Right Division

[foundinHim]

God's word is grounded on the fact that it is "the word of truth". This fact is so stated as to imply that unless the word of truth is rightly divided, we shall not get "truth", and that we shall get its truth only in proportion to the measure in which we divide it rightly. We must give diligence to the requirement as stated in 2Tim.2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

"rightly dividing" occurs only once in the N.T., so we must be confined to Biblical usage. It matters little what others have thought or said...we could fill a page with their views, but we would learn little and only become confused. We need the Biblical usage which associates the word with guidance in the right way.

The scope of this verse plainly teaches that:
1) Our one great study is to seek God's approval, and not man's.
2) We are to show all diligence in pursuing this study.
3) As workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work.
4) In order to gain God's approval and avert our own shame, we must rightly divide the word of truth.
5) To do this, we must direct our studies in the right way.

All this tells us is that we shall not get the truth if we do not rightly divide it; and that we shall get the truth only in proportion to our "rightly dividing" it. As "the faithful word" we must hold it fast (Titus 1:9). As "the word of life" we must hold it forth (Phil.2:16). But because this is "the word of truth", its paths must be well noted...the sign posts must be observed, the directions and guides which are in the Word itself must be followed. We are to "give diligence" to this great requirement of the Word because it is "the word of truth."

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD AS TO ITS SUBJECT- MATTER:
It is the common belief that every part of the Bible is to be interpreted directly as referring to "the church of God", or as pertaining to every person, at every stage of the world's history. This neglect of the precept to rightly divide it, is an effectual bar to the right understanding of the Word and to our enjoyment of its study. This non-understanding of the Word is the explanation of its neglect, and this neglect is the reason why so many, who should be feeding on the spiritual food of the Word are so ill-fed in themselves; and so ill-furnished for every good work (2Tim.3:17). While the word of God is written FOR all persons, and FOR all time, yet it is not true that NOT every part of it is addressed to ALL persons or about ALL persons in ALL time.

THREE DISTINCT CLASSES OF PERSONS:
Every word is written for our learning and contains what all ought to know; yet its subject-matter is written according to the principle involved in 1Cor.10:32, and is written concerning one or other of 3 distinct classes of persons:
The Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God.
According to general belief, everything that goes to make up the subject-matter of the Word of God is about only one of these three, and whatever may be said about the other two (the Jews & the Gentiles), all is interpreted of only the one (the church of God). This comes out of selfishness which pertains to human nature; which in doing this and all beside, is ever ready to appropriate that which belongs to others. But no greater impediment to a right understanding of the Word could possibly be devised.

I believe every word from Genesis to Revelation. There is NOT one word that I can do without; NOT one word that I can dispense with, without loss. I do not want to deprive any one of any portion of "the word of truth."
What is written to and about the Jew belongs to and must be interpreted of the Jew.
What is written of and about the Gentile belongs to and must be interpreted of the Gentile.
What is written to and about the church of God belongs to and must be interpreted of the church of God.

Believe God when He says that the visions shown to Isaiah were "concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (Isa.1:1). It is true that they were written for us and "for our learning" (Rom.15:4) but they are NOT addressed TO us or written concerning us, but "concerning Judah and Jerusalem." It would be an act of dishonesty for us to appropriate, by interpreting of ourselves, that which is spoken of Israel. In like manner, if we do take as some do, the words of the Epistle to Ephesians as though they were written to, or concerning the Gentiles (the unconverted world), then we not only rob "the church of God" of its most precious heritage, but we teach the universal Fatherhood of God, instead of His Fatherhood of only those who are His children in Christ Jesus. It will be seen that unless we rightly divide the subject-matter of "the word of truth", we shall not get the truth, but shall get error instead.

Every part of the Bible is written "concerning" one or other of these 3 divisions, or classes of persons. Sometimes, in the same passage or book, there may be that which is concerning all 3. Sometimes a whole book may be concerning only 1 of these 3, and the other 2 are altogether excluded. We may all 3 learn much from what is written of only the 1; for the inspired, God-breathed Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction" for all who shall read it (2Tim.3:16). That which happened to Israel happened unto them for examples, "and they are written for our admonition" (1Cor.10:11), "whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning." (Rom.15:4)

But while this is so, and remains true, what is meant is that every Scripture is written concerning 1 or other of these 3 classes; and is especially addressed to that particular class. This class has the prior claim to that Scripture. The interpretation of it belongs to that class, while the other 2 may apply it to themselves, and are to learn from it. But, only as an application and NOT the interpretation; such application must be made only so far as it agrees with the interpretation of those Scriptures which are specially addressed to and relate to such class. Otherwise, we shall find ourselves using one truth to upset another truth; and we shall be setting what is true of one class in opposition to what is true of another class.

 

[foundinHim]

All we are to be concerned with now, is the right dividing of the subject-matter of the Bible, which is three-fold. And the great requirement of "the word of truth" is this, that we should, and must, whenever we study any portion of the Word of God, ask the question..."CONCERNING WHOM IS THIS WRITTEN?" Which ever of the 3 it may be, we must be careful to confine and limit the interpretation of that passage to the class whom it concerns; while we may make any application of it to ourselves so long as it does not conflict with what is written elsewhere concerning "the church of God."

We must not take that which concerns the Jew and interpret it of the "church. We must not take that which concerns the "church" and interpret ot of the world. We must not take what is said concerning the Gentile and interpret it of the "church." If we do, we shall get darkness instead of light, confusion instead of instruction, trouble instead of peace, and error instead of truth.

THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISPENSATIONS:
It may help us if we summarize these, by connecting each with a definite characteristic word or thought.
(a) As to man's condition in each, it is, in the:
1st. Innocence
2nd. Without Law
3rd. Under Law
4th. Under Grace
5th. Under Judgment
6th. Millennial
7th. Glory

(b) As to the crisis, or judgment, in which each ends:
1st. The Edenic state ended in the expulsion from Eden.
2nd. The period without law ended with the flood and the judgment on Babel.
3rd. The period under law ended in the rejection of Israel.
4th. The dispensation of grace will end in the rapture (calling on high) of the church, and "the day of the Lord".
5th. The dispensation of judgment will end in the destruction of Antichrist.
6th. The Millennium will end in the destruction of Satan, and the judgment of the Great White Throne.
7th. Will have "no end."

It must be evident that, in all 7 dispensations, we have a variety of different characteristics which demand the utmost care and attention in which we are able to give them.

 

[foundinHim]

There are, however, two further matters on which to speak; for besides these distinct landmarks by which these dispensations are known; there are larger "times" which embrace and overlap more than one of these divisions.

THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES:
We have "the times of the Gentiles", which not only embrace this present "church" dispensation, but stand specially in contrast with the Jews. They commence with Jerusalem falling under the power of Babylon; they continue during the whole period while Jerusalem is "trodden down of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). And they will end when the Gentiles shall cease to tread down Jerusalem, and its streets shall be again trodden by its rightful owners, the people of Israel. Then those "times of the Gentiles" will be changed for times of the Jews.

Those times are not coterminous with any of the 7 dispensations, but overlap. They begin before the present "church" period, and do not close until after it has ended.

These same times are referred to in Rom.11:25 "blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." This is usually spoken of as pertaining to the completion of the "church". But the "church" is not in question here at all. It is the relation between the Jews and the Gentiles; and the "church" is not composed of Gentiles distinct from Jews, or of Jews as distinct from Gentiles. For it is made up of both, Jews and Gentiles, who, on becoming members of "the church of God", lose distinction altogether, being made members of His body in which there is neither Jew nor Gentile. This is expressly stated in Gal.3:28 and Col.3:11 (compare Rom.10:12, 1Cor.12:13, Gal.5:6, Eph.2:14). This must therefore refer to the fulness or filling up of the times of the Gentiles; and the word Gentiles must be understood as being put for "times" which they fill up.

Israel will not be saved by the rapture/calling on high of the "church", but by the coming of "the Deliverer out of Zion, turning away ungodliness from Jacob." It is Isa.59:20 that is being quoted in Rom.11:26, and not 1Thes.4:15-17 or Phil.3:14; and there is nothing about the "fulness" or completion of the "church" in Isaiah. Before the Deliverer comes, there must be that from which Israel is to be delivered; and that will be the "great tribulation", "when the enemy shall come like a flood". (refer to Isa.59:19-21)

It is clear, therefore, that Rom.11:25 refers to the same "times of the Gentiles" of which the Lord speaks in Luke 21:24...
THE PARENTHESIS OF THE PRESENT DISPENSATION

There is another matter connected with these times and dispensations. This is revealed by our Lord's own action in the synagogue at Nazareth. (Luke 4:16-20) He stood up and read Isaiah 61:1-2a. He read the first verse; but, after He read the first sentence in the second verse, "HE CLOSED THE BOOK, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down." (Luke 4:20). Why did the Lord close the book at that point? The answer to this question is the revelation of the great principle which we are, here and now, insisting upon. The next sentence belonged, and still belongs, to a yet future dispensation. "The acceptable year of the Lord" had come. But "the day of vengeance of our God" had not and has not yet come. The Lord divided these two dispensations off by closing the book, and that is what we must do, if we are not to join together, and confuse and confound, to our own hindrance and loss, that which God has seperated and distinguished. Most Christians insist on keeping that book open, and refuse to learn the lesson here, emphatically taught and enforced by the Lord.

There is no mark in the Hebrew text to indicate such a break, which involves an interval of approx. 2,000+ years: and yet the break is surely there. As to "the acceptable year of the Lord", Christ could and did say: "THIS day is THIS Scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). But He could not have said it if He had read the next sentence, "and the day of vengeance of our God." And yet the whole of this "church" dispensation, the present interval of the dispensation of grace, comes between those 2 sentences. Only a comma divides them in our English translation.

This is because the "mystery" (or secret) of the "church" was "hid in God", and had not yet been revealed. How then could mention be made of it? It was necessarily passed over. Hence, the Lord "closed the book" and "sat down."

 

[foundinHim]

This is why the prophets who spoke and wrote "as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2Pet.1:21) inquired and searched diligently what, or WHAT MATTER OF TIME (concerning Christ) the Spirit which was on them could signify, when testified beforehand of the SUFFERINGS of Christ, and the GLORY which should follow. There was nothing to tell them what length of "time" should elapse between "the sufferings and the glory"; whether the glory should follow immediately on the sufferings; or whether there should be an interval of time at all between them. The prophets themselves revealed the sufferings; they saw them, and just as it is when one views the outline of a nearer range of mountains, they saw the outline of another range beyond them, as they testified of the "glory"...but what distance seperated those two mountain ranges, or what valleys and hills, and cities and lakes, lay between them, they could not see.

In like manner, the events which lay between the sufferings and the glory that should follow was not yet revealed either to them, or by them. We know now, how many years have passed since the first coming and the "sufferings" of Christ; but the "glory" has not yet been revealed. In spite of this, many treat these times and dispensations as of no account, and of no importance in their study of the Scriptures. The majority of Bible students do not inquire at all; they neither search, nor "search diligently", as to these times; they even reproach those who would search.

The action of our Lord in the synagogue at Nazareth when He "closed the book" showed that there is a gap, and that gap was a fact and not a fiction. We are content to follow His example and share His rejection when at Nazareth. We would learn the lesson that He taught. We "open the book" (Bible), like Ezra, and search, and try and find out why the Lord "closed the book" of Isaiah; and like the prophets of old, would search diligently as to "what manner of time" is taught by the Holy Spirit in these Scriptures of truth. There is only a comma between the "sufferings and the glory" in 1Pet.1:11. (also refer to 1Pet.4:13 & 5:1; and Luke 24:26), where we have the same two "times" spoken of, with the gap of our present dispensation passed over, as silently as though to the inspired speakers and writers---as if this dispensation of "the church of God" does not exist.

This is why the closing of the 4 Gospels do not lead us on into this present dispensation, but leap over it. Having been occupied with the proclamation of the Kingdom, they "close the book", and when it is opened again, it is opened at the Apocalypse (Revelation), where we see the Kingdom set up with Divine power and glory. The period during which the rejected Kingdom is in abeyance is not taken account of in the 4 Gospels, for it had not yet been revealed. It was one of "the secrets of the kingdom" spoken of by our Lord in Matt.13:11, and then made known by Him. The 7 parables of the kingdom in Matt.13 leap over this present dispensation, as if it had no existence. They carry over the truths concerning the kingdom, and continue them as though the kingdom had never been in abeyance. To understand these 7 parables correctly, we must entirely exclude the church of God, and the period of its dispensation, and read them without any reference whatever to it. We can then easily see which part of each parable belongs to the past dispensation, and which belongs to the next.

There are many places in Scripture in which this passing over of the present dispensation is very plainly evident; and where, in our reading, we have, like our Lord, to "close the book." If we fail to do this, and if we refuse to notice these so-called gaps, we cannot possibly understand the Scriptures which we read.

I offer a few, by way of example, placing this mark (-) to indicate the parenthesis (gap) of this present dispensation, which comes between the previous dispensation of law, and the next dispensation of judgment which is to follow the present dispensation of grace.

(Isa.9:6) "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: (-)
and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (compare Luke 1:31-32)
(Isa.53:10-11) "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin (-), He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied:"...
(Zech.9:9-10) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (-) And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth."
(Luke 1:31-32) "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. (-) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the LORD God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David;"

All this shows us the far reaching consequences of the Lord's example in the synagogue at Nazareth. Far reaching in the confusion which arises from not heeding it; and far reaching also in the happy results of applying the same principle that He applied to Isa.61:1-2, in all other passages where the present dispensation is passed over, and indicated by a comma. This applies only to Scriptures where the two dispensations are actually referred to. But there are many where only one is in question; and more care is then required to detect it, so as not to interpret of one dispensation that which refers to another. God's dealings in each period correspond with its distinct character; and if we understand those dealings, we must be able readily, to classify the truth appropriate to each.

 

[foundinHim]

If we are "rightly dividing the word of truth", we should understand the differences between the King & kingdom message and the body of Christ message.

In the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see the King & the kingdom presented, offered, and rejected.
THE "KINGDOM" IS NOT HERE BECAUSE THE "KING" IS NOT HERE on earth, during this present dispensation.
(John 1:11) "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not."
Jesus Christ was not seen as the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" during that dispensation. So NOW, the "kingdom" is NOW held in abeyance.

This present "dispensation of the grace of God" is for the body of Christ message, which is the message to be presented, heard, and believed.

As I, being a member of the body of Christ (the church) look around on this earth, I am sometimes deeply saddened, because I see so much hate, pride, greed, lusts, power-hunger, corruption, deceipt, etc., etc.,...

Even though we are living in this "dispensation of grace", we are also living during "man's day". (refer to 1Cor.4:3-5) Most of mankind is exalting himself and abasing God. Most of mankind is judging and Satan is seeking to take as many down with him as he can.

When the "church" (body of Christ) has been "received up in glory", the days of grace will be over. The next dispensation is of judgment. THE DAY OF THE LORD'S JUDGING AND RULING!!! It will be "the day" when:
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: (Isa.2:11-12)

beloved brothers and sisters in Christ:
Are you keeping your eyes on Christ, and beholding...beholding...beholding His glory?
(Phil.3:18-20)
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:"

(Eph.6:24) "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

 

[eph3Nine]

If we are "rightly dividing the word of truth", we should understand the differences between the King & kingdom message and the body of Christ message.

In the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see the King & the kingdom presented, offered, and rejected.

THE "KINGDOM" IS NOT HERE BECAUSE THE "KING" IS NOT HERE on earth, during this present dispensation.
(John 1:11) "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not."

Jesus Christ was not seen as the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" during that dispensation. So NOW, the "kingdom" is NOW held in abeyance.

This present "dispensation of the grace of God" is for the body of Christ message, which is the message to be presented, heard, and believed.

As I, being a member of the body of Christ (the church) look around on this earth, I am sometimes deeply saddened, because I see so much hate, pride, greed, lusts, power-hunger, corruption, deceipt, etc., etc.,...

Even though we are living in this "dispensation of grace", we are also living during "man's day". (refer to 1Cor.4:3-5) Most of mankind is exalting himself and abasing God. Most of mankind is judging and Satan is seeking to take as many down with him as he can.

When the "church" (body of Christ) has been "received up in glory", the days of grace will be over. The next dispensation is of judgment. THE DAY OF THE LORD'S JUDGING AND RULING!!! It will be "the day" when:
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: (Isa.2:11-12)

beloved brothers and sisters in Christ:
Are you keeping your eyes on Christ, and beholding...beholding...beholding His glory?

(Phil.3:18-20)
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation (ie;citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:"

(Eph.6:24) "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

Wonderful post, found in him! Thank you so much for the edification, girl.

 

[timlamb]

"Rightly divided" means "correctly interpreted" as in through the Holy spirit, and includes the WHOLE scripture.

You didn't even interpret 2Timothy 2:15 correctly, and that is what has you all messed up!!

 

[TheScottsMen]

"Rightly divided" means "correctly interpreted" as in through the Holy spirit, and includes the WHOLE scripture.

You didn't even interpret 2Timothy 2:15 correctly, and that is what has you all messed up!!

Why do you believe you interpret it correctly? Has God spoken a word of knowledge to you? Will you quote from a seminary textbook/commentary/website backing your interpretion? If so, do you not think we can do the same?

So..my question again, why do you believe your interpretion is correct?

 

[timlamb]

Why do you believe you interpret it correctly? Has God spoken a word of knowledge to you? Will you quote from a seminary textbook/commentary/website backing your interpretion? If so, do you not think we can do the same?

So..my question again, why do you believe your interpretion is correct?

It is not just my interpretation:

The Amplified Bible: "...Correctly analyzing and accurately dividing - rightly handling and skilfully teaching - the Word of Truth."

The New Testament in Modern English- JB Phillips:
"...to use the word of truth to the best advantage."

The NIV:
"...who correctly handles the word of truth."

It is one bible, it either works together or it doesn't work at all. It needs to be properly interpreted, not torn in half.

 

[Driver]

It's interesting how they hinge their theology on their peculiar interpretation of just one verse. If you pull out that one card, does the entire house of cards come tumbling down?

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1
​

It is also interesting that the view they hold was absent for almost 1800 years in the history of the Church. And how interesting that 2 Thessalonians 2:15 has the same chapter and verse division as 2 Timothy 2:15!

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
​

 

[eph3Nine]

If we are "rightly dividing the word of truth", we should understand the differences between the King & kingdom message and the body of Christ message.

In the 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see the King & the kingdom presented, offered, and rejected.

THE "KINGDOM" IS NOT HERE BECAUSE THE "KING" IS NOT HERE on earth, during this present dispensation.
(John 1:11) "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not."

Jesus Christ was not seen as the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" during that dispensation. So NOW, the "kingdom" is NOW held in abeyance.

This present "dispensation of the grace of God" is for the body of Christ message, which is the message to be presented, heard, and believed.

 

[timlamb]

It's interesting how they hinge their theology on their peculiar interpretation of just one verse. If you pull out that one card, does the entire house of cards come tumbling down?

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1
​

It is also interesting that the view they hold was absent for almost 1800 years in the history of the Church. And how interesting that 2 Thessalonians 2:15 has the same chapter and verse division as 2 Timothy 2:15!

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
​

Yes driver, thank you. people who live by 'A' word, seldom hear the message of THE word, and often live in a state of contradiction.

 

[eph3Nine]

Found in Him wrote:

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD AS TO ITS SUBJECT- MATTER:

It is the common belief (albeit IN ERROR)that every part of the Bible is to be interpreted directly as referring to "the church of God", or as pertaining to every person, at every stage of the world's history.

This neglect of the precept to rightly divide it, is an effectual bar to the right understanding of the Word and to our enjoyment of its study. This non-understanding of the Word is the explanation of its neglect, and this neglect is the reason why so many, who should be feeding on the spiritual food of the Word are so ill-fed in themselves; and so ill-furnished for every good work (2Tim.3:17).

While the word of God is written FOR all persons, and FOR all time, yet it is not true that NOT every part of it is addressed to ALL persons or about ALL persons in ALL time.

THREE DISTINCT CLASSES OF PERSONS:

Every word is written for our learning and contains what all ought to know; yet its subject-matter is written according to the principle involved in 1Cor.10:32, and is written concerning one or other of 3 distinct classes of persons:

The Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God.


According to general belief, everything that goes to make up the subject-matter of the Word of God is about only one of these three, and whatever may be said about the other two (the Jews & the Gentiles), all is interpreted of only the one (the church of God). This comes out of selfishness which pertains to human nature; which in doing this and all beside, is ever ready to appropriate that which belongs to others. But no greater impediment to a right understanding of the Word could possibly be devised.

I believe every word from Genesis to Revelation. There is NOT one word that I can do without; NOT one word that I can dispense with, without loss. I do not want to deprive any one of any portion of "the word of truth."

What is written to and about the Jew belongs to and must be interpreted of the Jew.

What is written of and about the Gentile belongs to and must be interpreted of the Gentile.

What is written to and about the church of God belongs to and must be interpreted of the church of God.


Believe God when He says that the visions shown to Isaiah were "concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (Isa.1:1). It is true that they were written for us and "for our learning" (Rom.15:4) but they are NOT addressed TO us or written concerning us, but "concerning Judah and Jerusalem." It would be an act of dishonesty for us to appropriate, by interpreting of ourselves, that which is spoken of Israel.

In like manner, if we do take as some do, the words of the Epistle to Ephesians as though they were written to, or concerning the Gentiles (the unconverted world), then we not only rob "the church of God" of its most precious heritage, but we teach the universal Fatherhood of God, instead of His Fatherhood of only those who are His children in Christ Jesus. It will be seen that unless we rightly divide the subject-matter of "the word of truth", we shall not get the truth, but shall get error instead.

Every part of the Bible is written "concerning" one or other of these 3 divisions, or classes of persons. Sometimes, in the same passage or book, there may be that which is concerning all 3. Sometimes a whole book may be concerning only 1 of these 3, and the other 2 are altogether excluded. We may all 3 learn much from what is written of only the 1; for the inspired, God-breathed Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction" for all who shall read it (2Tim.3:16). That which happened to Israel happened unto them for examples, "and they are written for our admonition" (1Cor.10:11), "whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning." (Rom.15:4)

Excellent material and it will edify IF people would ONLY read it!

We would all do well to READ it and BELIEVE it.

 

[Iosias]

right division does not mean cutting up the scriptures as the dispensationalists do but rather discerning which is for unbelievers, believers etc.

 

[eph3Nine]

right division does not mean cutting up the scriptures as the dispensationalists do but rather discerning which is for unbelievers, believers etc.

Excuse me, but you couldnt be more incorrect in making such a statement.

We dont cut up, but we do cut STRAIGHT, which is the meaning of "rightly divide". God DOES make divisions in His word between TIMES PAST, But NOW, and AGES to come (see Eph 2:11,12,13 and verse 7). It us up to us to distinguish where those divisions take place by STUDYING with that goal in mind.

The doctrine found in the scriptures is written to BELIEVERS. The discerning is where you find the doctrine written specifically to the believers IN THIS DISPENSATION< and dont borrow from Israel the instructions given ONLY to her.

Please study this out before continuing to teach where you dont have all the facts.

 

[Iosias]

Please study this out before continuing to teach where you dont have all the facts.

Well I used to hold to Mid-Acts dispensationalism so...

 

[earl673]

"Rightly divided" means "correctly interpreted" as in through the Holy spirit, and includes the WHOLE scripture.

You didn't even interpret 2Timothy 2:15 correctly, and that is what has you all messed up!!

I think his/her post was very good. How you interpret something and how I interpret it are two different views. We as man are not infallible. This is why we must continue to study the word so that in our mind, we have it right. Given to the way the world is today, you are not going to make everybody happy.

 

[Tychicum]

Maybe you can explain exactly what is "Mid-Acts dispensationalism" so we know exactly what you no longer "hold to" ...

FWIW I am not "Mid-Acts dispensational" either.

Descriptions me could be Calvinist, Pre-millennial, Pre-trib, Creationist, Cessationist, Trinitarian ... etc. etc. but above all ... Pauline as it is the revelations through Paul ... the Apostle of the Gentiles ... which give the Church today 99% of our doctrine.

If you don't believe me try reading our doctrine into Matthew, Mark or Luke. The Book of John was written late ... after much Christian Doctrine had been revealed to the Apostles by Paul.

Peter's Books even refer to Paul's Epistles as "Scripture".

So the question is ... what is it that you no longer "hold to" ...?

 

[foundinHim]

right division does not mean cutting up the scriptures as the dispensationalists do but rather discerning which is for unbelievers, believers etc.

How can God's Word be "rightly" divided by un-believers?

Are you saying the "carnally minded" can discern what God is saying to the "spiritually minded"? I believe God when He says that the Scriptures can make us wise unto salvation but an un-believer usually doesn't even believe the first 5 words of the Bible..."In the beginning God created".

May Christ the Living Word dwell in us richly!!!

 

[foundinHim]

It is not just my interpretation:

The Amplified Bible: "...Correctly analyzing and accurately dividing - rightly handling and skilfully teaching - the Word of Truth."

The New Testament in Modern English- JB Phillips:
"...to use the word of truth to the best advantage."

The NIV:
"...who correctly handles the word of truth."

It is one bible, it either works together or it doesn't work at all. It needs to be properly interpreted, not torn in half.

dear timlamb:

I pray that you do understand the difference between interpretation and application of the Scriptures! God willing I may post on that subject soon. I do notice that you use a couple different modern versions or translations of the Bible...do you know that when the words are changed, that the meanings are changed too? I prefer the King James 1611. In my humble opinion, it is the closest to the original manuscripts.

with love, faith, and hope in Christ