WHAT IS SOUND DOCTRINE?
Saul in addressing Titus (whom he calls “a true son in the common Faith” Titus 1:4); admonishes him to appoint Elders in various Assemblies, men of good behavior and of noble character. His words I quote from the Eastern Aramaic, by Lamza, which says in brief – “Appoint only an elder who is blameless… For an elder must be blameless, as a steward of El; … Holding fast the doctrine of Faith, so that he may be able to comfort by his SOUND DOCTRINE, and to rebuke those who are proud. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers of the people … whose mouths must be stopped, for they corrupt many families, teaching things which they ought not … Rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; … they profess to know YAH, but in works they deny him, and they are abominable, and disobedient, condemning every kind of good work.” Titus 1:6-16. Sacred Name ours. But he commends Titus specifically (as it does also apply to us); that he preach things which are proper to SOUND DOCTRINE. Titus 2:1.
DOCTRINE, according to Webster’s New International Dictionary Second Edition Unabridged, defines as “a teaching instruction, that which is taught; and is held, put forth as true, and supported by a teacher … a principle or position, or the body of principles, in any brand of knowledge; tenet; dogma; principle of Faith; such as the doctrines (teachings) taught in the Old and the New Covenants (Testaments).”
Oxford Universal Dictionary under DOCTRINE says: (Lat. Doctrina, derived from Doctor) “That which is taught, a body of instructions or teaching that which is laid down as true concerning a particular department of knowledge, as religion, politics, science, etc., a belief, theoretical opinion; a dogma; a body or system of principles; a theory, a science or department of knowledge.”
We summarize it all, as we have it as our guide to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures both from the Old and New Covenants as “Thus saith YAH” and “It is written” being namely THE RULES OF FAITH, substantiated by the Scriptures. …
THE NAME OF YAH AND HIS DOCTRINES
May Not Be Blasphemed (1 Timothy 6:1, Titus 2:10)
“All the Scripture that is given by inspiration of Yahweh, IS profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Yahweh may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 SNNT.
The Supernal instructions given in YAHWEH’S Ten Commandments; and parts of the Ceremonial laws pertaining to our health and welfare are handed to us by Moses directed by YAH Himself. It is known to be the best instruction and Most-Sound Doctrinal teachings that can be conceived of. David’s heart-penetrating 119th Psalm, verses 1-176, surely magnifies the greatness of our Creator.
Let us consider a few of the heartfelt utterances of David in this Psalm in verses 1, 2 – Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of YAHWEH. Blessed are they that keep his
testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Verse 6 – I shall not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandments. Verse 10 – With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy Commandments. Verse 12 – Blessed are thou, O YAHWEH: teach me thy statutes (doctrines). Verses 15, 16 – I will meditate in thy precepts, (written mandate) and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I WILL NOT FORGET THY WORD. Verse 18 – Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law. Verse 24 – Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. Verse 30 – I have chosen the way of TRUTH: thy judgments have I laid before me. Verse 35 – Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Verse 46 – I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. Verses 54, 55 – Thy statutes have been my songs in the house (in the body) of my pilgrimage. I have remembered THY NAME, O YAHWEH, in the night, and have kept thy law. Verses 62-64 – At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them that revere (fear) thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O YAHWEH, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. Verses 80, 81 – Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
ASSURED OF YAHWEH’S FAITHFULNESS
David continues in verses 89-91 – For ever, O YAHWEH, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue (for generations) this day according to thine ordinances; for all are thy servants. Verse 93 – I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. Verse 96 – I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceedingly broad. Verses 97-100 – O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my (worldly) teachers: for thy testimonies are my (everyday) meditation. I understand more (because I am taught of thee) than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. Verses 103-104 – How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter that honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH (Verse 105)
Verse 108 – Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O YAHWEH, and teach me thy judgments. Verses 111-112 – Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end. Verses 114, 116 – Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. … Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Verse 125 – I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies (give me a sound mind to remember thy words). Verses 127-130 – Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts (teachings) concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words (in my heart) giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (as we are). Verses 132, 133 – Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou
usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Verse 140 – Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. Verse 142 – Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the TRUTH. Verses 151, 152 – Thou art near, O YAHWEH; and all thy commandments are TRUTH. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. Verses 156, 157 – Great are thy tender mercies, O YAH: quicken me according to thy judgments. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Verse 160 – Thy word is TRUE from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Verses 161-165 – Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice in thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. David says – Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them (nor Heb. they shall have no stumbling block before them). The last part David ends his supplication trusting in YAHWEH’S care and keeping him from the snares of the adversary; being assured that as he stated in verse 165 that “Great peace have they which love thy law: and NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM.” A.V. (Sacred Name ours).
YAHSHUA FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED HIS FATHER’S DOCTRINE (John 7:16)
And He taught his disciples to do the same as recorded in Matthew 5:17-20. Yes, He kept the law and magnified it, making it more honourable (Isaiah 42:21). After his Sermon on the Mount teaching the supernal doctrine of the beatitudes as recorded in Matthew 5:2-12, He pointed out to them the “Golden Rule” saying, Whatsoever you wish men to do for you, do likewise also to them; for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12. SNNT). Those who are obedient to YAHWEH’S and Yahshua’s Commandments are the happiest and most contented people on the earth today. To know that our loving and merciful heavenly Father gave these instructions for the sole purpose of guiding His children into the way of life, here on the earth in this life; and through obedience, they may through the merits of Yahshua’s shed blood, be also the recipients of the more abundant life hereafter (John 10:10), and enjoy perpetual happiness [joyfulness], in His soon coming Kingdom.
SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH (John 17:17)
All consecrated children of YAH must always use the spirit of sound mind, that YAH is ready to grant to those who unselfishly ask for it; for He knows the very things that we have need of (Matthew 6:8, 7:11; Luke 11:9-11).
We must continue adding to our Faith daily (2 Peter 1:5, 1-11). Building our Faith upon the sure words of YAH and His MessIAH, being likened to a man who buildeth his house on a solid rock; and not on the sinking sand; therefore to withstand against all kinds of disaster as Yahshua’s parable teaches us in Matthew 7:24-27. Mankind must believe YAH’S word, and take it to heart
that HE IS; and that HE IS the source of everything visible and invisible. Without FAITH it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to Him must BELIEVE THAT HE IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Yes, my dear reader: if you are one who has not found Him; you have not found Him because you did not SEEK HIM EARLY IN THE MORNING. Maybe by reading the admonition of the following Scriptures; you may find your way to His presence. Please read Psalms 46:5, 63:1-3, 78:34; Proverbs 1:28, 8-17; Jeremiah 29:13; Hosea 5:15; Acts 17:23-28.
YAHWEH is the First cause, and the originator and the Creator of the entire Universe and the sustainer thereof, without His knowledge nothing functions. Nothing is hidden from His all seeing eyes; neither does a hair of your head fall on the ground without His knowledge, nor does it turn from black to white, Matthew 5:36, 10:29-30.
HIS WORDS SHALL STAND FOR EVER
All these kingdoms, principalities and powers which exist by His permission shall eventually pass away because of their unpious conducts, and their lack of faith in YAHWEH’S Supremacy over them. But from YAH’s words not one YOD or a TITTLE shall pass away without accomplishing that which He has designed it for, which we read from His unerring Words in Isaiah 55:10, 11. YAHWEH is the almighty King over all kings claiming power. No power or combination of powers can successfully resist Him. Time is at hand, that He is going to smite all of these shaky nations that still remain on the earth pictured in the ten toes of the golden image of the king Nebuchadnezzar, and of Daniel’s interpretation of his dreams; showing the beginnings of all the existing kingdoms of this earth and END thereof, as recorded in Daniel 2nd and 3rd chapters. Our main interest IS the Stone that was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken down to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them; and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:34-35). The stone cut out without hands is the Messiah. The stone becoming a mountain and filling the whole earth, you guessed it – it is the Kingdom of YAH, and of His MessIAH as we read it in Daniel 2:44, 7:14, 27; Revelation 11:15. HalleluYAH!
Would you like to be one of those worthy to participate in this glorious Kingdom of endless peace, prosperity, health, and happiness? In this earth made anew, with no sickness, no sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain, and no more death, for the former things are passed away. See Revelation 21:4-7.
Let us remember that every word that is spoken by YAH and His MessIAH, is their LAW, as well as their DOCTRINE for us to learn and OBEY. Their words are full of wisdom, and meant to instruct and teach us the way of finding Life, and happiness. Those who humbly incline their ears, and apply their hearts to Their way of living are sure to make the grade. The wise man’s words to us are: Let US hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Revere (Fear) YAHWEH, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14, A.V., SN ours).
By Elder Haig M. Mardiorossian
Printed in The Faith
October, 1958