SOUND DOCTRINE
Elder Russell Key
The word sound has many meanings, but when applied to “sound doctrine” it means “free from defect.” Therefore, if we believe in Sound Doctrine, we know that, if it is based on what mankind must do, it will fail! Mankind was tried many, many times and man failed every time; but now we have a Sound Doctrine, not based on us who have failed, but on the sure mercies of David (Acts 13:34), the everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure, and anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast (Heb. 6:19).
We find a list of those who will not stand for sound doctrine and we are to avoid them. The apostle Paul told of the time when they would not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3), and as it was then, so it is now; many will not teach Bible Doctrine, but add to and take from the sound doctrine the Bible teaches.
This causes divisions and confusion among the Lord’s people, for some will follow one who will try to please the natural man regardless of whether it is based on the Bible or not.
When we come to realize that sound doctrine is free from defect, we know it must come from God, who cannot fail and never will fail (Is. 42:4). We find the God Man, who is the only begotten of the Father, being God and Man, Jesus Christ is the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
He and He alone was ever able to endure the tempting power of Satan (Matt. 4:1-10), and by rising from the dead after three days in the tomb, having purged our sins and ransomed us from the grave, by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
Now where remission of these is there is no more offering for sin (Heb. 10:18). This sound doctrine was in the mind of God before the world was ever formed: “a Lamb without blemish and without spot;” “which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
Those who are really sincere about their soul’s salvation will cherish these scriptures and praise the Lord for His perfect plan of salvation.
The command to the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature was carried out in their lifetime. It was given to the apostles and not the church; not in Jerusalem, but in Galilee. They went everywhere (Mark. 16:20; Acts 2:1; Col. 1:23). The Holy Spirit is able to bring about the new birth as free as the wind that blows (John. 3:8) and is not dependent upon the efforts of some man, through the preached gospel or water baptism.
We are assured that all the Father gave to His Son will be saved by His marvelous grace and called by His Holy Spirit. This holy calling is irresistible. “Beyond their power they were willing of themselves” (2 Cor. 8:3), after the Holy Spirit had brought about the spiritual birth (which is a new creation).
No man can create, and the new birth is a new creation in the hearts of sinners causing them to cry for mercy. As stated before, the command to the apostles was carried out in their lifetimes; now the seven Spirits of Revelation (1:4; 4:5; 14:6 – these were not men, but actually Spirits), these are sent to preach the gospel to the elect which are among all the elect of God out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation (Rev. 5:9).
These tell the sweet story of redeeming love and bring peace to every troubled soul.
Then, when the final day comes and Jesus comes with all His holy angels, then shall He sit upon the throne of his glory. This is the final judgment (Mt. 25:31-46). “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
There will be no mistakes; not a one of the ones God gave to His Son will be lost. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Submitted by Elder Mark Green