What are doctrinal truths based on?

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” 

Titus 1:9

Doctrine is defined as “teaching or instruction;” and usually refers “to a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.” In religion, doctrine sets the boundaries on which the belief system is based. For Christianity all Doctrine must be based on the Word of God. 

II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:20-21 clearly teach that the Bible is not a invention of man, but is Divinely inspired - originating from God not men, inerrant - being found without error, and infallible - without mistakes; making it the only source and norm for truth. In other words, all teachings and beliefs are to be rooted in and taken from the Bible alone. No other source should be used, and when a thought, belief, or teaching is held up against the Bible and found to disagree; it must be rejected and disregarded. 

Throughout the New Testament, believers are encouraged to hold on to “Sound Doctrine” or “healthy, uncorrupted truth and teaching.” In II Timothy 1:13-14 we are called to “keep as the pattern of sound teaching” and I Timothy 4:16 “watch your life and doctrine closely.” I Timothy 6:3 warns that anyone who teaches false doctrine (something that doesn’t agree with the Word of God) doesn't agree with Jesus Christ.  

We are to weigh all teachings by God’s Word; carefully watching what is being taught and what we believe is rooted in the Word of God. This will keep us from being swayed away from false teachers and will enable us to oppose those who teach it. All true and sound doctrine is always rooted in and taken from the written Word of God, the Bible. 

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:15-17

Where do the Creeds come from?

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 

1 Peter 3:15

I believe in God… for centuries Christians across the globes and denominations have joined our voices together in “confessing our holy Christian Faith;” oftentimes using a creed. Dictionary.com defines a creed as: “any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination, an authoritative, formulated statement of the chief articles of Christian belief.” Simply, a creed is a summary statement of what Christians believe. 

However not all creeds are created equal. In order for a creed to be considered “Christian” it must be based on the Word of God, and only set forth that which God does. There are three creeds which have been accepted by all Christians for centuries: The Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed. 

The most common, oldest, and shortest creed is The Apostles Creed. Although, not written by the Apostles, it bears their name because it clearly sets forth their teachings. In one hundred and ten words this simple statement plainly and correctly explains the essential teachings of God as Creator, Jesus as Redeemer, the Holy Spirit, Church, and the promise of life everlasting. 

The Apostles Creed is a great expression of the crucial truths of the Christian’s faith. It serves as an important reminder of these truths, keeps us in them, and if we are ever asked what we believe - can serve as a great way to share our faith. This simple confession contains everything someone needs to know in order to be saved. 

As the oldest creed, there is some disagreement when it was actually written, and may date back to the first century A.D., was in use by the second century, and by the the time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century it was accepted. The Apostles Creed spread to Ireland by the seventh century, England in the eighth, and is still in use today.  

Although not as “popular” as the Apostles Creed, the other two classical creeds (The Nicene and Athanasian) are based on the Word of God and clearly set forth the sound doctrine of the Christian Faith. The Nicene Creed was first written at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Affirming the Apostles Creed, it describes Christ in greater detail and the important role of baptism. It later was modified when references to the Holy Spirit were greater defined. 

The Athanasian Creed is the longest and newest, thought to be written by Athanasius (bishop of Alexandria) who lived from 328-373 A.D. It affirms the teaching of both the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, while developing further the teachings of the Trinity, the duel natures of Christ (the fact that He is True God and Man) and lays out the essentials of salvation (and what happens to those who do not believe). 

These creeds have served as a great testimony to the fundamental truths of the Christian Faith; and continue to be an expression of Biblical Christianity.