DOGMA, DOGMATIC

The word "dogma" is not found in the English Bible, but it is in the Greek New Testament. (a) In classical Greek the term had a range of meanings -- from "opinion" to a legal "edict." Luke refers to a census "decree" that Augustus sent forth (2:1). This was dogma with the force of law (see also the accusation against Paul in Acts 17:7). (b) The Jerusalem church, under the influence of Spirit-guided men, sent forth certain "decrees" by which other Christians were bound (Acts 16:4; cf. 15:28). (c) Paul affirmed that the "ordinances" (dogma) of the law of Moses had been abolished by the death of Christ (Eph. 2:15; cf. Col. 2:14). (d) The Christian is obligated to sacred dogma, as reflected in the New Testament. He is not required to submit to the humanly devised dogma of fallible man, as conveyed through papal decrees, church councils, etc. One may not be dogmatic in terms of personal opinion; he must be dogmatic in matters of clearly revealed biblical truth.