Regarding Truth (Foundational Beliefs #1)
This summary of beliefs is for the purpose of confessing Christ and His truth (see Matthew 10:32,33; Matthew 28:20; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9).
The summary has no authority of it’s own, and should never be used to settle doctrinal controversy. The Word of God is the authority for resolving any doctrinal differences (see Matthew 22:29; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Doctrinal differences are not decided democratically (majority rules) but only by the weight of evidence found in scripture. Since it is “impossible for God to lie”, all of His Word is truth (Hebrews 6:18; see Titus 1:2; Psalm 119:142; John 17:17); this means that true doctrines will be in harmony with “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” and “all that the prophets have spoken” (Matthew 4:4; Luke 24:25).
Nevertheless, it is dangerous to base any doctrine on only one text (see Isaiah 28:9-13). Actually, since God “cannot lie”, one text would be sufficient if and only if it was interpreted correctly; but fallen humans are susceptible to misinterpretation, so before accepting any doctrine there should be at least “two or three witnesses” from inspiration in support of it (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; see 1 John 5:6,8; John 15:26; 14:26; 16:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21).
Deuteronomy 19:15
On the other hand, no doctrine should be taught or believed as long as there are two or three texts for which no answers (which will stand up to close examination) can be given—regardless of how many texts seem to support it (see 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 22:12,34; Romans 3:19; Titus 1:11).
(Foundational Beliefs #1) Regarding Truth
Regarding Truth (Foundational Beliefs #1)
