doctrine (n.)

late 14c., “the body of principles, dogmas, etc., in a religion or field of knowledge,” from Old French doctrine (12c.) “teaching, doctrine” and directly from Latin doctrina “a teaching, body of teachings, learning,” from doctor “teacher” (from https://www.etymonline.com/word/doctrine)

It’s been my personal observation of Pentecostal-Charismatic type of Christians that they seek experiences with the Holy Spirit which result in emotional highs and don’t care so much about biblical doctrines. And the ironic thing is, though they assert that teaching doctrine from the Word of God is not as important as being filled with the Spirit, they have developed their own doctrines which are patently false and unscriptural!

One pastor of a Pentecostal church boasted to me how little Bible he knew or memorized and yet he is “filled with the spirit.” I tend to agree with him that he’s full of some spirit, but the question is, which spirit? Is it really the Holy Spirit? My Bible says,

John 6:63b  …the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Ang Espiritu ang nagbibigay-buhay; hindi ito magagawa ng laman. Ang mga salitang sinabi ko sa inyo ay espiritu at ito ang nagbibigay-buhay.

One “brother” told me once, “We have Jesus, we don’t need the Bible.” But how are we going to have Jesus without the Bible? NO WAY! The Bible is the only authority a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus can stand on. And if he or she cannot explain their faith in Christ directly from Bible verses, I wonder if they have any real faith at all. The Bible says the source of true faith is through hearing the Word of God. The Bible is the only sure source of the written Word of God.

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Kaya’t ang pananampalataya ay bunga ng pakikinig, at ang pakikinig naman ay bunga ng pangangaral tungkol kay Cristo.

I once wanted to share the historicist interpretation of Daniel 9:27 to an elderly Pentecostal lady I was helping in setting up her new house. She told me flat out she wasn’t interested in hearing it. She introduced me to Todd White who teaches doctrines such as, “the Bible doesn’t tell you to rebuke the Devil.” And she introduced me to Heidi Baker who sometimes appears before a congregation acting so drunk as if she had just drank several bottles of wine!

In showing the list of Scriptures in the Bible with the word “doctrine” I will be commenting on the number of times it appears in certain sections of Scripture. I’ve been influenced by the teaching of Pastor Michael Hoggard who believes numbers in the Bible and specifically in the King James Version of the Bible, are significant because it shows that the KJV is a translation that can be only inspired by the Holy Spirit. For example, the word “godhead” appears exactly 3 times in the KJV signifying the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity. Other English translations do not do so. The New King James version in the Book of Acts uses the words “divine nature” instead of godhead. That’s wrong and a different meaning entirely!

Scriptures with the Word Doctrine

The word doctrine appears six times in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 32:2  My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Pumatak nawang gaya ng ulan ang aking ituturo, ang salita ko nawa’y tulad ng hamog na namumuo;
Job 11:4  For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
Ipinipilit mong tama ang iyong paniniwala, at sa harap ng Diyos ika’y malinis na lubos.
Proverbs 4:2  For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
Pagkat tiyak na mabuti itong aking sinasabi, kaya’t aking mga katuruan huwag mong isantabi.
Isaiah 28:9  Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Ganito ang sinasabi nila laban sa akin:
“Ano kaya ang palagay ng taong ito sa atin;
sino bang nais niyang turuan at pagpaliwanagan?
Ang sinabi niya’y para lamang sa mga batang musmos
na nangangailangan pa ng gatas.
Isaiah 29:24  They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Magtatamo ng kaunawaan ang mga napapalayo sa katotohanan,
at tatanggap ng pangaral ang mga matitigas ang ulo.”
Jeremiah 10:8  But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
Silang lahat ay pawang hangal at mangmang.
Ano ang maituturo sa kanila ng mga diyus-diyosang kahoy?

It appears 12 times in the four Gospels. It’s interesting that Jesus chose 12 Apostles!

Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Namangha kay Jesus ang mga tao nang kanilang marinig ang kanyang pagtuturo
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
At naunawaan nila na sila’y pinag-iingat niya sa mga katuruan ng mga Pariseo at mga Saduseo, at hindi sa pampaalsang ginagamit sa tinapay.
Matthew 22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Nang marinig ito ng mga tao, namangha sila sa kanyang katuruan.
Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Ang lahat ay namangha kaya’t sila’y nagtanungan sa isa’t isa, “Paanong nangyari iyon? Ito ay isang kakaibang katuruan! Makapangyarihan niyang nauutusan ang masasamang espiritu, at sumusunod naman ang mga ito sa kanya.”

Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
at sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga. Ganito ang sinabi niya:
Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
Narinig ito ng mga punong pari at ng mga tagapagturo ng Kautusan. Buhat noo’y humanap na sila ng paraan upang patayin si Jesus. Subalit natatakot sila sa kanya dahil humahanga ang lahat sa kanyang mga turo.
Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Sa kanyang pagtuturo, sinabi ni Jesus, “Mag-ingat kayo sa mga tagapagturo ng Kautusan na mahilig magpalakad-lakad na suot ang kanilang mahahabang damit at gustung-gustong binabati nang may paggalang sa mga pamilihan.
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
Kaya’t sinabi ni Jesus, “Hindi sa akin ang itinuturo ko, kundi sa nagsugo sa akin.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Kung talagang nais ninumang sumunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, malalaman niya kung ang itinuturo ko’y mula nga sa Diyos, o kung ang sinasabi ko ay galing lamang sa akin.

It appears four times in the Book of Acts. There are a lot of combinations of “fours” in the Bible, four Gospels, four beasts (Revelation 6:1,6), four angels, four corners, four winds (Revelation 7:1)

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Inilaan nila ang kanilang mga sarili upang matuto sa turo ng mga apostol, magsama-sama bilang magkakapatid, magsalu-salo sa pagkain ng tinapay, at manalangin.
Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
“Hindi ba’t mahigpit namin kayong pinagbawalang mangaral sa pangalan ng taong iyan?” sinabi niya. “Ngunit tingnan ninyo ang inyong ginawa! Laganap na sa Jerusalem ang inyong itinuturo at nais pa ninyo kaming papanagutin sa pagkamatay ng taong iyan!”
Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Sumampalataya ang gobernador nang makita ang nangyari, at humanga siya sa katuruan tungkol sa Panginoon.
Acts 17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Siya’y isinama nila at iniharap sa kapulungan ng Areopago at tinanong, “Maaari bang malaman namin kung ano itong bagong aral na itinuturo mo?

It appears 21 times in 12 chapters of the Pauline Epistles! The number 21 can be factored to 3 X 7, both significant numbers in the Bible. And of course, 12 is a significant number.

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Ngunit salamat sa Diyos, kayong dating mga alipin ng kasalanan ay taos pusong sumunod sa katotohanan na nasa aral na ibinigay sa inyo.
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Mga kapatid, nakikiusap ako sa inyo: mag-ingat kayo sa mga pasimuno ng mga pagkakampi-kampi at sanhi ng pagtalikod dahil sa pagsalungat nila sa aral na tinanggap ninyo. Iwasan ninyo sila.
1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Kaya, mga kapatid, kung pumunta man ako riyan at magsalita sa inyo sa iba’t ibang mga wika, ano ang mapapakinabang ninyo sa akin? Wala! Makikinabang lamang kayo kung tuturuan ko kayo ng mga pahayag ng Diyos, ng kaalaman mula sa kanya, ng mga mensahe mula sa Diyos, at ng mga aral.
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Kung nagpapasalamat ka sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng espiritu lamang, paanong makakapagsabi ng “Amen” ang isang taong naroroon ngunit walang gayong kaloob, kung hindi niya nauunawaan ang iyong sinasabi?
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Nang sa gayon, hindi na tayo magiging tulad sa mga batang madaling matangay ng sari-saring aral. Hindi na tayo maililigaw ng mga taong ang hangad ay dalhin tayo sa kamalian sa pamamagitan ng kanilang katusuhan at panlilinlang.
1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
Gaya ng ipinakiusap ko sa iyo bago ako pumunta sa Macedonia, nais kong manatili ka sa Efeso upang utusan mo ang ilang tao diyan na huwag magturo ng maling aral,
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Ibinigay rin ang Kautusan para sa mga mahihilig sa kahalayan at nakikipagtalik sa kapwa lalaki, para sa mga kidnaper, para sa mga sinungaling at sa mga bulaang saksi. Ang Kautusan ay ibinigay para sa lahat ng mga sumasalungat sa mabuting aral.
1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
Kung ituturo mo sa mga kapatid ang mga bagay na ito, ikaw ay magiging mabuting lingkod ni Cristo Jesus. At habang itinuturo mo ito, dinudulutan mo rin ang iyong sarili ng pagkaing espirituwal mula sa mga salita ng pananampalataya at sa tunay na aral na sinusunod mo.
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Habang wala pa ako riyan, iukol mo ang iyong panahon sa pagbabasa ng Kasulatan sa harap ng mga tao, sa pangangaral at sa pagtuturo.
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Pakaingatan mo ang iyong sarili at ang iyong pagtuturo. Patuloy mong gawin ang mga ito sapagkat sa paggawa mo nito ay maliligtas ka, pati na ang mga nakikinig sa iyo.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Ang mga matatandang pinuno ng iglesya na mahusay mamahala ay karapat-dapat tumanggap ng paggalang at kabayaran, lalo na ang mga masigasig sa pangangaral at pagtuturo ng salita ng Diyos.
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Ang mga alipin ay dapat magpakita ng buong paggalang sa kanilang mga amo upang walang masabing masama laban sa pangalan ng Diyos at sa ating aral.
1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Kung nagtuturo ang sinuman ng ibang katuruan at di sang-ayon sa mga tunay na salita ng Panginoong Jesu-Cristo at sa mga aral tungkol sa pagiging maka-Diyos,
2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
Ngunit sinunod mo ang aking itinuro sa iyo, ang aking ugali at layunin sa buhay. Tinularan mo ang aking pananampalataya, pagtitiyaga, pag-ibig at katapatan.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Ang lahat ng Kasulatan ay kinasihan ng Diyos, at kapaki-pakinabang sa pagtuturo ng katotohanan, sa pagsaway sa kamalian, sa pagtutuwid sa likong gawain at sa pagsasanay para sa matuwid na pamumuhay,
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
ipangaral mo ang salita ng Diyos; pagsikapan mong gawin iyan napapanahon man o hindi. Himukin mo at pagsabihan ang mga tao, at palakasin ang kanilang loob sa pamamagitan ng matiyagang pagtuturo.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Sapagkat darating ang panahong hindi na sila makikinig sa wastong katuruan; sa halip, susundin nila ang kanilang hilig. Maghahanap sila ng mga tagapagturo na walang ituturo kundi ang ibig lamang nilang marinig.
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Kailangang matatag siyang nananalig sa mga tunay na aral na natutunan niya, upang ito’y maituro naman niya sa iba at maipakita ang kamalian ng mga sumasalungat dito.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Kaya naman ituro mo ang mga bagay na angkop sa wastong aral.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Sa lahat ng paraan, maging halimbawa ka ng mabuting ugali at maging tapat ka at kagalang-galang sa iyong pagtuturo.
Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
ni kupitan man. Dapat silang maging tapat sa lahat ng pagkakataon, upang maipakita nila sa lahat nilang ginagawa ang kagandahan ng katuruan ng Diyos na ating Tagapagligtas.

It appears five times in four verses in the rest of the Epistles.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Kaya’t iwan na natin ang mga panimulang aralin tungkol kay Cristo at magpatuloy tayo sa mga aral na para sa mga may sapat na gulang na. Tigilan na natin ang muling paglalagay ng pundasyon tungkol sa pagtalikod sa mga gawang walang kabuluhan at tungkol sa pananampalataya sa Diyos,
Hebrews 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
tungkol sa mga iba’t ibang seremonya ng paglilinis at pagpapatong ng mga kamay, at tungkol sa muling pagkabuhay ng mga patay at sa hatol na walang hanggan.

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Ang hindi nananatili sa turo ni Cristo kundi nagdaragdag dito, ay wala sa kanya ang Diyos. Sinumang nananatili sa turo ni Cristo ay nasa kanya ang Ama at ang Anak.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Sinumang dumating sa inyo na ibang turo ang dala ay huwag ninyong tanggapin sa inyong bahay, ni huwag ninyong batiin, 11 sapagkat ang bumabati sa kanya ay nagiging kaisa niya sa masamang gawain.

It appears three times in three verses in the Book of Revelation.

Revelation 2:14  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Subalit may ilang bagay na ayaw ko sa iyo: may ilan sa inyo na sumusunod sa katuruan ni Balaam na nagturo kay Balac upang mahikayat ang mga Israelita na magkasala. Kaya’t kumain sila ng mga pagkaing inihandog sa mga diyus-diyosan at nakiapid.
Revelation 2:15  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
May ilan din sa inyong sumusunod sa katuruan ng mga Nicolaita.
Revelation 2:24  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
“Ngunit para sa ibang mga taga-Tiatira, na hindi sumusunod sa katuruan ni Jezebel at hindi natuto ng tinatawag na ‘malalalim na lihim ni Satanas,’ ito ang sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi ko kayo bibigyan ng ibang pasanin,

Is love also needed when teaching doctrine?

Absolutely! We should not become like the scribes and Pharisees with a holier than thou attitude when we teach doctrine from the Bible. The Bible says,

1 Corinthians 13:2  And though I have … all knowledge; … and have not charity, I am nothing.
Kung ako man ay may kakayahang magsalita ng mensahe mula sa Diyos at umunawa sa lahat ng hiwaga, kung nasa akin man ang lahat ng kaalaman at lahat ng pananampalataya, anupa’t nakakapagpalipat ako ng mga bundok, ngunit wala naman akong pag-ibig, wala akong kabuluhan.

2 Timothy 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Mahinahon niyang itinutuwid ang mga sumasalungat sa kanya, baka sakaling sila’y bigyan ng Diyos ng pagkakataong magsisi’t tumalikod sa kanilang mga kasalanan at malaman nila ang katotohanan.

We are to teach doctrine from the Bible in a spirit of love and meekness and not in an arrogant condescending attitude. When we know our own weaknesses and faults, it’s easier to remain humble. Remember, Jesus came not for the righteous, but to bring sinners to repentance. We are ALL sinners. The problem with some people is they don’t think of themself as a sinner.

1 John 1:8  Kung sinasabi nating tayo’y walang kasalanan, dinadaya natin ang ating sarili at wala sa atin ang katotohanan. 9 Subalit kung ipinapahayag natin ang ating mga kasalanan, patatawarin tayo ng Diyos sa mga ito, at lilinisin tayo sa lahat ng ating kasalanan, sapagkat siya’y tapat at matuwid. 10 Kung sinasabi nating hindi tayo nagkasala, ginagawa nating sinungaling ang Diyos, at wala sa atin ang kanyang salita.

Conclusion

From this study, would you say that teaching correct doctrine is important? Or would you say, “Doctrine divides! All Christians should be united as one! Let’s continue on with ecumenicalism and unite with ALL religions, e.g., the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, any Christian religion that claims to be Christians such as Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etc. Don’t we all worship the same God?” My answer to that would be a resounding NO! Catholics include Mary in the Godhead.

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