THE DANGER OF MAN’S DOCTRINES By David Maddox
Much is taught under the label of “doctrine” in different churches. By grouping a practice or belief under that title it carries weight and authority, but is it truly God’s doctrine or man’s. Jesus warned of the distinction. He said, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Mark 7:6-8). He also addressed traditions taught as doctrine saying, “Thus you nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matthew 15:6). And therein is the key – is what is taught under the label of doctrine consistent with God’s Word. I have a very simple approach to doctrine – if its clearly revealed in the Bible (all of Scripture not just a few selected verses) then it is doctrine for me to follow and obey. If not and it conflicts with all of God’s Word on a subject – I run from it. If it does not conflict with Scripture but is a tradition or denominational belief (practice) then for me I consider it optional and do not allow it to divide the Body of Christ for those who follow something not against Scripture. When asked to explain my doctrinal beliefs then it is really simple – if its in the Bible I believe it – if not I don’t. That keeps man out of the equation and Jesus as Lord.
About David Maddox – After a legal career in both Texas and Arizona that spanned over 40 years as a civil litigator, God called David to leave his law practice and work full time as Discipleship Director for Time to Revive. That call is really the fruit of decades of prayer for revival and teaching God’s Word, writing discipleship materials and seeking to make disciples. David married Janet Whitehead in 1976 and they minister together from their Phoenix home. God has blessed them with four children and thus far seven grandchildren.