Determining when a doctrine can be considered truly biblical is an important topic for Christians seeking to understand and apply God’s truth. At its core, a biblical doctrine must be firmly grounded in and aligned with the teachings of Scripture. There are several key criteria to consider when evaluating if a doctrine aligns with Scripture:
1. The doctrine is taught explicitly in Scripture
The clearest test of a biblical doctrine is if it is explicitly stated in the Bible. Examples would include doctrines like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, etc. If a doctrine is clearly articulated in Scripture in plain language, that provides strong evidence of its biblical validity. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
2. The doctrine is taught implicitly in Scripture
While some doctrines are explicitly stated in the Bible, others are implied or assumed as truth. Examples may include doctrines like the immortality of the soul, the end times timing, etc. Even if a doctrine is not plainly articulated, if it is implied by the overall teaching of Scripture, it can still be considered biblical. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, so we should expect to find truth that requires spiritual discernment to apprehend.
3. The doctrine is logically consistent with the broader teaching of Scripture
A doctrine may not be explicitly stated in one passage, but still align with the major themes and contexts of Scripture. For example, the Trinity arises from the cumulative weight of Scripture affirming that 1) There is only one God, 2) The Father is God, 3) Jesus is God, and 4) The Holy Spirit is God. So while the word “Trinity” is not in the Bible, the concept is logically consistent with Scripture. Likewise, a biblical doctrine must not contradict any clear teaching of Scripture.
4. The doctrine is supported through evidence from church history
Looking at how doctrines were collectively understood throughout church history can provide supporting insight. Teachings that were held consistently over time by the church carry significant weight. As Proverbs 15:22 notes, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Consulting the spiritual counsel of church fathers helps identify enduring biblical truth.
5. The doctrine is relevant for spiritual life and godliness
A truly biblical doctrine should have practical implications for how Christians grow in godliness and spiritual maturity. Sound doctrine leads to sound living. As 2 Timothy 3:16 continues, Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Biblical doctrines bear spiritual fruit in those who apply them.
6. The doctrine is centered on glorifying God and the gospel
Ultimately, a doctrinal test is if it aligns with God’s revelation of Himself and the good news of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” And Galatians 1:6-9 warns against false gospels contrary to the truth. A doctrine should be measured against whether it lifts high the person and work of Jesus Christ.
7. The doctrine is confirmed by the witness of the Holy Spirit
Spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit provides confirmation about the validity of biblical truth. As John 16:13 says of the Spirit, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” While we diligently study Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15), prayerful dependence on the Spirit’s illumination is vital to rightly interpreting and applying God’s Word.
In summary, determining if a doctrine is truly biblical requires evaluating if it is 1) explicitly taught in Scripture 2) implied by Scripture 3) logically consistent with Scripture 4) supported by church history 5) relevant for spiritual growth 6) Christ-centered and God-glorifying and 7) confirmed by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Examining a doctrine according to these criteria provides a framework for assessing if it can be considered an authentic representation of the teachings of the Bible. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), so studying it carefully is invaluable for rightly handling His truths (2 Timothy 2:15). With sound biblical understanding comes great reward (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Being equipped to discern truth and test teachings is essential for Christian maturity. We live in an age where doctrines abound, so the body of Christ must be voices of clarity grounded in God’s unchanging revelation. Through submitting to Scripture’s authority and relying on the Spirit’s guidance, we gain insight for evaluating doctrinal claims. Above all, the goal is aligning our minds and lives to the liberating power of biblical truth that transforms us into the image of Christ (John 8:32, Romans 12:2).
As believers, God graciously gives us His Word to provide wisdom for salvation and training for righteousness (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Studying it with humility, prayer and reverence allows its truths to shape us. We have the blessing of Scripture so that we may know sound doctrine and experience the freedom found in embracing all that God declares. His Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). May we walk in its ways wholeheartedly, so that biblical truth resonates in our minds and overflows into our lives.
