Seven Basic Bible Facts

[biblebeliever123]

By Robert C. Brock
Editor of the Journal of Pauline Dispensationalism

FACT NO. 1—That the Bible MUST be rightly divided in order for it to make sense. Notice what it says: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15). This is one of the cardinal rules for interpreting the whole Bible. Neglect of this rule or a faulty use of it will lead to only one result, CONFUSION, since our God is not the author of confusion.

The reason for a right division of the Bible is because of God's two distinct purposes: (1) His purpose concerning Israel and the world according to PROPHECY, and (2) His purpose concerning the Gentiles in this present age according to the MYSTERY revealed to Paul. God doesn't want us to confuse the teaching of these two purposes. He has very graciously given us the key for a proper understanding of this.

FACT NO. 2—That the DISTINCTIVENESS of Pauline truth is a most important doctrine of the Bible. The risen Lord Jesus Christ revealed His heart and His mind to the Apostle Paul: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but by THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST" (Gal. 1:11,12). "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; how that BY REVELATION He made known unto me the MYSTERY..." (Eph. 3:2,3).

This proves conclusively that Paul did not preach what the 12 Apostles preached. Rather he went up to Jerusalem to TELL THEM of the special gospel of grace that Christ gave to him (Gal. 2:2). He preached Jesus Christ according to the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY which was kept secret, hid in God (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:9). He was the Apostle to the Gentiles and magnified his office (Rom. 11:13).

FACT NO. 3—That the gospel we are to preach is called the Gospel of the grace of God. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD" (Acts 20:24). This is God's only message for the lost in this present age. We are to follow Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1). In his writings ALONE do we find the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the Christian.

Some other important aspects of grace are:

1. We are saved by GRACE—Eph. 2:8,9.

2. We are justified freely by His GRACE—Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:7.

3. His GRACE is sufficient for us—II Cor. 12:9.

4. We are not under Law but under GRACE—Rom. 6:14,15.

5. This age is the age of GRACE —Eph. 3:2.

6. We are to approach the throne of GRACE in prayer—Heb. 4:16.

FACT NO. 4—That the Bible definitely teaches that water baptism was and is a part of Israel's religion (Heb. 6:1,2; 9:10). It was for the remission of sins and was by sprinkling (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; Ezek. 36:25).

In this age there is only ONE baptism, not two: "One Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM" (Eph. 4:5). This baptism is the placing of the Christian into the Church, the Body of Christ, by the Holy Spirit: "For by one SPIRIT are we all BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (I Cor. 12:13). This baptism takes place once for all at the time of salvation.

The Apostle Paul was not sent to baptize with water: "For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE but to preach the gospel..." (I Cor. 1:17). Only a change in God's purpose would necessitate a statement like this. There is no importance attached to water baptism, today. It is not a part of Christianity and only causes confusion.

FACT NO. 5—That we must understand the two-fold ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry He ministered exclusively to Israel: "But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the HOUSE OF ISRAEL" (Matt. 15:24). His whole ministry to the Nation was under the Law of Moses (Matt. 5:17; Gal. 4:4,5). Christians are not under the Law so we are not to live according to Israel's teachings.

During His present ministry in Heaven, He is ministering according to what He revealed to the Apostle Paul. He is saving men according to His gospel of Grace. He is at the throne of grace making intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). We are to live in Paul's epistles where pure Christianity is found. This is not to say we should neglect the rest of the Bible. It is ALL for us but not all TO us (I Cor. 10:6,11).

FACT NO. 6—That SIGNS belong to the Nation of Israel and its religion: "For the JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN, and the Gentiles seek after wisdom" (I Cor. 1:22). Speaking in tongues is a SIGN: "Wherefore TONGUES are for a SIGN, not to them that believe but to them that believe not..." (I Cor. 14:22).

In Jesus' day, those who sought after signs were called an evil and adulterous generation (Matt. 12:39). The eight miracles of the Gospel of John are properly called SIGNS, which included the rising of Lazarus from the dead; and in the commission of Mark 16:15-18, water baptism is associated with SIGNS. This is proved in the book of Acts because everywhere water baptism is mentioned a SIGN is mentioned in the immediate context.

This present age is a signless age. We have been blessed with all SPIRITUAL blessings in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1:3). This is where the emphasis lies for the Christian.

FACT NO. 7—That the COMMISSION the Church, the Body of Christ, is to work under, is found in II Corinthians 5:14-21 and Ephesians 3:9. The Kingdom commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 does not belong to God's present grace purpose. The message of reconciliation has been committed to US, the Body of Christ.

RESULTS:

1. The Christian would begin to perceive and grasp the deep things of God (I Cor. 2:10-12).

2. There would be a wonderful growth into spiritual maturity and adulthood (Eph. 4:12-15).

3. He would become a faithful steward of the mysteries of God (I Cor. 2:7; 4:1,2).

4. He would possess the Biblical answer to Satan's false cults like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Scientists, Unitarians, Modernists, etc. They all borrow some aspects of Israel's religion.

5. A mighty revival would take place if Christians would get back to Pauline truth.

My friend, if you are not saved, the grace of God invites you to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. You are a sinner and need to be saved (Rom. 3:23). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31). "...now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Cor. 6:2). It is infinitely better to receive Him and spend eternity in Heaven than to reject Him and spend eternity in the Lake of Fire!

 

[Markea]

Man, more cut and paste...? let's fill up the board with the opinions of others.. next you'll be trying to tell us that PAUL was the FIRST member of the body of Christ and that the apostles preached Moses and the Law..

 

[biblebeliever123]

Yep, more cut and paste.... I LOVE IT !!!!!!
For those who don't like it....please feel free to place me on ignore.

 

[Markea]

Well hey, when you can't speak for yourself.. just post what someone else says.. now there's an idea..

 

[heymikey80]

With all these "MUST" commands of fact, but not directly stated by Scripture -- I almost feel like I'm reading a Roman Catholic Catechism (with due apologies to Roman Catholics).

Since #1 seems to be a linchpin, lemme slip that pin: your view must demonstrate it is the right view and all others actually wrong to get somewhere.

At this point I'll stick with the First Principle of my pet theology, which seems to hold sway in every quarter (including mine) -- though it's not very flattering to me or to anyone else: "We are all wrong" (Rom 3:9-19). But then, Paul didn't say the truth would be flattering (Gal 2:17-19)

 

[eph3Nine]

If one would put aside their preconceived ideas and simply READ the wonderful material that is backed up by even more wonderful scripture, one just might have a "metanoia" moment and see some things that God has been waiting to show ya for a looooooong time. Brocks material is wonderfully written, biblically SOUND and the only reason one would have for NOT reading it is FEAR of being proven WRONG, OR just plain wanting to be ignorant. There will be NO prizes for ignorance in heaven.

I find it fascinating to watch people who claim to love Gods Word, trip all over themselves to try and call God a LIAR and misrepresent His plan and purpose while thinking they are doing God a big favor. All to be accepted by MEN???? It just aint worth it to me, but then I have never been one to go along with the crowd....Im greatful God KNEW that and presented ME with right division before I died. I will be forever greatful to Him for His GRACE.

 

[heymikey80]

There will be NO prizes for ignorance in heaven.

Nor of "knowledge ... it will pass away." (1 Cor 13)

I find it fascinating to watch people who claim to love Gods Word, trip all over themselves to try and call God a LIAR and misrepresent His plan and purpose while thinking they are doing God a big favor. All to be accepted by MEN???? It just aint worth it to me, but then I have never been one to go along with the crowd....Im greatful God KNEW that and presented ME with right division before I died. I will be forever greatful to Him for His GRACE.

I'm not calling God a liar -- but what is putting words into God's mouth? You've already said that you have to look at Scripture a specific way to yield this result. I simply distrust the experts you're citing. From my view this sounds closer to Crossan's and Pagels' views of Paul than anyone who sees Paul in Palestinian Judaism and on Areopagus. Paul was in both. And being mindful of that, it'd take much more than a swift attempt at making Scripture's words support someone's prefit theology to change my view. It's not fitting the history of the time, and so it just doesn't sound credible to me.

I also don't see it fitting neatly into the facts. Paul was actually preparing for a Temple ritual when he caused a riot in Jerusalem. Paul circumcised Timothy to go to Gentiles. "To the Jews I became like a Jew." Paul baptized people. Paul instituted the Passover Supper in the churches. Paul created ekklesia throughout the Roman Empire. Paul was known to ask for assessments of his work through the Jerusalem Council of Apostles (Gal 2, Acts 15). And Paul's Gospel was preached among men before he ever received it by revelation: "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." Gal 1:23

What does Paul say about his separate labor? Paul himself said, "He [Jesus Christ] Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace" (Ep 2:14-15).

It sounds more like this view is splitting Christ's one new man into two men, rebuilding the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. And wouldn't that be another Gospel than this one Paul is describing? Paul is trying to make one unified church of Jew and Gentile. Everyone's on the same level before God. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." Gal 3:28-29

 

[JM]

I spoke with Mr. Brock, he seems like a nice fella, but he's quoted more then Scripture...or so it seems.

Peace

 

[eph3Nine]

He is a TEACHER...a student of Gods Word rightly divided. Scripture for us today needs learned men who understand right division to teach. Hes a wise man and his books have helped me tremendously in my understanding of the MYSTERY. If you read carefully, his comments are always supported by scripture, rightly divided.

 

[eph3Nine]

bump

 

[biblebeliever123]

Instead of moaning and groaning about the 'cut and paste'... just address the topic. There are 60 plus scripture references in the Seven basic Bible facts post. It would seem that there is plenty of scriptural information there. Brother Brock is a great fella but it's not about him... read the scriptures.... they're all given to you... look 'em up!

 

[biblebeliever123]

I spoke with Mr. Brock, he seems like a nice fella, but he's quoted more then Scripture...or so it seems.

Peace

Sixty plus Bible verses given in the post. It's not about Brock...it's about the scriptures. Look 'em up.

 

[Apollos1]

FACT NO. 1—That the Bible MUST be rightly divided in order for it to make sense.

Meaning: You must read the Bible with the preconceived ideas that there are TWO gospels. Everything you read from scripture must be jammed into this “box” – otherwise it is not “rightly” divided. Ignore context – think “Bi-gospelism”.

FACT NO. 2—That the DISTINCTIVENESS of Pauline truth is a most important doctrine of the Bible.

Meaning: What Paul said is more important than anything else – including Jesus!
It is not the “doctrine of Christ” (2John9) unless Paul says it is.

Ignore the latter part of Ephesians 3:5 where Paul tells you that the holy apostles and prophets of God ALSO received this revelation – please insert “Paul ONLY !
(And in Gal. 2:2/Acts 15, ignore why I went to Jerusalem and what the outcome was less you figure out what I preached was what the 12 preached also.)

FACT NO. 3—That the gospel we are to preach is called the Gospel of the grace of God.

Meaning: Ignore how “gospel” is used throughout the NT. Forget context and contend earnestly to “fragment” the ONE true gospel.

The word “gospel” has no need to be used and defined in the context of the passage in which it is used. Even if in Mark 1:15 Jesus said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.”
Ignore that there is a context to, but no “qualification” needed of, the word here. Jesus said believe the “glad tidings”, whatever the glad tidings were to be. There were/are “glad tidings” about many things in the NT.

We see the following in the NT:

The gospel.
The gospel of the kingdom.
The gospel of Jesus Christ.
The gospel of the kingdom of God.
The gospel of the grace of God.
The gospel of God.
The gospel of his Son.
The gospel of Christ.
The gospel of peace.
The gospel of [your] salvation.

Ignore that these things are the “gospel”, whether those “glad tidings” be about the kingdom, the Christ (God’s anointed), the Son (human aspect of Jesus), God (the designer of salvation’s plan), God’s grace (His disposition), peace, or our salvation. Certainly you would not suggest that there were 10 or more “gospels” mentioned in the NT, yet some want to single out the “gospel of the kingdom” as if were of its own right a distinct and separate issue of “glad tidings”.Ignore that the “gospel of the kingdom” is no more a separate gospel than the “gospel of peace” is. Each description as used in the NT is but synecdoche for the other, mentioning a specific aspect of the ONE gospel Jesus began to preach at the beginning of His ministry. There is so much to be glad about in the ONE gospel !

FACT NO. 4—That the Bible definitely teaches that water baptism was and is a part of Israel's religion.

Meaning: Ignore the fact that Paul continued to preach and practice WATER BAPTISM (via immersion – not sprinkling) to Jew & Gentile throughout his ministry.

To summarize - in Acts 18 & 19 – a period of about 1 year – Paul taught in Corinth and people were baptized.
Then in Ephesus Paul taught and people were baptized “in the name” of Christ by Paul. When Paul wrote to Corinth from Ephesus within this year, Paul told the Corinthians that “by one Spirit they were baptized into one body”, this after he told them in 1 Cor. 6:11 that they had been “washed” from their sins.
Only –3- years after this Paul penned Titus (3:5) and he tells us that we are saved by the “washing of regeneration” I will throw in here that later Paul wrote to Ephesus (5 years after being there) and told them (Eph. 5:26) that Christ had sanctified the church by “the washing of water with the word”.

(1 Corinthians 1:17 must be reconciled and in harmony with these given scriptures!)

Pauls’ preaching and teaching from all the above scriptures (through his prison years) shows that he taught/practiced a baptism that was a washing and that was in the “name of Jesus Christ” which we know is in WATER (Acts 10:47) and for the REMISSION of sins – Acts 2:38.

My conclusion therefore is that 1 Corinthians 12:13 is telling us that it is “by the one Spirit (His direction through the word) that we are all (water) baptized into the body (which is the church – cf. Eph. 1:22-23) – this based upon what Paul was practicing and teaching ! There is ONE baptism – water baptism for the remission of sins.


FACT NO. 5—That we must understand the two-fold ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry He ministered exclusively to Israel…

Christ was born under the Law (Gal. 4:4) and therefore was required to abide by all tenets of that Law. Association with Gentiles was restricted. Also, He had been specifically sent to Israel. And yes, Jesus even gave a “limited” commission to the disciples in Matthew 10. BUT – BUT – BUT…

AFTER His death on the cross, and His blood had ratified a new covenant for all people of the world (and the old covenant rendered moot), he directed His disciples to go unto ALL nations and preach the GOSPEL – Matt. 28:19f, Mark 15-16. (See above for clarification about what the “gospel” is&#8230

(During His present ministry in Heaven, He is ministering according to what He revealed to the Apostle Paul.
Note: Remember – not Paul ONLY!)


FACT NO. 6—That SIGNS belong to the Nation of Israel and its religion… …In Jesus' day, those who sought after signs were called an evil and adulterous generation (Matt. 12:39).

Notes: The verse of Matthew 12 as used here is taken out of its context. Those spoken of here were condemned for there attitude – that meaning, the reason they requested a “sign” was wrong.

In short, spiritual gifts have passed because there purpose has passed. But dispys use it in an attempt to show a distinction where none exists. That being they were mostly that they were for the Jews, not the Gentiles – which makes no sense. You can preach the gospel to the whole world without “signs”.

FACT NO. 7—That the COMMISSION the Church, the Body of Christ, is to work under, is found in II Corinthians 5:14-21 and Ephesians 3:9. The Kingdom commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 does not belong to God's present grace purpose.

HUH ??? There is no “commission” to be found in either of these first 2 passages. This is just wishful creation so that dispys can say they have a “commission” in the writings of Paul.

“Kingdom commission” ??? More man-made terminology in an attempt to express an idea that is not to be found in scripture. The commission given in Matt. 28 amd Mark 16 is the commission for all true believers today taking the ONE true gospel to the entire world, resulting in the salvation (reconciliation) of as many souls to God as possible.

(My friends, although I disagree with what was written about how to be saved, I can not in good conscience lampoon his sincere offer. But if one hears His word, believes it, repents, and is baptized (immersed in water) salvation is to be found by the grace of God.

(Due to time restraints I probably will not be able to respond to many, if any, replies at this thread.)

 

[Tychicum]

Meaning: What Paul said is more important than anything else – including Jesus!

... You don't believe what Paul wrote was inspired by God ... ? The risen Lord Jesus Christ's very words ... ? Maybe you can elaborate.

What do you make of this ... just Paul's puffery?

1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Jesus earthly ministry by his own declaration was to Israel alone ... you claim that as yours but not by Paul?

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Ignore the latter part of Ephesians 3:5 where Paul tells you that the holy apostles and prophets of God ALSO received this revelation – please insert “Paul ONLY !

You reference but don't quote ...

Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Paul said "but now" ...

You think Paul was over playing his importance again ... ?

You seem to have something against Paul ... Peter read his letters as Scripture ... even accused others who twisted his letters as "unlearned" and "unstable" ...

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(2Pe 3:15-16 KJV)

Peter said it was "hard to be understood" ... you think that Peter was miss stating this and that Peter understood it all from the very beginning?

(And in Gal. 2:2/Acts 15, ignore why I went to Jerusalem and what the outcome was less you figure out what I preached was what the 12 preached also.)

I'm not sure what you are saying here ... are you saying that Paul and the 12 by agreement taught something different than they were to keep the whole law? Something like it wasn't necessary to put the Gentiles under the Law ... Horrors ... maybe only abstain from blood and perhaps fornication and idols ...

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
(Act 15:10-20 KJV)

So abstaining from blood and fornication is the same as keeping the 613 Laws of Moses ... which the believing Jews in Jerusalem were "zealous" to keep?

Act 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

 

[eph3Nine]

Quote from Apollos

But if one hears His word, believes it, repents, and is baptized (immersed in water) salvation is to be found by the grace of God.

If one hears Gods Word specifically addressed TO him, found ONLY in Pauls epistles as the Word of the RISEN Christ; and believes in the death , burial and resurrection of Christ as being SUFFICIENT to secure a reconciliation to God, then he IS saved!

Repent and be water baptized is a command to the nation Israel alone...they were to repent of their disbelief in their promised Messiah, and to demonstrate their belief in what God told THEM by participating in the REQUIREMENT of water baptism.

Apollos...you , my dear fellow, are trying to participate in a program that God has SET ASIDE!

 

[SGM4HIM]

Repent and be water baptized is a command to the nation Israel alone...

MAT 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

 

[eph3Nine]

MAT 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Exactly my point! This is the great commission to the Nation ISRAEL...not to us.

This was never carried out by the way. Israel was SET ASIDE and the MYSTERY was revealed, the Body of Christ being PART of that MYSTERY was BEGUN. OUR GREATER COMMISSION is what is being carried out today. We are ambassadors, telling the world that God no longer imputes their sin to them but has forgiven them ALL, past tense, and that to implore them to be reconciled thru BELIEVING that God has done all the work to make it possible.

MT, MK, LK and JN are not where WE , the Body of Christ go to find our gospel or our instructions.

Please familiarize yourself with the forum and what we believe from the scriptures...if you want free material to show you what program God IS in today..we would be happy to send it to you.

Grace and Peace

Repent and be water baptized were the instructions to Peter for the KINGDOM saints to follow...NOT to YOU! Water baptism was a REQUIREMENT under the Jewish program for the PRIESTHOOD...not for us. We have the ONE baptism of Eph 4:5...no water to be found anywhere, but identified with (the true meaning of baptism) Christs death, burial and resurrection thru an ACT of the HOLY SPIRIT, as he places us INTO the Body of Christ...a LIVING ORGANISM comprised of believers of PAULS gospel...NOT Peters.

 

[SGM4HIM]

Exactly my point! This is the great commission to the Nation ISRAEL...not to us.

This was never carried out by the way.

I'm still confused, so help me out. Jesus was Jewish. The Apostles were Jewish, Paul was Jewish. The group gathered at Pentecost was Jewish. How did they not carry out the great commission?
Sincerely
sgm4him

 

[eph3Nine]

I'm still confused, so help me out. Jesus was Jewish. The Apostles were Jewish, Paul was Jewish. The group gathered at Pentecost was Jewish. How did they not carry out the great commission?
Sincerely
sgm4him

Please...read some of the other threads here so that you are on the same page. We are not IN the program to the Jews/ie; the LAW program today.

Under the program of times PAST , the Nation Israel was to believe FIRST, then lead the OTHER nations (gentiles) to God. This never happened. God changed programs and NOW, under the GREATER commission given to WE the Body of Christ by Paul, all men alike come to God thru believing in the finished work of Christ.

Have you not heard of the gospel of OUR salvation? Do you not KNOW about the dispensation of the GRACE of God as opposed to the law of Moses?

Familiarize yourself with what we teach here. It is biblical and dispensational...that is to say, we acknowledge the DIFFERENCE between Gods program with the Nation Israel and the program we are currently in today which sees NO national distinction at all.

 

[heymikey80]

He is a TEACHER...a student of Gods Word rightly divided. Scripture for us today needs learned men who understand right division to teach. Hes a wise man and his books have helped me tremendously in my understanding of the MYSTERY. If you read carefully, his comments are always supported by scripture, rightly divided.

Actually translating "rightly dividing" from Greek is an etymological misunderstanding. The idea of the word is "to cut through" to the goal, not to accurately split "our program" from "their program".

It's similar to someone translating the English "understand" to demand that you always stand under the object you're "understanding". Can you see that? In order to understand a cow I have to stand under it. To understand justification I have to stand under it.

But of course we have to make sense of the whole of Scripture to have a realistic theology. We can't simply split it up and split it down 'til it's divided-down to where our little pet theology can now be carted out and sold. God demands no less than that our theologies submit to change under His words, rightly comprehended.

People may assert, "Oh, this is some other program for another ethnicity." They may at some point be right about that, too. But that "other program" had better be consistent, too. If it isn't, then something's wrong with splitting off that other program. And that wouldn't be rightly dividing; it'd actually be wrongly dividing.