Ernest Resinger on the Importance of Doctrine

Todays extract is form an article by Ernest Reisinger on 'The Priority of Doctrinal Preaching':

'Doctrinal preaching is the foundation of all true Christian experience. Without a sound doctrinal foundation Christian experience is like cut flowers stuck in the ground--they soon wither and die. Doctrinal truth is not only the foundation but also the superstructure of all true biblical preaching. Christian doctrines are nothing less than the truths of Christianity. The Bible emphasizes that "all Scripture is profitable for doctrine."

Generally, the objection to preaching doctrine has reference to those doctrines which the objector dislikes. All Christian affections and purposes are inspired by a view of Christian truth (doctrine). There are no Christian truths (doctrines) which, if presented in their due proportions and surroundings, do not tend to nourish some holy affections. There can be no doubt, therefore, that it is a fundamental part of true biblical preaching. It is the preacher's duty to make these truths clearly understood as the very condition of true faith, holy living and whatever is involved in right practice.

Doctrinal preaching is sometimes stigmatized as dull, dead and unprofitable. It is referred to as the offering of dry bones to souls craving pure milk and meat of the word. We do not deny that there may be some doctrinal preaching that deserves this charge, however, it is not the doctrinal content, but rather the unthoughtful manner in which it is handled by the preachers. Doctrinal preaching should not be cold theological lectures or dogmatic polemic arguments. Doctrine should always be clearly defined and established and developed in its practical and experimental context. Therefore, all Christian practice must be based on correct doctrines and rooted in Christian principles in order to be that kind which accompanies salvation. A preacher who attempts to edify the church without doctrinal instruction is like a builder attempting to build a house without a good foundation.

Some may call the doctrines dry bones. We must ask what kind of a body would that be which has flesh and blood but has no bones? Of course, if the preacher presents doctrine in skeleton nakedness, apart from a vital relationship to life and experience, it is the fault of the preacher and not the fault of true doctrinal preaching.

Sound doctrinal preaching must always be practical and experimental, applied to the necessity and capacities of the hearers. In fact, the two should never be separated any more than flesh and bones should be separated. If they are separated there is death for sure. They should always blend together in order to compliment and establish each other, and be pervaded by the unction of the Holy One.'

Read the complete article at:
www.founders.org/FJ23/article2.html