What does the Bible say about doctrine?
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The Bible teaches that sound doctrine is essential because it faithfully reflects God’s truth, guards believers from error, and nourishes godly living. Scripture is God-breathed and equips His people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16), so teaching must be tested by its apostolic message. Elders are called to hold firmly to trustworthy doctrine and refute those who contradict it (Titus 1:9), while every Christian should discern spirits and teachings carefully (1 John 4:1). Believers are to remain in Christ’s teaching, avoid strange doctrines, and reject divisions caused by false teaching (2 John 1:9; Hebrews 13:9; Romans 16:17). Sound doctrine accords with godliness and centers on the grace and truth of Christ.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 2 Timothy 3:16
Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,
- Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Titus 2:1
But say the things which fit sound doctrine,
- Hebrews 13:9
Don't be carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not by food, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
- Romans 16:17
Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
- Ephesians 4:14
that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
- 2 John 1:9
Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son.
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
- 1 Timothy 6:3
If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
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