Holiness Is Inseparable from Sound Doctrine
By Jonathan L. Shirk - Posted at Gentle Reformation:
We cannot live holy lives without clear, deep, and robust theology.The Apostle Paul believed this. In 1 Timothy 1, Paul mentions various sins and adds, “and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). Sin is contrary to sound or healthy doctrine. Therefore, sound doctrine promotes holiness. Later in 1 Timothy 6, Paul warns Pastor Timothy, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness . . .” (1 Tim. 6:3). That’s important to understand. God reveals clear and pure doctrine in His holy Word and wants it to be taught, understood, and delighted in. Sound doctrine always aligns with the “sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” But notice what Paul added: “and the teaching [or doctrine] that accords with godliness.” Sound doctrine or theology accords with godliness. John Calvin explained Paul’s meaning like this:
This has the same meaning with the former clause; for the “doctrine” will not be consistent with “godliness,” if it do [sic] not instruct us in the fear and worship of God, if it do [sic] not edify our faith, if it do [sic] not train us to patience, humility, and all the duties of that love which we owe to our fellowmen. Whoever, therefore, does not strive to teach usefully, does not teach as he ought to do; and not only so, but that doctrine is neither godly nor sound, whatever may be the brilliancy of its display, that does not tend to the profit of the hearers. [1]Why is being clear about theology important? One big reason is that clear theology is directly connected to godliness. The end of all good theology is to know and love God rightly. Theology’s end is to move us to glorify and enjoy God, to, as Calvin said, instruct us in the fear and worship of God, to edify our faith, and to train us in patience, humility, and all the duties of love.
