Is it possible a Christianity without doctrine?

Question:

It is possible a non-doctrinal Christianity?

No, it is not possible such a Christianity without doctrine, because the true doctrine defines true Christianity. Last weekend I taught the first Epistle of Paul to Timothy and I want to quote here only what this book teaches about the importance of teaching, i.e. the sound doctrine, for true Christian living.

Lack of true doctrine destroys relationships

Since the beginning of the epistle, Apostle Paul writes to Timothy:

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)(NASB)

If those who came with another doctrine, different from the true doctrine of the gospel, had been tolerated, it would have led to the breaking of relationships, because other teaching, or doctrine, gives rise to quarrels and stops the advance of the work of God.

Satan wants to create confusion regarding the true Christian doctrine, so that he may destroy

In chapter 4 of the same epistle of Paul to Timothy it is written:

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)(NASB)

Christian faith is based on the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ and some will fall away from this teaching, by means of the hypocrisy of the servants of Satan.

Faith based on true Christian doctrine offers salvation

The Apostle Paul warns Timothy about the doctrine he has to teach others, and his responsibility for his salvation and of those who listen to him:

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)(NASB)

Only the true doctrine leads to true godliness

Some say they will not stand in doctrinal discussions and that they are not interested in doctrine, but in practical Christianity, practical living. One can not live a true Christianity unless he understands and knows the correct Christian doctrine. Faith and knowledge of true Christian doctrine is the foundation of true Christian living. Here’s what Apostle Paul wrote:

If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)(NASB)

This passage shows clearly that the doctrine defines the living. Sound doctrine of Jesus Christ leads to godliness, while any other different teaching leads to strife, jealousy, gossip, evil suspicions, etc.

God help us study the sound words of Jesus Christ as they were recorded by the Holy Spirit in the pages of the Holy Scripture and live according to this true doctrine, so that we may be godly.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru