Is that doctrine or theology? I’ve heard that question several times, and truthfully I don’t think most churches these days are teaching either. Recently, the interim pastor at our church asked the congregation how many knew they were “born again”; our pastor said everyone raised their hand. Then, he asked a second question, “How many of you know what justification is?”; only a few were able to respond. Probably the same results would be found in any typical evangelical church.
That is a definite failure of churches for the past 50 years. First many pastors preach salvation messages to mostly saved people. Second, other pastors preach feel-good messages. While both of these should be presented, doctrine is the most important for the spiritual growth of believers.
The writer of Hebrews, I think it was Paul, wrote to the believers, “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid fool.” (Hebrews 5:11-12). In Chapter 6, Paul goes on to say, “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” (Hebrews 6:1-3).
This section of our website will be designed to give basic information for people who are not interested in earning a theology degree but who just want to understand their Bible. It will also provide recommended reading for anyone wanting to study further.