There was a doctrine that began on the very first day of the Church and it says in the Bible that the believers “continued steadfastly” in it (Acts 2:41). It never changed throughout the Acts of the Apostles. It did not change throughout the epistles. It’s a doctrine that was handed to the Apostles by Jesus Christ. It was confirmed by signs and wonders from God. And it did not change in the Word of God. The same doctrine that was preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost should still be preached by the Church, today. There is no reason why it should be any different. When you tell someone how to be saved, do you tell them what Peter would have told them? Do you preach what Paul preached? How about Philip the evangelist? Each of these men preached the same thing to those in need of salvation. Luke recorded it.
Here are some scriptures that emphasize how important the Apostles
esteemed doctrine.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions
and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and
avoid them.” (Paul in Romans 16:17)
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (John the apostle in 2 John 9-10)
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Paul, Galatians 1:89)
We all need to be very careful what we teach others when it comes to salvation. There are many doctrines floating around out there. Some say you must be baptized, others say that you don’t. Some say you must speak in tongues, others say you don’t. Some say that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, you are saved. Are they all right? According to scripture, there’s just one faith: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
So, if there’s only one faith, we need to find out what it is and adhere to it. Let’s look to the scriptures, in the Book of Acts, where the Apostles were actually preaching and saving souls. What exactly did they preach?