Why should I be concerned with doctrinal nuances? Isn’t that stuff just for preachers? This is a common question, or at least a common attitude, with which I have come into contact as a pastor. The richly diverse and meticulous language of Scripture, and a careful theology of Scripture, is often seen more as professional jargon for clerics than every day food for the souls of every day people. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Every Christian is greatly impoverished who does not pursue the study of God. Theological concepts, though complex enough to occupy the most fertile minds of men for a lifetime, are made accessible to the most modest minds when sought with diligence and humility. And though the seeking may be arduous and challenging, the seeking is all the sweeter for the finding!
Knowing the truth is God’s way of setting his children free from the many prisons which hold us.
The rewards in discovering the truths of God are wonderfully rich, completely beyond description. Jesus said it best: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). Knowing the truth is God’s way of setting his children free from the many prisons which hold us: understanding election emboldens us in evangelism (Acts 18:10); knowing about redemption through Christ at once humbles and exalts us (Titus 2:14); grasping justification takes our focus off self-righteousness and rivets our attention on Christ’s imputed righteousness (Romans 3:24-26); embracing perseverance incites hope and confidence because of God’s absolute assurance that the righteous will hold on his way (Job 17:9).
So, yes, emphatically yes — theological concepts are important for every person, not just preachers, if they are to know true joy and freedom in Christ!