Fundamentals of Bible Doctrine: Sixty Studies in the Basic Facts of the Everlasting Gospel

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Introduction and Purpose

Fundamentals of Bible Doctrine is a structured course of sixty lessons designed to teach core Christian doctrines clearly and memorably. It aims especially to ground Bible students in essential truths so that their faith is firm and well informed. The preface emphasizes that those who lead or teach others should be firmly grounded in doctrine rather than relying only on popular speech or superficial faith. NTS Library

Wearner advocates that doctrine must not be divorced from spiritual life: Christian teaching should lead believers into deeper understanding and application, not just intellectual knowledge.

Approach & Methodology

The book’s methodology includes:

  • Memory emphasis: Key doctrines and scriptural proofs are to be committed to memory.
  • Simple layout: Each lesson is organized around a doctrinal topic, key texts, questions, and definitions.
  • Scripture as primary authority: Wearner insists the Bible must serve as its own best commentary; the meanings of Scripture should be drawn primarily from comparing Scripture with Scripture. NTS Library
  • Literal interpretation: Interpret passages according to their plain meaning unless there is compelling evidence that symbolic language is intended.
  • Systematic unity: Though the lessons are distinct, they build together into a coherent theological system.

These principles guide how doctrine is taught: with clarity, consistency, and respect for the authority of Scripture.

Major Doctrinal Topics Covered

While covering sixty doctrines, some recurring and foundational topics include:

Scripture & Hermeneutics

  • The nature, authority, and inspiration of the Bible
  • Interpreting Scripture by comparing texts (the “Bible as its own lexicon”) NTS Library
  • The necessity of the Holy Spirit’s illumination in understanding biblical truth

God, Christ & the Trinity

  • Attributes and unity of God
  • The person and work of Christ: His incarnation, atonement, resurrection
  • The Holy Spirit’s role in application and sanctification

Law, Sin, and Salvation

  • The contrast between moral, ceremonial, and civil law
  • The enduring moral law (e.g. the Ten Commandments) and its relation to Christ’s work
  • The nature of sin, human inability, and total depravity
  • The doctrine of grace, justification by faith, regeneration, and sanctification

The Church, Sacraments, & Christian Life

  • The nature and purpose of the church
  • The ordinances (baptism, Lord’s Supper) and their biblical significance
  • Christian ethics: holiness, obedience, growth in Christlikeness

Eschatology & Prophecy

  • The return of Christ, final judgment
  • Resurrection and eternal destinies of the saved and lost
  • The prophetic role and last-day messages

Across the lessons, doctrinal truths are reinforced through definition, proof texts, and practical questions.

Strengths & Distinctives

Some of the notable strengths of Wearner’s Fundamentals are:

  • Clarity and accessibility: The lessons are written for a broad audience, not just theologians
  • Scripture-centeredness: Reliance on the Bible itself as authoritative, rather than external systems or speculative theology
  • Memorization and repetition: Encourages internalizing doctrine
  • Comprehensiveness: Addresses a full range of Christian doctrines in a systematic progression

However, readers should note that the theology reflects the framework and denominational convictions of its author and era. Some interpretations (especially on law, prophecy, or denominational distinctives) may require contextual adaptation.

Application & Use for Your Website

Here are ways you might adapt this summary into your content:

  1. Core doctrine article series: Break the sixty doctrines into grouped articles (e.g. “Doctrine of Scripture,” “Doctrine of Salvation,” “Doctrine of Last Things”).
  2. Interactive study tools: Provide printable key texts and memory cards drawn from the lessons.
  3. Discussion questions: Use the lesson questions as prompts for small groups or personal reflection.
  4. Comparative notes: Where Wearner’s interpretations diverge from your tradition, add explanatory footnotes or alternate views.
  5. Audio or video companion: Record each doctrine as short soundbite lessons, supplementing the text.
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