Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 4A)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 4A --- Dividing the AGENCIES)

Dividing the REALMS, defined in the previous post of this series, by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical, provide an understanding of the end point of God's great redemption plan. However, leading up to this end point, there will be an agency to occupy the heavens and fill it with the glory of Jesus Christ, and there will be an agency to occupy the earth and fill it with the glory of Jesus Christ. The end of it all would be as the scriptures say,

Col.1:19-20 For God [the Father] was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him [Christ], 20 and through Him [Christ] to reconcile to Himself [the Father] all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood* of His [Christ] cross.

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 3)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 3 --- Dividing the REALMS)

In previous posts of this study, we have investigated the NEED to recognize divisions in the Bible. We have also determined the PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible. It is important to remember that the purpose for dividing the Word originates in all things to do with Israel. In this post we will have a look at the first of three overarching 'Israel related' categories that need to be rightly divided in God's greater redemption plan. Within the three categories of (1) Realms, (2) Agencies, and (3) Programs, we will start by dividing the REALMS; defined by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical.

Genesis 1:1 famously starts with the statement, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...". In the context of this verse, we know that the heavens and the earth are the physical realms that God created. However, as we progress through this study, and in context with the verses we will target, you will notice that the words, heaven and earth, as well as starts, sand, spiritual and physical can represent different things. The context of the verse is important and will clarify whether the meaning represents the physical creation, or angels (demons) or actual celestial bodies, or even two different people groups. This will become evident as we progress. I'm simply giving you a heads up.
 

The Faith Stream Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to ALL the seed.

Q-A: The Bible - Why isn't all Scripture written TO You?

Q-A: The Bible - Why isn't all Scripture written TO You?

I often use the phrase, "All Scripture is written FOR you, but not all Scripture is written TO you", and this generally provokes a response of astonishment, if not a stronger aversion from the person. It does not however surprise me as there are not many who understand the Word rightly divided. So, lets delve into this phrase and explain it clearly and concisely.

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.2)

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.2)

This is part 2 of the series
Click here to start with Part 1

Lets connect the dots between Abraham and Paul

Having set the scene, in part 1, that creation is corrupt in both heaven and earth, we indicated that God predestined the cleansing of these two realms by two separate people groups. Genesis 22:15-17 is an incredible verse that describes the two people groups in God's plan of redemption, but lets have a look at some even more incredible connections (similarities or parallels) within these two people groups.

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.1)

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.1)

Setting the scene

There are 2 programs in God's PLAN of redemption; an earthly program and a heavenly program. We all know that Genesis 1:1 reads,

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Heaven and earth are two separate realms that make up God's creation. We should also be aware that both these realms are corrupt and need 'cleansing'.