Todd Clippard

Topic(s):  Bible Study

I don't see how one can hold the faith without the form.  Paul said the Romans obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine delivered to them, and only after obedience to that form of doctrine were they made free from sin (Rom 6:17-18).  There are more than 30 passages in the New Testament that refer to the gospel of Christ as "the faith."  Among them:

Acts 6:9 - a great company of priests were obedient to the faith.

Acts 13:7-8 - Elymas sought to turn Sergius Paulus from the faith.

Acts 14:22 - the disciples were exhorted to continue in the faith.

Acts 16:5 - the churches were established in the faith.

Romans 1:5 - Paul said he had received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - we are to stand fast in the faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5 - examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.

Galatians 1:23 - Paul preached the faith he once destroyed.

Ephesians 4:13 - we are to come to a unity of the faith.

I believe these are sufficient to show that there can be no faith without form.

The Pharisees were condemned for many reasons, one of which was they elevated their traditions above the scripture (Matt 15:1-20).  In truth, they didn't have the precise details down - as their details (some washing and others traditions) were not a part of the law of Moses.  However, it should be noted that Jesus said of the doctrine of the Pharisees, 'whatsoever they bid you do, do it' (Matt 23:3).

I am no defender of those who are self righteous simply because they have embraced and teach the forms of doctrine and worship given in the New Testament.  Rightness in doctrine/practice and rightness in heart is not an either/or proposition -- BOTH must be present.  Failure in one is to fail in all (cf John 4:24).  An honest heart will not excuse improper doctrine, and correctness in teaching will not excuse improper attitudes.