Doctrine and Life

The doctrine of Christianity is absolutely essential in order to gain a complete and correct understanding of the Christian faith. The doctrine of Christianity is also what separates true Christianity from that of modern liberalism. Liberalism seeks to separate doctrine from the life of a believer. Liberalism claims that living the life of a Christian is good enough. A person does not need to bother with the details of doctrine as long as they live a good life as a Christian. Machem, and well as Paul, consistently condemns the arrogance and falsity of this statement. Liberalism separates doctrine and life while Paul repeatedly unites the two, and true followers of Christ will do the same.

Throughout the chapter of doctrine, Machen points out the fact that Paul did not separate doctrine from life. Machem states that “it is that the Christian movement at its inception was not just founded upon a message. It was based, not upon mere feeling, not upon a mere program of work, but upon an account of facts. In other words it was based upon doctrine” (18). Machem goes on to state: “Christianity for Paul was not only a life, but also a doctrine, and logically the doctrine came first” (20). 

To further understand the importance of uniting Christian life with doctrine, one must grasp the historical significance of Christianity. Machem points out the factor that Christianity is a detailed and rich history of facts and true historical happenings. Machem states: “Christianity is an historical phenomenon…And as an historical phenomenon it must be investigated on the basis of historical evidence” (17). To hold to the message of the Gospel without embracing the historical and theological truths of the gospel is arrogance and laziness, and it is corrupting the true Gospel.

Machem posits that in order to understand and grasp the historical significance of the early Christian movement, one must evaluate and study the beginning of the Christian movement. The inception of Christianity began following the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was at that great and historical marker that Christ triumphed over sin and salvation was now made available to all. From that historical point, Christianity began to spread all around the world, carried and preached by the faithful apostles and followers of Christ.
            What then, does this understanding of the union of Christian life and Christian doctrine mean for us as believers in the 21^st century? Understanding calls for action. Understanding that Christian life and Christian doctrine is inseparable is essential in holding fast to the supremacy of Christ. Modern liberalism is an incredible threat to true Christianity as it perverts the beauty and truth of the gospel message. As followers of Christ, it is our mission and calling, out of our love for God, to commit to preserving both the doctrine and the life of Christianity.