Trinity and Doctrine -1

Trinity and Doctrine -1

**The Relationship Between Doctrine, Love, and Saving Faith. Let us examine this systematically with the guidance of Scripture.**

**1. When a Lack of Understanding of Doctrine Destroys Faith**

Correct doctrine is indeed important, but without an understanding centered on God's love, it can become a stumbling block. Paul warns: "The goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Doctrine that does not produce love actually destroys faith, as happened to the Galatian church who "turned to a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6) because of a misunderstanding about the Law.

**2. When "Love" is Abandoned, Even Toward Oneself**

The Bible clearly states that a healthy love for oneself is the basis for loving others: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Abandoning love for oneself (in the sense of valuing oneself as the image of God) actually contradicts this command. The Apostle John says: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20). The same logic applies: hating oneself as God's creation also contradicts His love.

**3. Returning to the "Doubt" of Adam and Eve Regarding God's Providence and Love**

**Hypothetical Analogy.** The original sin of Adam and Eve began with doubt about God's word and goodness: "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1). Satan planted suspicion that God was withholding good. This kind of doubt kills faith because it replaces trust in God's character with self-judgment. Jesus in the wilderness overcame the same temptation by holding fast to the Word (Matthew 4:1-11).

**4. Why Does Jesus Command Us to Love One Another?**

This command is not merely ethical, but a means for "love to remain in us" (John 15:9-10, paraphrased). In John 13:34-35, Jesus says: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Active love nurtures faith because it reminds us that God is love (1 John 4:16), and when we love, we abide in God.

**5. The Meaning of "I Never Knew You" for Those Who Appear to Be Serving**

This is the most serious warning. In Matthew 7:21-23, those who say, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name...?" are rejected because Jesus "never knew them." Why? Because their actions did not spring from faith working through love (Galatians 5:6). Service without love becomes like "a resounding gong" (1 Corinthians 13:1). They have missed the core: a personal relationship with Christ characterized by obedience that springs from love (John 14:15).

**Conclusion**

**Hypothesis:** When doctrine is separated from love, it gives birth to doubt that destroys faith. Jesus' solution is the command to love one another — not as a legal obligation, but as a flowing stream of life from true faith. Conversely, service without love is an illusion of Christianity that ends with the terrible words: "I never knew you."

Therefore, let us examine ourselves: Does the doctrine we hold produce genuine love? Do we doubt God's goodness like Adam? Or do we abide in His love that has been revealed on the cross? For "faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6) is the only faith that saves.