Pharisees, either
personally or through their disciples. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the meaning of the doctrine of
Christ. It is the entirety of his teaching. Whether he did it personally, or whether he
commissioned his apostles and prophets to preach or write his will. The doctrine of Christ is the
whole of the New Testament of Christ. It includes all he said or authorized, and it covers all
subjects from salvation to worship. From his incarnation to his second coming. The doctrine of
Christ covers a wide range of issues. It includes baptism and it includes benevolence. It involves
all Jesus had to say about any topic. Therefore, my friends, it is a serious matter to depart from the
doctrine of Christ.
III. And, now let’s revisit the passage in 2 Jn 9, to briefly consider just how serious a matter it is
to depart from the doctrine of Christ. The verse says, whoever transgresses and does not abide
in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both
the Father and the Son. Having shown - from the scriptures - that the doctrine of Christ refers to
all Jesus said - either personally or through his inspired disciples. Let’s now focus on the Lord’s
attitude toward those who leave that doctrine. The text tells us that to transgress the doctrine of
Christ results in breaking fellowship with the Father. The words, does not have God means - does
not enjoy a spiritual relationship with God. This is the same as being lost. Those who transgress
the doctrine of Christ are lost. They do not have any companionship with Almighty God. But just
what does the word transgress actually mean? The Greek word from which this English word is
translated is PARABAINO. And according to the Greek Lexicons it means: “To go past,” or “To
overstep.” When one oversteps the teaching of the New Testament, with his belief or practice - he
has transgressed it. If we were discussing basketball instead of the bible, one would be out-ofbounds.
According to 2 Jn. 9 anyone who has overstepped the boundaries of the New Testament
in his belief and in his doctrine is without God. He is lost! What this means in very real - and
very practical terms is, we must have New Testament authority for all that is being done. Without
New Testament authority - regardless of our sincerity - we are lost, because we have overstepped
the bounds of the scriptures. This warning is not an isolated one. To the contrary, we are told
often of the need to abide within the confines of the scriptures. John warned in Rev. 22:18, for I
testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these
things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. Earlier in our study we
noted Paul’s warning in Galatians about accepting another gospel (which in truth is a perverted
gospel). But, on a more positive note Paul admonishes us in Col. 3:17, and whatever you do in
word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Now, let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of
this study. Do you have bible authority for all that you believe and for all you are doing in matters
pertaining to God? My friends, if you are unable to point to a verse of New Testament scripture to
justify your doctrine or your belief, then you are without God. And those who are behaving
without authority have overstepped the limits placed upon us all by the doctrine of Christ. Those
who became Christians in Jerusalem were content to remain within the doctrine of Christ -
identified as the apostles’ doctrine in Acts 2:42. There we read that they continued steadfastly in
the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. All they did, and
all they believed were within the structure of revelation. And this is how it must be in our modern
age - if we are to be in fellowship with God. Let me ask some of my religious friends, where
within the boundaries of the doctrine of Christ do you read about the church building and
supporting schools in which children are to be taught? Is it in the bible or is it in the fertile
imagination of man? If the church is authorized to build and support schools - then there should
be no trouble in producing a verse authorizes them. If a bible verse cannot be found then the
conclusion become obvious. They are not part of the doctrine of Christ. Also, let me ask those of
you who wish to use mechanical instruments of music when worshiping God. Where do you find
in the New Testament (which is the doctrine of Christ) the authority for your instruments of
music? Where is the authority for your Choirs and your pianos and organs? Can you find a
verse where they are authorized? If you cannot, then they are not part of the doctrine of Christ.
And it makes no difference how much you like them, and it doesn’t matter that you have used
them for years. If they are not part of the doctrine of Christ, then their use breaks fellowship with
God. Remember, John said those who transgress the doctrine of Christ does not have God. And,
in the interest of fairness let me ask those who are members of churches of Christ, where is your
authority for supporting human institutions from the treasury of the local church? If God intended
for the church to support half-way houses, homes for unwed mothers or children’s homes, then
these would be mentioned within the New Testament of Christ. Where is your authority for your
bus ministry? Where in doctrine of Christ can you find your bowling leagues and basketball
gymnasiums? Where within the doctrine of Christ do you find your fellowship halls? It does not
matter that you are sincere in what it is you wish to do. If you do not have bible authority for all
you are doing, then you have transgressed the doctrine of Christ. And in doing so, you have
broken fellowship with God. Once Jesus gave us a sobering insight into the coming judgment. He
said in Matt. 7: 21-23, not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done
many wonders in your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from
me, you who practice lawlessness! Those who practice lawlessness are those who have
transgressed the doctrine of Christ. They are without divine authority for what they are doing. My
friends, I trust that you will not be one of these. It is a serious and sobering matter to depart from
the doctrine of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
A. And with that word I must close for today. Thanks for being with us and stay tuned for some
important closing announcements. Be sure to join us again next week as we again open our bibles
and Search the Scriptures. Until then, for the Danville church of Christ, this is J.R. Bronger
saying goodbye for now.