Doctrines of Christ 1
The Fundamental Doctrines of Christ Part 1
The word doctrine in the Bible describes a body of beliefs or set of systematic teachings that outline the Christian faith. Although there are various approaches and views on church doctrine, the Bible itself is plainly clear about the fundamental doctrines of Christ that are nonnegotiable.
In the New Testament book of Hebrews, there is a list of 6 main principal doctrines that are the foundation of the Christian faith. We will look at these fundamental doctrines in this series and give a brief synopsis of each one. Here is our key text for this series:
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, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV
The first foundational doctrine of Christ is repentance, repentance from dead works. This is the starting point for true faith in Christ and His finished work for our salvation. Repentance was the primary message of John the Baptist as he preached the Kingdom of God and exhorted the people to turn away from sin to righteousness.
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Matthew 3:1-6
When Jesus embarked on His earthly ministry, He immediately preached repentance.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 KJV
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 KJV
After Jesus rose from the dead, and just before He ascended into Heaven to the right hand of God the Father, He instructed His disciples concerning the message they were to preach.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:45-47
Finally, we see the apostles carrying out this command as they began to preach Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call. Act 2:38-39
Before anyone makes a true course correction in life, they must first realize they are going the wrong direction and then make the decision to turn around. By reconsidering and rethinking their current position, a person can turn from sin to righteousness through believing on Jesus Christ.
God is inviting anyone who desires eternal life, and freedom from the power and wages of sin, to make a U-turn and come to Him for cleansing and a new start. This is repentance. This is a change of mind and a turning away from known sin to become a child of God. However, God will never force anyone to make this decision, although He does everything necessary to convict a person of their sins, His righteousness, and eternal judgement that awaits all mankind.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:7-11
Repentance, therefore, is the first step to having faith in Christ, and becoming His disciple, or follower. The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23. Therefore, we all need a Savior. We all need to turn from sin and accept God’s gift, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
If you have never decided to follow Christ completely, today can be your day of repentance and turning away from sin and spiritual death to forgiveness and eternal life. Call on Jesus today and invite Christ into you heart. He will come in and cleanse you from your sins and give you eternal life.
Next week we will look at turning away from ‘dead works,’ and what that means. Until then, may God our Father richly bless and keep you!
James Brown
CST 02/19/2022