Preaching Doctrines

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1909

Preaching Doctrines

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS are sometimes accused of too earnestly preaching the doctrines of the Bible. Some feel that the preaching of Bible doctrine should be relegated to the past. The Western Recorder (Baptist) in a recent issue makes the following sensible comments upon this charge as applied to the Baptists. It is quite as true as applied to this denomination:—

Baptists adhere to certain principles, however, that are not acceptable to other denominations. If we do not differ from others in our doctrinal teaching, we have no right to a separate existence. If, on the other hand, there are peculiar views for which we feel bound to stand, duty impels us to promulgate what we honestly believe to be the truth.

There is a wide-spread prejudice against doctrinal preaching. Modern revivalism of the sensational type is largely responsible for the notion that true religion consists principally of feeling. Blinded by the mists of sentimentalism, not a few have been led to discredit teaching altogether. The spiritless presentation of the gospel has also borne evil fruit. . . . Preaching doctrine is teaching something; it is imparting instruction. The sermon that has no doctrine in it, is like the soap-bubble—it has nothing in it. What a spectacle indeed does that gospel minister present who panders to the whims of an unthinking public! He is simply blowing up bubbles for the devil to explode. Paul declares that “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

If, as some think, the preaching of doctrine does more harm than good, then the Scriptures are not “profitable for doctrine.” Speaking to Timothy, a young minister of the gospel, the apostle said: “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Tim. 4:13.

Are not the duties here enumerated binding on us to-day? Does not the world more than ever need to be taught the things pertaining to the kingdom of God? Jesus said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” . . . So long as heaven has a single enemy on the earth, so long will it be necessary for Christians to fight the battle of faith.

Indifference to error finds no countenance in the teaching of the inspired Book. The mixing of error with truth is divinely forbidden. . . . Said Paul: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Jesus Christ.” 2 Tim. 1:13. Cling to the truth; our Captain is leading us; trust him. The struggle is furious, but he who loves as he fights will win. It takes power to contend for the right, and still more power to do so with such gentleness and tactfulness that instead of being driven from the truth, the people may be led to accept it.

The doctrines of the Bible constitute the great bonework of all Bible truth. Ignore or cease to preach them, and the real strength and backbone are taken out of gospel preaching. Preaching then degenerates into mere sentiment and sensationalism. The world to-day needs a revival of old-fashioned doctrinal preaching.