In the past few chapters, it has become evident that the Jewish authorities not only opposed Christ, but they kept the common folk from trusting in him as well. In fact, elsewhere, Jesus even claimed as much: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:13). Whenever the people, or even one of their own number, began to trust Jesus,(doubt was planted in their hearts by the Jewish authorities who opposed Jesus (John 7:12; 25-27, 32, 40-43, 51-52).
Jesus claimed that he, and only he, was the Shepherd. He entered the fold at the gate, but all authorities who entered another way were wrong and sought to either steal away the sheep or destroy them (John 10:1). Nevertheless, I don’t say all authority except Christ is wrong, but that authority that places itself before Christ in the hearts and minds of those seeking to follow him is wrong. Nevertheless, what might that look like in reality?
The Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. In fact, Jesus claimed, if one isn’t born of the spirit, that is, if one’s spirit hasn’t been made alive by God (Ephesians 2:1-6), it would be impossible to see his Kingdom (John 3:3). Many folks today seem to be looking for Jesus to return and establish a physical kingdom in Jerusalem—one that can be seen with the eyes and found by anyone who knows how to read a map. How does such a thing agree with how Jesus described his Kingdom (Luke 17:20-21; cp. John 3:3)?
In the first century the Church was one body. There was no such thing as pedigree in Christ. We simply called ourselves Jesus’ disciples, or as the world called us: Christians. Today, we are Lutherans, Wesleyans, Catholics, Presbyterians, and we have many other names, and, when our particular denomination began, it often arose through bloodshed and hatred for one’s brother. First, we were opposed by the majority, and it was our blood and their hate, but it didn’t take long before we also drew blood, and we responded in hate toward our brethren in Christ. History is clear for all to see and understand that we have sinned against Christ and our brethren. Who’s responsible? We are all responsible, of course, but, originally, there were authorities behind it all. They placed themselves before Christ in our hearts, and we believed them, rather than Christ, so we are as we are seen today.
How could this have happened? In a word: doctrine or two words: right doctrine, vis-à-vis the false doctrine of certainty! Folks began with an idea: you are wrong, and I am right (or correct). You believe that which is false, but I believe the truth. Yet, the Lord left us with only two commands: love God and love one another, even as he loved us. He didn’t give us a system of beliefs. Instead, he claimed we would be taught by God (John 6:44-45).
When in Church history have the authorities taken Paul’s words seriously: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1Corinthians 13:12)? Certainly, there is such a thing as false doctrine, but the idea of perfect knowledge or right doctrine[1] in the churches is a myth. Therefore, denominationalism couldn’t be of the Spirit. We have separated ourselves from one another and have not loved one another as we ought. Therefore, denominationalism does not express one’s love for God. We need to work through our errors, while embracing one another as brethren. I don’t say we should end denominationalism, because that would once again be our work to end wrongdoing. Let God be God, and he will bring us into all truth (John 16:13). What that may look like (if obeyed, and this is only conjecture) is that all denominations would turn and believe the same things. Thus, effectively, ending our error.
Another way of looking at this might be: I can make a mistake, and the only one affected is myself. However, if I am the leader of a church, and if I profess my mistake as true, I am more apt to be believed by others, and the error is both magnified and multiplied. Therefore, I believe too much emphasis is placed upon right doctrine. In a world where we are able to see and understand only in part, right doctrine is a myth. Rather, it should be a goal, which can be fulfilled only when we go to be with the Lord. For now, we are changed from glory to glory, as we fix our eyes upon Jesus (2Corinthians 3:18). We are set free by Truth, but Truth is Jesus, not a doctrine. We simply do not have words in our human vocabulary to explain Jesus (Truth). How then, can we ever say we know Truth perfectly? But, if we admit we know imperfectly, then right doctrine is nothing more than a myth, and itself false doctrine.
_________________________________________________
[1] See my earlier study in John’s first epistle: The False Argument of Right Doctrine.
Smoodock's Blog 
2 responses to “Wrong Authority Breeds ‘Right Doctrine’”
Morning Eddie; yes, this very issue is why I left the church in Arizona after over 30 years. The pastor doubled down on the issue of the “list of doctrines” that we had to agree to in order to serve, in my case as a teacher and a deacon (I also managed the sound system, lighting, computers, internet access, etc.) I couldn’t live a lie anymore. However, I also have a problem with churches whose focus is social justice (they used the excuse that Jesus would be socially just) and that has led us down a rabbit hole as well. Tolerance is fine, but when taken to the extreme it becomes an “anything goes” approach which opens the door for serious problems. For example, an this one won’t be popular with many, but I think this is why there has been a quadrupling of young people who claim to be bisexual. It is easy to convince the immature that they are something they aren’t.
Have a great holliday!
Greetings Dave, and thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment, Lord bless you.
I think I understand the desire to be correct in all one does, and as applied to church organizations, to be “certain” of the doctrines one embraces. No one wants to be wrong, but when one has embraced a false idea, it is especially difficult for a group to admit error. The group will, almost always, defend its error as truth. It is much easier for an individual, like you and me, to admit error–not easy, but easier.
Concerning social justice, it is more difficult for the group to do the right thing. It is less difficult for you and me. While you and I are able to be kind to and even help those we disagree with, the group nearly always will seek to change the folks they help and disagree with. Change comes through the Spirit of God, not laws, discipline or labels etc. It should be enough for man to help his fellow man, and let him live his life as he allows himself to behave. If he wishes to enter into a discussion about Truth (Jesus), that’s another matter. If he is interested Jesus will change him with or without our assistance. If he isn’t interested in knowing Jesus, nothing we do will change him. It is enough for us to be kind to him as the Lord gives us opportunity. Don’t know if this applies to what you said above, but it’s the best I can do for now.