Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 5B)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 5B --- Dividing the PROGRAMS)

In our last post, Part 5A, we took a high level look at the two programs, simply discussing what they are and how they are different. I'd like to wrap up this series of lessons on "Understanding and Interpreting the Bible", by confirming the scriptural proof of the divisions n the programs of Israel and the Body of Christ.

As a reminder, the below picture illustrates that we have two main parts to God's overarching redemption plan. The realms of earth and heaven, physical and spiritual. Within each of these realms, we have a people group (or agency). Earth will be inherited to Israel, and heaven will be filled with the Body of Christ. We covered these details in depth in previous posts. To clarify the 'program' portions of the image below, I can describe it as follows. The programs are the actionable components of the two divided parts. They portray the 'modus operandi' of the two people groups. The details of the programs identify the people groups based on things like signs, law, prophecy as opposed to faith, grace and mystery. There have different gospels and different destinations. Whatever is defined in the programs provides the identity, lifestyle and actions that the people do and believe.

Let's now turn our attention to facts, by pointing to scriptures that clearly show a difference in the two programs. Just like the realms and agencies, the programs should also be kept distinct and separate, by avoiding the mixing of scriptures which would create a doctrine that is skewed, and false, and dangerous.

Faith and Works during the Law Program

We know as fact, and because of detailed evidence in Paul's writings, that the grace gospel has no works connected to salvation because Jesus has done the 'works' part on our behalf and all that is required of us to be saved is to believe the completed work of Christ. However, under the Law program, there was no such definitive salvation statements and the pattern during the period of law was that one would believe in the Redeemer/Messiah to come, but until then there were also works of obedience. God still required men to do His commands even though they believed in a coming Redeemer/Messiah.

Rom.2:12 For as many as have sinned without law [Gentiles] shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law [Jews] shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. ...

Gentiles were never given the law and will never be judged by the law. Only Israel received the law. Notice which Jews will be justified by the law, only the doers. It was necessary for Jews to do the law in order to validate their faith in the Messiah. Only a faith confession would not fulfil the condition!