Pure and Sound Doctrine

Pure and Sound Doctrine

One of the most important conditions for a water source to be healthy is that it is pure. Impurities make the water unhealthy, and will harm those who drink it.

Paul writes about sound [healthy, Norw.] doctrine in several places, such as in Tit. 2:1: “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” It is a tremendous grace that we in the church have received such instruction. Pure and sound, giving us true help to be cleansed from all sin. In this, we all have the same opportunity to partake in this divine life. It would be very unhealthy, if I were to judge people and categorize them as being “in” or “out” based solely on my own preferences. “And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Eph. 2:16.

Sound doctrine gives the same opportunity to all so-called extreme types of people. Both Jews and Gentiles, who are so different by nature, now have the opportunity to be reconciled in the body of Christ. How can this happen? The answer is that healthy and pure thoughts will bring them to acknowledge their own wretchedness and their own nature, and that they find the solution in the word of the cross. How healthy and pure things become by taking heed to yourself and the doctrine. How unhealthy things become by starting to point fingers at others. That never leads to reconciliation.

Many people, especially young people, struggle with unhealthy thoughts. These can be impure, sinful thoughts, but there can also be unstable thoughts about yourself. Either you think too highly of yourself, or you think too little of your own worth. All of this stems from pride and arrogance, which run counter to what sound doctrine teaches us.

“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:19–22.

The fact that I know and experience that I have an evil nature makes me feel small in my own thoughts, but then I can have great thoughts about God and what He will do in me. In this way I can assure my heart before God, with healthy, thankful and good thoughts. What I need to focus on is to keep God’s commandments, which were written about me and for me.