Orthodoxy refers to right belief or correct doctrine, especially in relation to Christianity. An orthodox teaching conforms to the established, authorized doctrines and practices of the Christian faith as revealed in Scripture and passed down through the church throughout history. So how can we determine if a teaching is orthodox or not? Here are some key principles from Scripture to assess orthodoxy:
1. It aligns with the core doctrines of the Christian faith
There are certain foundational doctrines that all orthodox Christians agree on as essential tenets of the faith. These include beliefs such as the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the atonement and resurrection, the inspiration of Scripture, and salvation by grace through faith. Any teaching that contradicts or undermines these core doctrines would be considered unorthodox.
2. It affirms the authority of Scripture
Orthodox Christianity recognizes the Bible as the supreme and final authority for doctrine and practice. Scripture alone is our ultimate rule of faith and the lens through which all teachings must be evaluated (2 Timothy 3:16-17). True orthodoxy upholds the authority of God’s Word over manmade traditions or extra-biblical ideas. If a teaching cannot be firmly grounded in Scripture, it should not be accepted as doctrinally sound.
3. It is universally affirmed by the historical church
While secondary issues allow for some diversity, orthodox teachings are those core doctrines consistently affirmed throughout church history. We can look to the early church creeds, councils, and writings to see what the church has universally held to be true. If a teaching has no historical precedent in the church prior to recent years, that should raise a red flag. Orthodoxy stands the test of time.
4. It is Christ-centered and gospel-focused
At the heart of Christian orthodoxy is the gospel – the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Orthodoxy directly reflects and upholds the person and work of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). It recognizes that all Scripture points to and centers around Jesus. Orthodox teaching also emphasizes the priority of the Great Commission and making disciples. It does not get sidetracked into peripheral issues unrelated to the gospel.
5. It produces Christ-like maturity in believers
Orthodox doctrine is marked by its spiritual fruitfulness in people’s lives. Jesus said that true disciples will be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). Likewise, orthodox teaching produces growth in Christ-like character – the fruit of the Spirit – in those who believe and apply it. Good doctrine manifests itself in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and other spiritual virtues (Galatians 5:22-23).
6. It is affirmed by godly, biblical spiritual leaders
One sign of orthodoxy is endorsement from respected leaders known for their sound doctrine and spiritual wisdom. While we cannot entirely defer to human authority, teachers approved by the church provide a layer of accountability and confirmation. consultation with biblical elders who can assess doctrinal positions is wise (Titus 1:9).
7. It leads to theological precision, not ambiguity
Orthodoxy gives clarity to essential doctrines that are central to Christian theology. It avoids vague, dubious, or mysterious teachings lacking biblical definition. Orthodoxy brings theological precision using direct, literal language based on Scripture. It steers clear of speculation, allegorizing, or personalizing biblical texts.
8. It remains within orthodox Christian tradition
Beware of teachings that claim to be “new revelations” or radical departures from historic Christian orthodoxy. While peripheral issues allow diversity, orthodoxy builds upon biblical truth that has been accepted and handed down throughout church history. Novel doctrines foreign to orthodox tradition are unlikely to be sound.
9. It affirms the omniscience, sovereignty and immutability of God
Orthodoxy rightly understands that God is all-knowing, absolutely sovereign over all things, and unchanging in His being and purposes. Teachings diminishing God’s sovereignty, downplaying His foreknowledge, or promoting an evolving God should be rejected. Orthodoxy maintains God’s attributes as revealed in Scripture.
10. It leads to theological harmony, not discord or confusion
Orthodox teaching displays internal consistency as well as coherence with the overall theology of Scripture. Sound doctrine yields theological harmony. Errant teachings typically result in discord, confusion, and contradictions. The orthodox position withstands close examination and alignment with the whole counsel of God’s Word.
11. It uplifts Jesus Christ, not men
Orthodox doctrine centers our focus on the Person of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. It prompts humility, repentance and surrender to the Lordship of Christ. It does not draw undue attention to human leaders, their experience, or their worldly wisdom. Errant teachings often elevate human opinion and promote a cult following around an individual.
12. It is rooted in sound exegesis, not creative eisegesis
Proper biblical interpretation requires great discipline to draw out the author’s intended meaning, not read subjective ideas into the text. Orthodoxy lets Scripture speak for itself by utilizing sound hermeneutics and proven exegetical methods. Eisegesis, or reading meaning into the text, often produces unorthodox doctrines and teachings foreign to the Bible.
13. It bears good spiritual fruit when applied
The real test of any teaching is whether it bears good fruit when sincerely believed and applied. Orthodox doctrine bears spiritual fruit in keeping with the Holy Spirit and the Word. This fruit includes Christ-like character, conviction of sin, repentance, obedience to God’s commands, and love for others. Errant teachings produce worldly, fleshly fruit or none at all.
14. It is compatible with the gospel of grace
Orthodox doctrine fully aligns with the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. It upholds the absolute necessity of Christ’s sacrifice for sinners. Beware of any teaching adding human works as a requirement for justification or sanctification. Orthodoxy guards the biblical gospel of God’s free grace.
15. It is rooted in the fear of the Lord, not conforming to culture
Orthodoxy courageously upholds God’s truth even when it contradicts popular opinion or offends cultural sensibilities. It does not compromise or soften biblical teachings to satisfy unbelievers or align with secular society. It fears God more than man. Orthodox doctrine is countercultural and obedient to Scripture alone.
In summary, orthodox Christianity is grounded firmly in the timeless truths of God’s Word, centered on Christ, aimed at God’s glory, marked by spiritual fruit, and faithful to historical Christian teaching passed down through the centuries. Evaluating teachings by these principles allows us to distinguish true orthodoxy from errant doctrine.