In Part IV the meaning of preach the gospel and preach the word were examined. Eight elements of the gospel content were listed, but two were left out and it will be shown in this part that number 9 is of the utmost importance in order to be saved. Number 9 is the form of doctrine that leads to obedience of faith, number 10. (Keep in mind that there are 4 different Greek words translated form. Paul wrote in Romans 6: 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Paul wrote linked to teachings in the verse; (1) obey; (2) the form of doctrine.  The word form tu/pon (from tupos pronounced too'-pos)  is used here with a meaning of blow to form something by following a pattern, model, figure or design. In other words, tu/pon means a pattern or design to be followed which was what the Romans did in obedience to the gospel. However in Mark 16:12 a different word morfv= ( (pronounced: mor-fay') is used: After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. In that verse, form means the outward appearance of Jesus in his new body. In II Timothy 1:13 Paul wrote Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The word for form is u(potu/pwsin which means sketch, outline; hence a pattern, model, example indicating something to be followed and imitated.

It is important to learn the meanings of the 4 different Greek words translated form in the 7 verses where they appear. In Romans 2:20 and II Timothy 3:5 for example, the Greek word for form is mo/rfwsin, (pronounced: mor'-fo-sis) meaning appearance or semblance [of something] without substance. False doctrine would be a correct way of referring to what is found in those verses since there were those who denied the truth of God’s message and only held a false form of the doctrine of Christ. 

By study it can readily be seen that the gospel has a form or content that is to be followed if one wants to be saved. In other words, the gospel, the good news points to Jesus Christ and is Jesus Christ who has set forth the manner for belief and obedience. Those who do not teach the content of the gospel are guilty of not preaching all the truth that is required for salvation.

Paul used another term that is linked to form of doctrine. It is obedience to faith found in Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for (ei¹j into) obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:  The translation is literally enter into compliance with that produced by faith. Then in Romans 16:25-26, beginning in verse 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Here the term is obedience of faith. Faith is the translation of pi¿stewj which is in the genitive case indicating ownership, belonging to or possession of obedience. In other words, obedience is the essentiality of faith and is owned by it.

The writer of Hebrews in 11:6 wrote, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.   

Faith in Christ begins with hearing the gospel. The gospel message has a content that has many requirements and to ignore any of the parts is to deny the word of God which many do because they refuse to believe the truth and substitute their own doctrines for the Bible.

© 01-24-2012 DEC

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