Key Doctrines for Effective Biblical Counseling

In the insightful article “Essential Doctrines for Counseling” by Don Roy, featured on the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors’ website, the author delves into the foundational doctrines crucial for effective biblical counseling. These doctrines include salvation, sanctification, the biblical perspective on suffering, and the hope of future glory. Roy emphasizes that a profound understanding of these doctrines is essential for both counselors and counselees to navigate their spiritual journeys and personal struggles effectively.

Salvation: Beyond Intellectual Assent

Roy begins by exploring the doctrine of salvation, emphasizing that true salvation extends beyond mere intellectual agreement with biblical truths. It involves a transformative discipleship. He stresses that many professing believers, especially those from culturally Christian backgrounds, often lack a deep understanding of salvation. For effective counseling, it is crucial to ensure that individuals genuinely grasp the nature of justification and the full scope of salvation, including sanctification and glorification.

Counselors are encouraged to explore personal testimonies to gauge the understanding of salvation. This involves assessing whether there has been a noticeable change in their lives post-conversion and if they recognize their need for redemption from God’s wrath.

Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey

The second doctrine Roy discusses is sanctification. Many believers mistakenly expect their sinful desires to disappear upon conversion, leading to confusion and discouragement when struggles persist. Roy emphasizes that sanctification is a lifelong process where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.

He stresses the importance of understanding that struggles with sin are a normal part of Christian life. Counselors should teach that sanctification is a certain work of God, but believers are called to actively participate in it through ongoing repentance, seeking forgiveness, and relying on God’s strength to overcome sin.

Suffering: Embracing God’s Purpose

The third essential doctrine Roy highlights is the biblical view of suffering. Suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world and serves as a tool for spiritual growth. Roy explains that many counselees are surprised by suffering and often see it as a sign of God’s displeasure.

He outlines key points for understanding suffering biblically: suffering is common due to the fallen nature of the world, it can be corrective, it is part of God’s process of shaping believers, and believers are called to rejoice in trials, trusting that God is using them for their spiritual benefit. The focus should be on relying on God’s strength rather than turning to idols for comfort.

Future Glory: Hope Beyond Suffering

The fourth doctrine Roy presents is the future hope promised to believers. He acknowledges that not all suffering will be resolved in this life; some trials will persist until eternity. However, God promises growth in holiness and eventual restoration.

Roy encourages counselors to help counselees adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on the future glory that awaits in Christ. This eternal perspective provides comfort and hope, reminding believers that present sufferings are temporary and will be outweighed by the eternal glory to come.

Conclusion

Don Roy’s article “Essential Doctrines for Counseling” serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding key biblical doctrines crucial for effective counseling. By emphasizing a transformative view of salvation, the ongoing process of sanctification, the purpose of suffering, and the hope of future glory, Roy equips counselors with the theological foundation necessary to guide their counselees towards spiritual maturity and resilience.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of these essential doctrines, read the full article by Don Roy here.