What exactly is doctrine? Words translated “doctrine” in Scripture relate to instruction and teaching. Contrasting types of doctrine in Scripture include doctrines of demons and men versus the apostles’ doctrine that was “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3). Parental instruction based on Scripture is also exemplified: “For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law” (Proverbs 4:2).

Where does right doctrine originate? Jesus said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). From the beginning, in Scripture, God the Father established His instructions—or doctrinal teachings. Building on the Law, Writings and Prophets, Jesus gave New Covenant instructions to the apostles, who in turn magnified them in their writings. Paul wrote, “When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). 

Right doctrine, or God’s instruction, comprises the words of life (John 6:68). Obeying God’s doctrine puts a person on a righteous path as defined by God. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The ultimate future Jesus promised for those who observe God’s righteous instruction is that “the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).

While carefully obeying God’s instructions sounds straightforward, true doctrine is difficult for man to accept and to observe. Several Gospel accounts record the hearers of Jesus’ doctrine reacting to it with recoil. That should help us recognize a human tendency to want to adjust or change doctrine to align it more with our carnal tendencies. In fact, on one level the Bible is a record of God giving instruction and man altering or rejecting it.

The New Covenant is about doing exactly as Jesus taught. Observing all things that Christ commanded was the aim of His commission to the Church and should be our goal for the preaching of the gospel (Matthew 28:20). Those who follow God’s instruction are His sons and daughters in an intimate relationship. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

How can we know which doctrines are God’s and which are of men? Scripture was not written by, nor is it explained by individual humans (2 Peter 1:21). Christ inspires true doctrine to be taught through His ministry, which He Himself appoints. This is done in part to keep His Body from being “tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:11-15).

Christ’s ministry must diligently study God’s Word in order to teach and encourage all He commands. Our booklet, Fundamental Beliefs of the United Church of God explains why we believe and observe the things we do. These form the fundamental foundation of the United Church of God, an International Association, as written in our corporate charter, the Constitution.

God’s complete doctrinal teachings are not limited to just those 20 fundamental beliefs. Like branches and stems attached to the trunk of a tree, the instructions in God’s Word extend to all facets of our lives. Doctrine must be of God to accomplish its intended purpose: “Now the purpose of the commandment is love [agape] from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith…” (1 Timothy 1:5).

Understanding God’s purpose for doctrine is crucial, lest somehow one conclude that it is the rules/laws themselves that have ultimate importance. When one elevates the law of rules above love of the law, he or she has embarked on a different course, as Paul continued: “…from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm” (1 Timothy 1:6-7). We are called to develop the mindset of God, and His doctrinal instruction helps to steer us in doing so. Boiled down to one thing, we are to have godly love for all.

What should you do if you hold a conscientious belief that differs from what the Church teaches? You need to pause and seriously consider that position. First, ask, “What does God, His Church and His ministry teach?” Next, “Why do I hold a different view than theirs?” Thirdly, consult with them.

Scripture warns us that there are ministers teaching other doctrines and members itching to hear them. There is a tendency to heap up teachers that espouse other instruction. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

A heap of teachers is available right now on the Internet. Their teachings are seductive to a self-directed mindset. Logical reasoning is served one-sided, with compelling details that human logic easily processes. More cherry picking of ideas from various teachers causes one’s doctrinal position to become unique. The result is too often a person isolated from the assemblies and authorities that God has established. One of Christ’s last statements to the Church warned against obtaining spiritual nourishment from sources other than Himself. “I counsel of you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire [indicating purity] that you may be rich; and white garments [righteousness] that you may be clothed” (Revelation 3:18).

It has been nearly 2,000 years since the New Testament Scripture was canonized and the entire Bible completed. The original books were written in ancient languages that are foreign to us today. It is the Church’s desire and duty to carefully observe everything He commanded. Occasionally, suggestions are made to the Council of Elders in hopes of clarifying or adjusting a belief or practice to better align with a biblical teaching. The Council and its Doctrine Committee take such suggestions seriously. Through prayer, careful research and consideration we consider such input, which sometimes results in study papers that provide conclusions from the Council’s research. You can view these study papers online at www.ucg.org/members/study-papers .

We remain open to receiving input about the Church’s doctrinal and prophetic understanding. An established and effective process invites the ministry and members to submit written doctrinal or prophetic material concerning Church beliefs. The article, “Process for Submitting Doctrinal and Prophecy Papers,” explains the process, which begins with submitting written material to your pastor. (Copies are available from any elder.) Any alteration of our beliefs is protected by a process described in our Constitution and Bylaws. Alteration of a doctrine would require the support of 75 percent of the ministry.

The United Church of God endeavors to teach and promote adherence to the doctrines that our Father spoke through His Son to the apostles, who in turn elaborated them in Scripture. In the spirit of Christ’s teaching we are careful not to add to them, nor to subtract anything from them (Revelation 22:18-19). Yet we remain attentive to God with a willingness to better understand and apply exactly that which He commands of us.