Why don't Christians see the obvious inescapable contradiction in having both the Old Testament and the New Testament?

Why don't Christians see the obvious inescapable contradiction in having both the Old Testament and the New Testament?

Answering a Social Media Question:

It’s a fair question! At first glance, the Bible can look like a collection of conflicting instructions—dietary laws vs. liberty, animal sacrifices vs. a finished work, or "faith plus works" vs. "grace alone." If you try to mash it all into one flat message, you’re left with a theological headache.

However, the "contradiction" isn't a flaw in the Book; it’s usually a result of how we read it. Using the King James Bible (KJB) as our guide, here is how those pieces actually fit together perfectly through a principle called Right Division.

1. The Key: Rightly Dividing

The Bible itself provides the "instruction manual" for how to read it without getting confused.

2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

To "divide" doesn't mean to discard. It means to recognize that God has dealt with different groups of people (Israel and the Body of Christ) under different "economies" or programs. When you stop trying to apply instructions meant for Israel's prophetic kingdom to the current age of grace, the contradictions vanish.

2. Prophecy vs. Mystery

The "clash" most people see is the difference between the Prophetic Program (found in the Old Testament and the Four Gospels) and the Mystery Program (revealed to the Apostle Paul).

• Prophecy: Concerns the Earth, the nation of Israel, and a literal kingdom. It has been spoken "by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21).
• The Mystery: Concerns the Heavens and the Church. This was a secret "hid in God" until it was revealed to Paul.

3. Why You Need Both

You might wonder: "If we live under the Mystery today, why keep the Old Testament at all?" The answer lies in how God’s full plan is structured.

Romans 16:25-26: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets... made known to all nations for the obedience of faith."

To have a "stable" faith, Paul explains you need:

"My Gospel" & The Mystery: To know your specific identity and instructions today.

The Prophetic Scriptures: To understand the foundation, the character of God, and the legal necessity of a Redeemer.

4. Perfect Synergy

When you see these as two distinct programs under one overarching plan, they don't fight; they harmonize.

The Prophecy shows God’s righteousness and His dealings with the nations through Israel.

The Mystery shows God’s incredible grace in forming a new agency (the Body of Christ) during a time when Israel is fallen.

Without the Old Testament, the New has no context. Without the Pauline Epistles, the Old Testament has no "finish." When you rightly divide, the Bible becomes a masterpiece of "perfect synergy" rather than a book of errors.

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.

Doctrine and Discernment (Part One): The Berean Way

Doctrine and Discernment (Part One): The Berean Way

As believers, we are all stewards of God’s Word. Whether we teach it from a pulpit, share it in a Bible study, sow seeds of truth in conversation, or simply speak it in passing, we minister the Word in one form or another. This stewardship is not optional—it is a divine responsibility. We are called to use the Word wisely, accurately, and purposefully, reconciling others to God through the truth of Scripture. But to do so faithfully, we must first ensure that our own understanding is sound. That means learning the Word, studying it diligently, and proving whether our doctrine aligns with God’s revealed truth. This is not just a noble pursuit—it is a necessary one. And for that, we have a powerful example in the Bereans.

The Bereans, described in Acts 17:11 as “more noble than those in Thessalonica,” were noble not because of status or intellect, but because of their spiritual posture. They received the Word “with all readiness of mind,” showing a humble eagerness to hear and consider what was taught. Yet they did not accept blindly—they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” This was not casual or occasional; it was careful, consistent, truth-seeking study. They tested what they heard against the authority of Scripture, not emotion, tradition, or personality. That is what made them noble—and that is what we must emulate.

To be Berean today is to adopt a default attitude of reverent study and spiritual stewardship. God’s Word is not merely information—it is Spirit and life (John 6:63). It deserves our time, our attention, and our respect. We are not dealing with ideas—we are handling divine truth. And because false doctrine abounds, and misunderstanding is easy, we must be intentional. The Berean way must become our way: to receive the Word with readiness, to search it daily, and to validate all things by Scripture. This is not optional for spiritual maturity—it is essential. It is how we honour God, protect ourselves, and minister truth to others.

Growing in the Word: Precept Upon Precept

Growing in the Word: Precept Upon Precept

Spiritual growth is not an instant transformation but a process of learning, obedience, and dedication. Just as a child matures into adulthood, a believer must develop from the milk of the Word to the strong meat of understanding. Proverbs 1:2-4 speaks of acquiring wisdom, gaining instruction, and developing discernment—principles that are essential to becoming a spiritually mature man or woman of God.

The Path from Carnality to Spiritual Maturity

Before one can grasp the deeper things of God, there must be a season of foundational learning. As 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 teaches, spiritual infancy is marked by the inability to comprehend strong doctrine. But God, in His wisdom, provides milk first—nourishing us through basic truths. Over time, through dedicated study, a believer moves from mere knowledge to understanding, and finally, to wisdom.

The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

Spiritual life can mirror the mechanics of flight. A plane ascends against the law of gravity by leveraging the laws of lift and thrust. These principles allow the plane to defy gravity, soaring high above the clouds. Yet, should the engines fail, cutting off lift and thrust, the plane succumbs to gravity and falls. Similarly, as Paul illustrates in Romans 6-8, believers confront two opposing forces: the law of sin in the flesh and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. By staying connected to God's Word, actively renewing their minds, and holding fast to sound doctrine, believers can overcome the pull of the flesh and live victorious lives. However, neglecting spiritual disciplines is akin to cutting the engines—the law of sin regains control, pulling them down.

Let’s delve into this teaching and explore how believers can keep their spiritual engines running to "fly high" in their walk with Christ.

The Spiritual Battle: Flesh vs. Spirit

Paul vividly contrasts the law of sin in the flesh and the law of the Spirit of life in Romans 6-8. Romans 8:2 (KJV) states:

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

This freedom is not automatic; it requires daily engagement with God's Word and submission to His Spirit. Romans 12:2 (KJV) reinforces the need for transformation:

Embracing Correction and Truth

Embracing Correction and Truth

Spiritual maturity is a journey—a transformative process that challenges us to move beyond our own understanding and align our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word. This growth often involves reproof and correction, two elements that may feel uncomfortable but are essential for shaping us into the image of Christ. As believers, we are called to renew our minds through Scripture, allowing God's wisdom to displace our own, and in doing so, we begin to understand the deeper truths of God’s word, His will and His judgements. 

The Galatian saints struggled with this, relying on their own efforts and clinging to the law of Moses instead of embracing the faith-centered doctrine that Paul taught. Their error lay in attempting to perfect themselves through fleshly endeavours rather than submitting to the transformative power of God's Word. This serves as a lesson for all believers: true transformation comes not from our own wisdom or actions, but from the renewing of our minds by Scripture alone. We cannot layer God's truth on top of our flawed thinking and expect to grow; instead, we must allow His Word to reshape us entirely. 

Acknowledging our need for correction is critical in this process. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 that those who oppose themselves are caught in the snare of the devil, unaware that they are walking in false doctrine. The first step to freedom is recognizing and admitting our errors. This attitude of humility helps us to change our mind and leads us back to the path of truth. Like the Galatians, we may sometimes find it difficult to accept correction, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes areas of weakness. Yet, this willingness to embrace reproof is vital for spiritual growth. 

Rightly dividing is a RESULT of study, not an identity to hold to

Rightly dividing is a RESULT of study, not an identity to hold to

2Tim.2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

Reading this chapter recently, I came to the above passage; two verses that are so important to understand and apply in the dispensational view that all believers should hold to. Consider this, all the thousands of separate denominational views, the cause of bad doctrine in the churches today, and the reason for so many babes in Christ in the pews is a direct result of ignorance or negligence of the above verse. As I slowly read the instructions in this verse, I was remined again of something I had learned a while back and I thought I'd write an encouraging post about it to let others know how to handle this passage. 

The command is to study, not to rightly divide

Firstly, we must understand that the instruction in verse 15 is "study", not to "rightly divide". Paul never commanded Timothy to rightly divide. He commanded Timothy to study the word of truth. Study is the main instruction in the above verse. Studying is what will show one approved unto God so that they do not need to be ashamed.

He who delights in the Word of the Lord shall be blessed in all of his ways

He who delights in the Word of the Lord shall be blessed in all of his ways

Paul's 9-church epistles make up our grace curriculum which lays a foundation and then increases the grace believer, who commits to studying the curriculum, in knowledge, in spiritual growth, and in faith. I have been studying and writing a lot of material concerning this topic for bible study messages, for blog posts, and for YouTube videos, but the other day I came across this Maranatha song that inspired me tremendously in my labour in the word of God. This post is simply to share this song with you. 

Take a moment of time to get quiet and let this song just utterly bless your socks off. The words are so perfect for what I am studying, and I hope it will bless you as much as it did me.

God bless.

Click the link below for the song on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNYvKtEziuI

The Goal of our Curriculum

The Goal of our Curriculum

If one looks at the 9-church epistles, from Romans to 2-Thessalonians, and consider it from a bird's eye view, one will see some incredible patterns of design and intricacy in its makeup. This can only have come about by the wisdom of God our Father who knows the end from the beginning and has planned all things out since the foundation of the world. Consider that Paul did not write the epistles in the order that we know them in the Bible today. Consider that Paul did not intend to have the epistles combine so intricately in content and topic. Paul simply wrote as the Holy Spirit inspired him, and to him, each epistle was a single letter with the necessary doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction, which that specific church required at that specific moment in time. Yet, when you study these 9-letters, it reveals a pattern of design that proves the hand of an all-wise and all-knowing God overseeing this incredible and valued compilation.

Paul provides us with the ultimate goal, or purpose, of the curriculum in Romans 16:25-26. It reads the following,

Understanding and Applying our Curriculum

Understanding and Applying our Curriculum

Consider the following verse from Paul to the Corinthians,

1Cor 2:6  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  (7)  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Paul speaks of a wisdom among those who are perfect. What does this mean, and what can we learn from this statement?

By “wisdom”, Paul refers to the doctrine of the mysteries which he had written and preached. In the context of this passage in Corinthians, he refers to the plan of salvation by the cross of Christ.

This word “perfect” is in reference to believers, as it is in Php 3:15, “Let us therefore as many as be perfect, be thus minded.” Perfect does not mean that believers were sinless, but that they were mature in ‘the faith’ and who had made progress in the knowledge of the doctrine of the mysteries (our curriculum), as opposed to those who were weak in the faith, babes in spiritual things, and the carnally minded, who rejected this wisdom as foolishness, 1Cor 1:21-27.

Isn’t it interesting to parallel this wisdom of Paul, hidden to those who are carnal and persistently ignorant, with the parables of Jesus, which were Kingdom truths purposefully hidden from Jews who had no desire to hear and see in faith. Notice what Paul writes to the Corinthians, saying,

Understanding The Gospel (An IMPORTANT message for learning and understanding the Bible)

Understanding The Gospel (An IMPORTANT message for learning and understanding the Bible)

Here is an important teaching from Paul Lucas, dealing with "the understanding of the gospel". I plan to upload only this video (on my YouTube channel), the first in a series that Paul will present and upload to his channel going forward. I encourage you to watch this video and return to his channel for the subsequent videos in this series. 

What I find of great value in this teaching series is not only the proper understanding of  what the bible refers to as the gospel, but even more importantly is the information we can learn concerning studying the bible itself; how to look for and understand patterns in the perfect design of God's word in the King James Authorized version, how to interpret each word as it is set in place in the sentence structure, and how to take time in studying and cross referencing the text within the passage, and within the context of the book in which it occurs, and in context with other books in the Bible itself. 

As Paul says in the video, the King James version is a PERFECT book in design, in grammar, in information structure, and in its message. How can we exhaust just one book, let alone all 66. God is all wise and He has ensured that the words in the KJV communicate this to us in great detail and accuracy.

Click here to view the video. The make sure to go to Paul's channel here and look out for the rest of the series as and when they are uploaded.

Let's remember to keep learning our Spiritual Curriculum

Let's remember to keep learning our Spiritual Curriculum

The book of Romans lays the groundwork for our faith. First Corinthians addresses issues of immaturity and divisions within the church. Second Corinthians focuses on comfort and understanding as one learns these truths. In Galatians, Paul warns us not to foolishly try to achieve perfection through our own efforts and laws, which he also discusses in Romans chapters 7 and 8. He introduces the idea of the "new creature" in Galatians.

Ephesians reveals this new creature, which we refer to as the "new man." Paul encourages us to live in a way that reflects our calling and prepares us for spiritual battles. This isn't just about us; it's about the new man, Jesus Christ, who is in conflict with sin and the world. That's why we are told to put on the armor of God.

Philippians teaches us to work together for the faith of the Gospel, united in mind and spirit, while deepening our understanding of the Son of God. Colossians encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to grow in our walk with God, embodying the new man. These seven letters guide us in living out the work of faith, and the labour of love.

The letters to the Thessalonians present an example of a strong church. First Thessalonians encourages us to be patient in hope and to grow continually. Second Thessalonians reminds us not to be easily shaken or troubled, and it emphasizes the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the teaching of the Apostle Paul, outlining a path for us to follow. By studying these letters and obeying their teachings from the heart, we can grow from spiritual infants into mature sons of God, living by the Spirit and pleasing our Father as we bring glory to Christ.

See more here: https://thebigpicturelink.blogspot.com/2023/10/as-grace-believers-what-is-our-primary_14.html

The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

Rom 2:25-29  For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  (26)  Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  (27)  And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  (28)  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  (29)  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Studying the written Word is more than just reading scripture to learn about the message in the words themselves. Yes, there is important truth in the message delivered by the words, but one should also learn and partake of the spirit of God in the passage, which is found behind the words.

Let’s have a look at the above passage and, as an example, extract a basic learning and understanding from the words in the passage, but also learn something about God’s character and will from the spirit behind the words.

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A famous chef had passed away, yet everyone was still trying to master his recipes. No matter what anyone did, from the Executive Chefs to the kitchen moms, their dishes just never had that sought after perfection that this chef produced in his day. He had authored a few books concerning his life and recipes, and one could follow his published recipes to the tee, but it never produced the same standards of taste and quality that he was renowned for. 

Then, one day, in a humble soup kitchen, in a backwater town, a social worker prepared a meal that ignited a frenzy. It was discovered that the simple meal he dished out to the homeless and destitute had the exact signature markers of that famous master chef. The aroma, the flavours, the textures, the quality and appearance. How did he do it? How did he crack the code? Reporters hounded him for answers.

This is what they learned:

Priori knowledge is a philosophical idea and has no scriptural endorsement

Priori knowledge is a philosophical idea and has no scriptural endorsement

STATEMENT:

Jeremiah 1:1–6 mentions our life before our human birth. We were made with the knowledge of right and wrong, kindness and cruelty. In old language, this was called a priori knowledge. Socrates in Plattos Dialog, Phaedo, explains our pre-birth knowledge as remembering concepts such as empathy, beauty, loyalty, honesty, courage. It's a vital discourse one must read.

RESPONSE:

I’m not sure how you obtain “knowledge of our life before birth” from Jer.1:1-6.

Jer 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Does God still speak today?

Does God still speak today?

I post these social media interactions because they are a great source of Q&A. It also helps arm us believers with how unbelievers, or even uneducated babes in Christ, think or reason out spiritual matters.

SOCIAL MEDIA QUESTION:

• Tell me this…how come God no longer speaks to man and no longer manifest himself. I know many claims God speaks or have spoken to them but realistically the person speaking is your inner thoughts. It’s always humans making claims for God not God himself. You’d think an all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present god would make his presence known to the world and not in visions and dreams of charlatans. The world is in crises all over. He is needed more than ever. Where is Christ in all of crises?

MY REPLY:

The bible tells us why. I’ll explain it in summary. It all has to do with a God’s overall plan to restore heaven and earth to its former glory under Christ.

How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong?

How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong?

QUESTION:

How do we determine if something is a sin or not? Is this where our conscience tells us it’s wrong? Will this work, because the reality is that most people are so used to sin, they won't feel conviction or don't have that Holy Spirit guiding them because they didn't really surrender.

ANSWER:

For the most part, you are correct. Sadly, many believers are ignorant of God’s will for them and remain ‘desensitized’ to sin. People today might come to salvation, but then they do not grow up in Christ. They remain babes in Christ, carnal Christians, not growing up sufficiently to become ‘re-sensitized’ about sin and have the Word influence them beyond their carnal desires.

The need to divide, or cut, or handle, the Word is paramount to understanding its true context

The need to divide, or cut, or handle, the Word is paramount to understanding its true context

STATEMENT:

Your post about rightly dividing prophecy from mystery reminds me of a story about 6 blind men arguing about what an elephant was like. the poem, “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by John Saxe. In the poem, each blind man had grabbed a different part of the elephant and was vigorously defending his position. The man who had the leg declared the elephant was like a tree, the one who had the ear said he was like a fan, the one who had the trunk asserted he was like a snake, and so forth. So too, Christians can grab different verses in the New Testament and begin arguing—as if the Bible could contradict itself. That is not how to establish truth in the Christian world. The Bible is God-breathed and does not contradict itself. God’s people are to “rightly handle,” the Word and the words in it, and not wage useless word battles with them. The Bible can be wrongly believed and taught, and it can also be wrongly used as a weapon against other people.

ANSWER:

Thanks for your input. I have no doubt that many denominational churches today handle the Word incorrectly, twisting the Word to fit their church creed or traditions instead of truly studying the Word to find out what God’s will and purpose for the Body of Christ truly is. Thus, your analogy is true for people who take parts of God’s Word and change it fit their purpose and views, essentially creating it into something like what you describe with the elephant's anatomy.

The Timeline of Paul’s Ministry (Study Aid)

The Timeline of Paul’s Ministry

(The timeline below can be useful for orientating oneself in Paul’s time when studying Acts and Paul’s Epistles)

Rightly dividing is not a doctrine, nor is it an identify, it’s an inevitable conclusion.

Rightly dividing is not a doctrine, nor is it an identify, it’s an inevitable conclusion.

People who hold to a dispensational view of the Bible often justify their view by quoting the following verse …

2Tim 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

… and they focus almost exclusively on the part of the verse that instructs one to rightly divide the Word of truth.

Now, although there is nothing wrong with that, since right division is of crucial importance to understand the Bible in the correct context, I do want to point out something that is often overlooked in the verse above, which is in fact the primary key to this whole concept of rightly dividing.