DOGMA, DOGMATIC
- 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. - 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).
- 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). - 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, or false teaching of any sort.
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