Questions and Answers concerning Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Questions and Answers concerning Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Social media response to a post of mine

The person responded to me with the following: “I still have some doubts with the whole concept of rightly dividing God’s word and seeing two programs between Israel and the church. What are your views on the following issues that still bug me. TX.”

Below, as per the bulleted item are their questions (issues), followed by my responses.

• Israel had a unique role in history, under the Law, covenants, and prophecy. But when Jesus came, something massive shifted. Paul talks about it in Ephesians 2:14-16—how Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles and made them one new humanity. If Israel and the Church were meant to stay in completely separate lanes, why would Paul describe them as one people in Christ?

The unification that Paul is referring to here is not concerning the two programs (ie: Israel under law and prophecy and the Body of Christ under grace and mystery) but rather, the unification of Jew and Gentile into the Body of Christ after Israel’s program was suspended. Remember, God has blinded Israel due to unbelief, but they are not forsaken or lost. Their program is suspended for a later time when it will be reactivated after the Body of Christ is snatched up to heaven. When the tribulation starts, the prophetic program of Israel is reactivated, and Israel will once again come into God’s focus in order to complete it. But, while their program is suspended, Jews (Israelites) and Gentiles are treated the same. Jews are no longer preeminent as God’s chosen nation. It is no longer Jews first and then the Gentiles. Paul says, “Gal_3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (see also 1Cor.12:13; Col.3:11). This is that middle wall of partition that is broken down. That pre-eminence of Israel is broken down and both Jew and Gentile are on the same level because of the cross. At this point, both Jew and Gentile are saved and added into the Body of Christ through the grace gospel until this body is taken up to heaven to end the dispensation of grace. So, Paul describes Jew and Gentile as being made one within the Body of Christ while God is forming this Body in the grace dispensation. It is not thus a unification of the two distinct and separate programs.

That FORM of Doctrine (Introduction)

That FORM of Doctrine (Introduction)

The word of God, as given in Paul’s epistles, was designed for our godly edification. The word edifies us, from the foundation and through spiritual growth, to renew our minds, form Christ in us, and bring us to the point of godly living through good works.

It is not an instant process. Like a seed is planted, it must first take root, be fed and nurtured, and only then does it start to produce fruit. Similarly, Paul uses a building analogy. The word must first have a foundation, then only can we start to build upon it with materials that glorify God.

1Co 3:6-9  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  (8)  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  (9)  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

This series will highlight that with study and faithfulness, with time and diligence, the word will take form in your heart, do a work within you, and bring you to the point of godliness and profitability for God. 

The Difference Between Sin and Sins

The Difference Between Sin and Sins

It's always good if one learns a new insight or revelation that causes you to see something new in the scriptures; to help you to understand a verse or passage in a deeper or more profound way. One such moment came for me when I learned that there was a marked difference between the word "Sin" and the word "Sins". One might think that it's the same thing except that the plural means more than one sin, right? Well, actually, no, depending on the context of the verse.

Lets look at some verses that illustrate the difference between the two,