Why the Bible Only Contradicts When You Read It All as One Book

Why the Bible Only Contradicts When You Read It All as One Book

This post addresses an article in which the author ridicules the Bible, claiming it is riddled with contradictions and therefore cannot be divinely inspired. Their critique stems not from malice, but from a deep misunderstanding of Scripture’s structure, purpose, and context. By treating the Bible as a single, undivided document—where every verse is assumed to apply equally to every person in every age—they fall into the common trap of contextual blindness. Their article mocks dozens of verses, pairing them as supposed contradictions, and uses these mismatches to dismiss the Bible’s credibility.

What follows is a corrective reply: each quoted “contradiction” is examined and rightly divided according to God’s dispensational blueprint—between prophecy and mystery, law and grace, Israel and the Body of Christ. Once this division is recognised, the confusion dissolves, and Scripture is revealed not as a flawed book, but as a perfectly ordered revelation of God’s truth, harmony, and eternal purpose.

You’re Right—It Doesn’t Add Up. But That’s Because You’re Missing the Key.

You wrote:

“The thing that primarily killed my faith is that I read enough of The Bible to realize that it teemed with contradictions and thus couldn’t possibly have been divinely inspired…”

That’s honest. And it’s a common conclusion—especially among those who were taught to treat the Bible as one seamless document, where every verse applies equally to every person in every age. But that’s not how the Bible presents itself. And once you learn to rightly divide it, the contradictions vanish.

Let’s start with your first example:

The Everlasting Gospel: A Proclamation, not a Salvation Message

The Everlasting Gospel: A Proclamation, not a Salvation Message

Revelation 14:6-7 describes a striking moment during the tribulation:

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth… Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

Many assume this angel is preaching the same gospel Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But the message here is different. It contains no mention of Christ’s death, burial, or resurrection. No call to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No offer of justification or eternal life. Instead, it is a global proclamation of God’s authority and a warning of imminent judgment.

This is not the gospel of grace. Nor is it the gospel of the kingdom. It is the everlasting gospel—a declaration of who God is and what He is about to do. It calls all nations to fear, glorify, and worship the Creator. It affirms His eternal right to judge. But it does not save.

What Is a Gospel?

The word “gospel” simply means “good news.” Scripture uses it in different contexts:

• The gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) was good news to Israel about the coming reign of Messiah.
• The gospel of grace (Acts 20:24) is good news to all about salvation through Christ’s finished work.
• The everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6-7) is good news that God is still sovereign—even in judgment.

Each gospel is true. Each is good. But each must be understood in its context. The everlasting gospel is not a plan of salvation—it is a call to acknowledge God’s authority before His wrath is poured out.

One Gospel, Rightly Divided: Exposing the Fault Lines in Non-Dispensational Thinking

One Gospel, Rightly Divided: Exposing the Fault Lines in Non-Dispensational Thinking

A frequent criticism of dispensational teaching is that it promotes multiple gospels and separates the words of Jesus from the message of salvation. Opponents argue that dispensationalism creates a theological fracture—one gospel for Israel, another for the Church, and yet another in the future. They claim this undermines the unity of Christ and the authority of His teachings.

But this objection arises from a failure to distinguish between the content of the gospel as progressively revealed and the means of salvation, which has always been by grace through faith. Dispensationalism does not divide Christ—it rightly divides His ministries and clarifies the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

Let us examine and correct the key misunderstandings.

1. Dispensationalism Does Not Teach Different Ways of Salvation

Scripture is clear: salvation has always been by grace through faith. Abraham “believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Paul affirms this in Romans 4:2-5, showing that justification by faith was not a new doctrine introduced by Paul, but a principle established long before the law. However, the nature of that faith—and how it was expected to be expressed—varied according to the dispensation.

Hebrews 11 does not teach that saints were saved by faith alone in the Pauline sense. Rather, it shows that Old Testament believers were justified by faith that obeyed. Noah built an ark (Hebrews 11:7), Abraham offered Isaac (Hebrews 11:17), Moses forsook Egypt (Hebrews 11:27). Their faith was active, enduring, and obedient—fully consistent with the kingdom program, which required works as the visible outworking of genuine belief. As James wrote to the twelve tribes: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). In that context, a confession without obedience was not saving faith.

Does Dispensationalism Divide God?

Does Dispensationalism Divide God?

Many critics of dispensational truth argue that it creates a dangerous division within the Godhead—portraying the Father as the source of law and judgment, and the Son as the bearer of grace and mercy. This objection often takes the form of five specific claims:

• That dispensationalism separates the Father and the Son, implying two different divine standards.
• That it introduces two laws—one from the Father, one from the Son—undermining the incarnation.
• That it makes Jesus a new lawgiver who softens or replaces the Father’s commands.
• That it turns the kingdom of God into a political system rather than a spiritual reality.
• That it revives the ancient heresy of Marcionism by dividing the Old and New Testament portrayals of God.

In the article below, we will examine each of these claims in light of Scripture and demonstrate that they arise from a misunderstanding of dispensational teaching. Far from dividing the Godhead, dispensational truth affirms the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit—each operating in perfect harmony across distinct stewardships. Let the Word rightly divided bring clarity.

Dispensationalism and the Unity of the Godhead: One Will, One Purpose

A common accusation against dispensational truth is that it separates the Father and the Son—portraying the Father as the source of law and judgment, and the Son as the agent of grace and mercy. This objection claims that dispensationalism teaches two different divine wills, or even two different standards of righteousness. But this is a misrepresentation. Dispensational truth does not divide the Godhead; it distinguishes the progressive revelation of God’s unified purpose across time. Scripture affirms that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in essence, one in purpose, and one in will—yet they have revealed that will in different ways across dispensations.

Let us examine the key misunderstandings and correct them with Scripture.

Dispensational Clarity concerning the Unity of God

Many who oppose dispensational truth often raise concerns about the unity of God and the gospel, suggesting that dispensational teaching divides God's nature, fragments His message, and introduces conflicting standards of salvation. These objections typically centre around five key claims, as listed below—each aiming to discredit the legitimacy of rightly dividing the Word. 

In this post, we will examine these claims carefully and demonstrate, through Scripture alone, that these arguments are unfounded. Far from undermining unity, dispensational truth clarifies God's consistent character, His unfolding gospel, and His sovereign plan across time.

Claims concerning the Unity of God and the Gospel

• Dispensationalism divides Scripture into eras that allegedly change God’s requirements, fracturing the unity of His nature and voice.
• It implies God operates differently in different dispensations, altering His will, law, and gospel — contradicting His immutability (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8).
• It creates multiple gospels (kingdom, grace, everlasting), which undermines the singularity of salvation and violates Galatians 1:8.
• It separates the teachings of Jesus from the Church, making His commands seem irrelevant to believers today.
• It treats the gospel as a system of timelines rather than a revelation of one Person — Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Dispensational Clarity concerning the Unity of God

One of the most common objections to dispensational truth is the claim that it divides God, fragments His gospel, and undermines His eternal nature. Critics often assert that dispensationalism teaches multiple ways of salvation, conflicting divine standards, and a fractured view of Christ’s teachings. But these accusations stem from a misunderstanding of what dispensationalism actually affirms. Far from dividing God, dispensational truth rightly distinguishes His dealings with mankind across time, while preserving the unity of His character, His gospel, and His redemptive purpose.

Let us examine and correct five common misconceptions.

The Turning of the Ages: From Kingdom to Grace

The Turning of the Ages: From Kingdom to Grace

The Kingdom Still Offered (Acts 1-7)

The book of Acts opens with the risen Christ speaking to His apostles of the kingdom of God. Their question is simple, almost childlike in its hope: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The expectation is alive, the promises of the prophets still ringing in their ears. When Peter stands to preach at Pentecost, he does not announce a new programme but calls Israel to repentance so that “the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ” (Acts 3:19-20). The kingdom is still on offer, the prophetic hope still extended to the nation.

Yet the story takes a darker turn. In Acts 7, Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, rehearses Israel’s long history of resisting God’s messengers. His words cut deep: “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7:51). The leaders, enraged, drag him outside the city and stone him. This is more than the silencing of a preacher; it is the nation’s climactic rejection of the Messiah and His witness. With Stephen’s death, the prophetic appeal to Israel as a nation reaches its close. The kingdom offer is refused, and the stage is set for God to reveal something entirely new.

The Damascus Road: A New Apostle (Acts 9)

Into this moment of rejection and scattering steps the most unlikely figure. Saul of Tarsus, breathing out threatenings and slaughter, sets out for Damascus to crush the followers of Jesus. But on that road, heaven breaks in. A light shines, a voice speaks, and the persecutor falls to the ground. “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). In that instant, the enemy of Christ becomes His chosen vessel.

From Babes to Sons: How Paul’s Doctrine Grows the Believer

From Babes to Sons: How Paul’s Doctrine Grows the Believer

When we read Paul’s letters, we don’t just see words—we see a journey. A journey from spiritual infancy to maturity. From confusion to clarity. From weakness to strength. And this journey is not random or emotional—it is built on doctrine. The Word of God, rightly divided, is the tool that transforms a believer from a babe in Christ to a mature son who walks in godliness and spiritual understanding.

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Galatians show us what spiritual infancy looks like. These churches were saved, yes—but they were unstable. They were easily swayed, morally compromised, and doctrinally confused. Paul calls the Corinthians “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1) and rebukes the Galatians for being “foolish” and “bewitched” (Galatians 3:1). These believers could not handle strong doctrine. Paul had to go back to basics—correcting their view of the gospel, exposing their carnality, and pleading with them to grow up. They were children, tossed to and fro, needing milk and not meat.

Now contrast that with Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Here we see a different tone. Paul is not rebuking—he is rejoicing. He says, “We give thanks to God always for you all… remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). These believers had received the Word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). They were standing fast, enduring persecution, and walking in holiness. Paul calls them “brethren beloved of the Lord” and speaks to them as sons—not as children.

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 4): Doctrine Shapes Renewal

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 4): Doctrine Shapes Renewal

Before we press forward, let us pause and reflect on the ground we’ve already covered. In Part 1, we explored the stark contrast between the carnal and spiritual mind—the one governed by fleshly reasoning, the other by divine truth. We saw that the spiritual mind is not natural, but cultivated, and that the believer is called to intentional renewal. In Part 2, we learned that renewal is not passive; it requires forsaking. Old thought patterns must be abandoned, not merely suppressed. The mind must be emptied of error before it can be filled with truth. Then in Part 3, we were reminded that this journey is not about perfection, but progression. God does not demand flawlessness, but faithfulness. The spiritual mind is measured not by how far we’ve come, but by whether we are moving forward—renewed day by day, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, in Part 4, we turn our attention to the substance of that renewal. What exactly renews the mind? What shapes the spiritual understanding of the believer? The answer is not found in emotion, experience, or even sincerity—it is found in doctrine. Not just any doctrine, but sound doctrine, rightly divided, rooted in the Word of God and revealed through the apostle Paul for the Church today. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14). The renewed mind is not a blank canvas—it is a built structure. It has a foundation, a framework, and a finish. And that structure is doctrinal.