Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

God created man to be curious. Who doesn’t like a good mystery?

Ephesians 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

God’s will is not something He wishes to keep secret from us. He showed us that in the life of Christ. That is no great mystery.

Somehow if we do not exactly understand God’s will for our own lives, it seems to be a mystery.

Is His will the great mystery to be solved?

Colossians 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Have we discovered Christ in us?

Solve that mystery and He answers all our questions.

James 1:2-3 (English Standard Version)

 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

What is a passing grade for our understanding of these core doctrines?

Core/Essential Doctrines (often considered fundamental to the faith)

These are frequently highlighted as non-negotiable for orthodox Christianity:

• The Trinity — One God eternally existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
• Monotheism / The Unity of God — There is only one true God (not multiple gods).
• The Deity of Christ — Jesus Christ is fully God (as well as fully human).
• The Humanity of Christ — Jesus is fully human, born of a virgin (Virgin Birth).
• The Sinlessness of Christ — Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life.
• Substitutionary Atonement — Christ’s death on the cross was a sacrificial payment for humanity’s sins.
• The Bodily Resurrection of Christ — Jesus physically rose from the dead, defeating death.
• Salvation by Grace through Faith — People are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ (not by works).
• Human Depravity / Original Sin — All people are sinful by nature and separated from God.

The answer is Zero. Doctrine is used as answers to questions from the unbelieving.

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

No amount of knowledge of church doctrine can replace a heart that loves Jesus.