The church is called “the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Her role is not to create truth but to uphold it. Like a pillar lifting a roof, the church lifts God’s Word before the world. When she abandons doctrine, she collapses; when she clings to truth, she shines as Christ’s witness. As Bavinck reminds us, the church is “the dwelling place of truth,” tasked with guarding and proclaiming it.

Doctrine sanctifies because it is truth from God’s Word. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Holiness comes not by human effort, but by God’s truth working in us. As Berkhof wrote, “Doctrine and life are inseparably connected.” A church that drifts from sound doctrine will drift from holiness, but one rooted in truth will be shaped into Christ’s image.