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.


Doctrine must be joined with experience. Experiencing Christ means being one with Him.  Paul refers to this as ‘knowing Him’ (Philippians 3:10).  It is experiential knowledge.  When we ‘know Him’ then scripture becomes a living reality in our lives and the glory of God will shine through us in the power of His resurrected life.

 

This is why it is possible for a new Christian to come into a closer union with Christ than someone who has been a Christian for many years. The Lord is no respecter of persons. The gospel is to the whosoever. In the gospels the common people received Jesus gladly while many who spent their lives studying the scriptures opposed Him.

 

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