Is the Church of Christ Too Dogmatic?

Introduction

In today’s world, the term “dogmatic” often carries a negative connotation. People associate it with narrow-mindedness, intolerance, or rigidity. But when it comes to matters of faith, being dogmatic simply means holding firm to what is undeniably true. In other words, it is about having confidence in God’s Word and standing unwaveringly upon its principles.

The world might say, “Why be so strict?” or “Why not be more open-minded?” Yet, the Bible itself calls for steadfastness and conviction. Jesus did not come to offer a menu of beliefs from which we can choose what suits us. He declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NASB). There is no room for compromise when it comes to following God’s commands.

This article will explore why God’s people must be dogmatic in their beliefs, following the examples of God, Jesus, and the apostles. Along the way, consider this question: Am I standing firmly on God’s truth, or am I allowing the world’s opinions to sway me?

God Is Dogmatic

God is absolute in every statement of fact, every precept, and every promise. His Word is infallible and unchanging. To suggest otherwise would be to limit His righteousness, omnipotence, and omniscience.

Creation Declares His Authority
- Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” There was no ambiguity—no alternate theories or competing truths. God’s declaration was final.
Examples of God’s Dogmatic Commands
- Noah and the Ark: God gave Noah specific instructions on building the ark. Noah did not deviate from these instructions, and because of his obedience, he and his family were saved (Genesis 6:14-22).
- Cain and Abel: Abel’s offering was accepted because it aligned with God’s requirements, while Cain’s was rejected because it did not (Genesis 4:3-7).
- Moses at the Rock: When Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, he faced consequences despite his leadership role (Numbers 20:8-12).

God’s commands are not open to negotiation. They must be followed precisely. Reflect on this: Do I approach God’s commands with the same seriousness and obedience as those who came before me?

Jesus Was Dogmatic

As the Son of God, Jesus embodied the very essence of truth. His teachings were clear, authoritative, and non-negotiable.

Jesus’ Authority in Teaching
- John 1:14 declares, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus’ words carried the authority of God Himself.
Examples of Jesus’ Dogmatic Statements
- Cleansing the Temple: Jesus drove out those who defiled the temple, declaring, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers!” (Matthew 21:12-13).
- Confronting Hypocrisy: In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounced woes upon the Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy without mincing words.
Essential Commands for Salvation
- Belief: “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).
- Repentance: “No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
- Baptism: “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Jesus’ teachings leave no room for alternative interpretations. Ask yourself: Am I aligning my life with the commands of Christ, or am I making excuses for disobedience?

The Apostles Were Dogmatic

The apostles, entrusted with spreading the gospel, did so with clarity and conviction. They did not water down the message to gain followers—they preached the truth, no matter the cost.

Salvation Is Found Only in Christ
- Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace.”
- Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”
The Only Way to Enter Christ’s Body
- Romans 6:3-4: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”
Reconciliation Through the Church
- Ephesians 2:16: “And that He might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.”
Teaching Only One Church
- Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling.”
Command to Preach the Word
- 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

Consider this: Do I boldly share the gospel, or do I soften the message to avoid offending others?

Conclusion

The question is not whether the church is too dogmatic. The question is whether we are being faithful to God’s Word. Being dogmatic simply means standing firm on what God has declared as truth. And when eternity is at stake, there is no room for compromise.

Paul wrote, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!” (Galatians 1:8). This is not about arrogance—it is about obedience. It is about loving God enough to trust that His ways are best, even when the world disagrees.

So, where do you stand? Will you be found faithful, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word? Or will you allow the pressure of society to weaken your convictions? Remember the words of Jude 3: “Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” Stand firm. The reward is eternal life.