Biblically, yes, what the church teaches does matter. Doctrine is indispensable to Christianity. Christianity does not exist without it. The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the value and importance of sound doctrine, (2 Tim 1:13, 4:3; 1 Tim 1:10, 4:6, 6:3; Titus 1:9, 2:1; 2 John 1:9), and a pattern of sound teaching (2 Tim 1:13-14). The apostle Paul was firm in his admonition that if they the apostles or angels from heaven were to preach any other gospel, instruction, doctrine that they would be cursed (Gal 1:8). They called for the preservation of the gospel and were adamant about the protection, acceptance and spreading of the doctrine, because it contained the truth about Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15).

Paul further tells us that the gospel or doctrine of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). They the apostles encouraged believers to be faithful to that body of information they had heard and received in the beginning (1 John 2:7 1 John 2:24 1 John 2:26; 3:11). Jude went further in his strong encouragement for the defense of the teachings. He was careful to point out that these instructions were already delivered once for all time, when he was writing (Jude 3). Believers, in general, were instructed to guard the faith, that is, to stand firm in sound doctrine (2 Tim 1:13-14).

We today must choose to search the scriptures to determine if what we hear amounts to sound doctrine (Acts 17:11). We are ask to hold fast to the truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21) as it is the truth that will sanctify us (John 17:17) and set us free (John 8:32). It makes a difference therefore what the church teaches as anything else but sound doctrine will only lead to vain worship ( Matthew 15:9) and a life of deception and separation from Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23).

Does what the church teach matter to you?