William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, answered this question very well. He said:
“The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, Heaven without Hell.”
Knowing correct doctrine is important because:
1. It was the practice of the first century church – and it helped make them spiritually strong:
Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
2. It stabilizes the Christian life with God’s truth and gives the ability to recognize the devil’s lies:
Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
3. It is very important to salvation for all people:
I Timothy 4:16 “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”