Sometimes theology and doctrine get a bad rap. And sometimes for good reason! Cold, long, dry lectures on theology as if someone were attempting to solve a particularly tricky geometry problem. Ugh. But doctrine does not exist for us to “solve” God. We are called to know God.
“Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.” – Jer. 9:23-24
Knowing God means learning about him (who he has revealed himself to be) and experiencing relationship with him. Both are vital.
Sometimes in our heart of hearts we wonder…could this really be true? Is God really this good? This wonderful? Am I really this loved and accepted?
The sweetness of doctrine says yes. And it is the sweetness of this understanding that allows us to press more deeply into God and experience his love. Trusting that he is who he says he is. That is walking by faith in the every day of life. Because of God’s past faithfulness, we can trust him for an unseen future.
Recently as I have been walking through circumstances that are painful and sad I have been reminded again and again of God’s goodness.
No matter what happens, I am an adopted son. And my heavenly Father loves me more than I could ever know. My status as an adopted son is the basis for and the lens through which I should view my relationship with him.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16
Theologian J.I. Packer captures the heart of adoption this way:
“Justification is the basic blessing, on which adoption is founded; adoption is the crowning blessing, to which justification clears the way. Adopted status belongs to all who receive Christ (John 1:12). The adopted status of believers means that in and through Christ God loves them as he loves his only-begotten Son and will share with them all the glory that is Christ’s now (Rom. 8:17, 38–39).” (emphasis mine)
Wow. That is sweet. Knowing God in Christ is essential for thinking Christianly and walking in wisdom.
If you enjoyed this post, you would enjoy this podcast episode on the importance of doctrine.
Listen to the latest Think Christianly podcast: Subscribe with iTunes I RSS
Sign up to receive our blog updates and resources via email
