1. The word doctrine means teachings or rules. God's Word is the authority on doctrine. Remember that Revelation 22:18-19 warns us not to add or to take away from his words.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16.

2. The doctrine of Christ.

(16) Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 7:16-17.

3. If you don't abide in the doctrine of Christ, you don't have God. God will punish you if you give God speed to those who don't have the doctrine of Christ.

(9) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 9-11.

4. The Bible lists the principles of the doctrine of Christ.

(1) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2.

5. There are doctrines of devils. Read also: The doctrine of Balaam (Revelation 2:14) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:15). Read these scriptures and the surrounding text.

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; 1 Timothy 4:1.

6. Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:7.

7. The apostles' doctrine. It lined up with the doctrine of Jesus. Read Romans 16:17.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42.

8. Sound doctrine. The right doctrine leads you to eternal life and you can win some to go with you.

(7) In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (8) Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:7-8.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:16.

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9.

9. It is a doctrine of the devil to believe that, "It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere." All "religion", true or false, are based on teachings and doctrines. What you are taught, if believed, whether right or wrong, influences your life. If you believe or practice doctrines you have heard, then they govern and rule your life. If you believe lies, then you are deceived. It is possible to believe a lie and go to hell. Many will follow erroneous leaders to hell.

(10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:14.

10. We are told what to do with doctrine. Attendance means participation.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:13.

(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

11. There is simplicity in Christ. Some say the Bible is too hard to understand and think it is too much trouble to find out just what right doctrine is, but the Bible says there is simplicity in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). Seek and you will find (Matthew 7:7).

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isaiah 35:8.