My dear friend, the word ““doctrine” is used 52 times in the Bible. From what I understand, the Greek term generally used in the New Testament is ‘didaskalia’, and this term, simply put,  refers to a teaching or instruction. In the Church (the body of true believers on Christ Jesus), the term “doctrine” generally refers to the correct teachings of the Word of God which are to be lived by and taught to those in the churches or assemblies (see 2 Timothy 2:2). Christians base our faith and teachings on the absolute truth of the Bible, so the faithful teachings of Scripture are the true doctrine of the church, and not mere “religious dogma” as some liberal theologians might try to describe Christian faith.

The truth of God’s Word is what separates sound Christian doctrine (teaching) from mere dogma. We study the Scriptures which are true and without error (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and thus our faith and teachings are based on the rock solid foundation of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 3:10-11; Acts 17:11). The term “doctrine” in the Christian sense is seen in Romans 6:17 where we read: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” I think that William MacDonald in his Commentary on the Bible makes the meaning of “doctrine” in Romans 6:17-18 very clear.  He writes: “Thank God that you, who were at one time the servants of sin, honestly responded to the impact of Christ’s teaching when you came under its influence” (JBP). The Roman Christians had given wholehearted obedience to the gospel of grace to which they had been committed, including all the doctrine Paul teaches in this Letter…. Correct doctrine should lead to correct duty. Responding to the truth that they had been set free from sin as master, they became slaves of righteousness….” The term doctrine in Romans 6:17 thus refers to the teachings of the Scriptures, Christ being the author through the Holy Spirit, and thus the true faith which was being taught by Paul. Indeed, Paul’s ministry was to teach the true faith (see 2 Timothy 2:2; Colossians 1:25-28; Ephesians 3:2-4). Now, let’s look at how our Lord Jesus used the word we translate to “doctrine” in John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.”

In summary, I believe that the word “doctrine” means “a teaching” or a body of beliefs. As used in the New Testament, it often refers to the true teaching of the Bible, realizing that the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God. It is truth, and this truth is good for teaching and for guiding believers in our lives. Now, having said this, there are some places in the New Testament, such as 1 Timothy 4:1-2 where the term “doctrines” or teachings has a negative connotation, referring to “false doctrines” (false teachings), “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron….” In this passage, the term doctrine sure enough refers to a teaching, but in this case to a bad, false teaching which would arise from the enemies of Christ, and such bad teachings are intended to stumble believers.  But God’s Word is our defense against the damaging effects of these bad or false teaching (Ephesians 6:10-18).  This is why we are exhorted to diligently study the Word of God, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness,” (2 Timothy 2:15-16).  (SF)  (618.5)