(1) Why You Need Christian Doctrine

The systematic study of Bible doctrine seems to be increasingly endangered. Theology has never been wildly popular. But among pragmatic people living under the influence of secularism, the study of doctrine is a very low priority. As culture races toward absurdity we might question the usefulness of studying the attributes of God, or the marks of the church, or the nature of sacraments.

But careful, applicatory systematic study of Christian doctrine is exactly what we need. While swimming against the stream of Judaism and Roman paganism the early Christians "continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42 KJV). Paul believed that good doctrine "will equip the saints for the work of ministry," build up the body of Christ, promote unity and Christian maturity, and prevent childish vacillation and gullibility (Eph. 4:11–14). J.C. Ryle knew how important it was to have a "clear idea of the nature, place, and proportion of the various doctrines." Believers must "be sound in the faith, and…armed with a clear scriptural knowledge of the whole system of the gospel."

The Belgic Confession can help us achieve this mature faith that every Christian should desire. The confession was written in modern Belgium in 1563 by Guido de Bres, in consultation with some of the best religious minds of his day. It was quickly adopted by the reformed churches of the Netherlands as an official standard of faith. It is structured according to the seven major heads of Christian doctrine, each of which is vital for vibrant Christianity.