Tag Archives: Doctrine
Don’t Confuse Knowledge with Maturity
Theological arrogance devalues grace. It confuses knowledge with maturity, so it doesn’t treasure the grace that alone causes you to grow.
Doctrine Quickens or Stiffens
If our theology does not quicken the conscience and soften the heart, it actually hardens both.
When Doctrine Becomes Useless
Doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life. It is worse than useless; it does positive harm. Something of the image of Christ must be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings.
The Gospel Is the Priority!
The Christian faith is not a mere collection of doctrines — a bag of truths. Christianity is a comprehensive truth claim that encompasses every aspect of revealed doctrine, but is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, as the apostolic preaching makes clear, the gospel is the priority.
Divorcing Demand from Doctrine
Separate the demand from the doctrine, and you have either a system of righteousness that is impracticable, or a barren orthodoxy. Bring the demand and the doctrine together, and the true disciple of Christ is able to do the one, through the other strengthening him. The motive is adequate to the movement; the the bidden obedience to the gospel is not beyond the measure of his strength, just because the doctrine of the gospel is not beyond the measure of his acceptance.
Thomas Chalmers, The Expulsive Power of a New Affection
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