Theology Matters

I’m reading a good book by Bob Kauflin with a couple of guys.  It’s called Worship Matters. And in one of the early chapters he talks about the importance of theology and doctrine.  In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”  In other words, we become like what we worship.  And if that’s true, then theology matters; if we become like what we worship, then it’s important that we have an accurate view of Christ, the object of our worship and the standard for our lives.

As we behold the holiness of Christ, we become more like Him in His holiness.  Same thing for His meekness, boldness, kindness, grace, etc.  But what happens if we have an errant view of Jesus, and we worship that?  Not only are we guilty of idolatry, but we also run the danger of becoming like a figment of our imaginations as we continue our misinformed worship.  Jesus said the “the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him”  (John 4:23).  Sure, that’s for God’s glory, but it’s also for our sakes.  I don’t want to worship in error; doctrine matters.

I once heard RC Sproul characterize a hypothetical (but probably common) conversation like this:

“Don’t give me all that doctrine stuff.  Doctrine divides, but Jesus unites.”

“Jesus who?”

“Well, Jesus Christ, of course.”

“Wait! Don’t go spouting doctrine to me!”

You see, to say that Jesus is the Christ is a theological act.  It is the doctrine of God.  To say it doesn’t matter, or that it’s only divisive is like saying, “I don’t want the ingredients; I only want the candy bar.”  Well, the food IS the ingredients, put together in prescribed proportions.  Ignoring the wrapper doesn’t make the candy bar any less a combination of sugars, nuts and preservatives.  It may be a package deal, sure.  But ignoring the ingredients doesn’t diminish their importance.  Rather, a careful attention to the ingredients will help us to appropriately appreciate the candy bar…or not!

Studying theology is worthwhile as it helps us to more deeply and accurately know the mind of God, Whom we behold and worship, which is especially helpful if we want to become like Him.