Being right in
doctrine is not enough.
The teaching of scripture is given for a specific purpose. John’s gospel explains the purpose of scripture this way:
John 20:31, ‘But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his
name.’
The purpose of scripture is to produce life in the believer; it is the life of Christ being formed in us; the life of the eternal Son of God. This is more than a relationship with Christ it is being in union with His life.
We will not know this union with Christ by merely
repeating words from scripture even though the words we speak are the word of
God. Doctrines can be preached; discussed; argued about; fought over; and
studied for a lifetime, but if the life of Christ is not produced in the life
of the believer then the doctrine is merely words.
How can we come into this experience?
1. Repentance – this means we must change our thinking and arise from a sinful life
2. Conversion – we must change our direction from sin to Christ.
3. Faith – We must trust Christ alone for salvation. He was crucified for our sins and through His resurrection we have new life.
4. Experience Christ - when we turn from sin to Christ, He will do the rest.
For more information see course on Salvation
Steve Dulwich