Thursday, May 20, 2010

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE


 
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (II Tim. 2: 15).

In Eph. 2 the Apostle Paul sets forth the basic three-fold division in God's dealings with mankind: Time Past (vs.11, 12), But Now (v.13), the Ages to Come (v.7). When the Bible is "laid out" according to this divinely inspired design we easily get an overview of not only wllat we are reading but when and to whom it was written. Thus the Word of God itself provides us with the key to its own proper understanding and right division:

Time Past: Eph. 2:11,12 sets forth the basic issue in Time Past as the division between the Circumcision and the Uncircumcision, between the nation Israel and the Gentiles. When you find this issue governing the way God was working with men, you know you are in Time Past. This covers the "Old Testament" (see Gen. 17:9-14, Deut. 4:5-8, Num. 23:9) as well as Mattllew t11ru John (see Rom. 15:8, Matt. 10:5,6; 15:24, John 4:22) and the early Acts period (see Luke 24:47, Acts 1:6,8; 2:14,22,36; 5:32; 11:19).

ButNow: Eph. 2:13 indicates that in the But Now portion Gentiles are no longer "far off' but rather the "middle wall of partition" between Israel and the Gentiles has been eliminated and now "those wlw were far off are made nigh" Romans t11ru Philemon provide the doctrine for the dispensation of grace (Rom. 11:13; 15:16; 16:25, I Cor. 14:37, Eph. 3:1-9).

The Ages to Come: God will bring His purposes to fruition and thus Eph 2:7 points to the Ages to Come. The books of Hebrews thru Revelation focus on this.

This chart Dispensational Bible Studies Rightly Dividing The Word (Chart) has a foldout section to demonstrate the importance of the secret, hidden nature of the present dispensation of grace (Eph. 3:1-9). Fold the chart to hide the "mystery" section and you will see the perfect continuity of that "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began "(Acts 3:21). Open the chart to reveal the mystery program and you will visualize how the prophetic program has been temporarily interrupted by "the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest" (Rom. 16:25,26).

The present dispensation of grace is "the mystery" hid in God until first revealed to the Apostle Paul (Eph. 3:1-9, Col. 1:24-~6, Rom. 16:25,26, I Tim. 2:4-7, Tit. 1:2,3, etc.). Thus in Paul's writings alone we find the doctrine, position, walk and destiny of the body of Christ. Remember: While all Scripture is forus, all Scripture is not written to or about us. This is the key to understanding the Bible.

The Epistles of Paul
• Canonical Order (Doctrinal Significance)
=> CHRIST and HIS CROSS
Romans Doctrine & Instruction
1,2 Corinthians Reproof for Practical Failure
Galatians Correction of Doctrinal Error
=> CHRIST and HIS CHURCH
Ephesians Doctrine & Instruction
Philippians Reproof for Practical Failure
Colossians Correction of Doctrinal Error
=> CHRIST and HIS COMING
1,2 Thessalonians Doctrine & Instruction
=> PASTORAL EPISTLES Pastoral Instruction 1,2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
• Chronological Order (Dispensational Significance)
=> Pre-Prison Epistles (written during the Acts Period)
During this time Paul had a unique ministry (1 Cor. 9:19-23), to the Jew first,
then the Gentile.
Thus we see miracles, signs, and the practice of the Jewish law still in effect.
The mystery was not yet fully revealed. We must "rightly divide" these epistles.
1 Thessalonians - from Corinth (AD 52)
2 Thessalonians - from Corinth (AD 53)
1 Corinthians - from Ephesus (AD 57)
2 Corinthians - from Ephesus (AD 57)
Galatians - from Corinth (AD 57)
Romans - from Corinth (AD 58)
=> Prison Epistles (written after close of the Acts Period)
Israel, as a nation, being set aside at the close of the Acts period, miracles, signs,
and observance of the Jewish law ceases.
The mystery is fully revealed making known God's purpose for His church today,
during this present dispensation of grace.
Ephesians - from Rome (AD 62)
Philippians - from Rome (AD 62)
Colossians - from Rome (AD 62)
Philemon - from Rome (AD 62)
1 Timothy - from Corinth (AD 67)
Titus - from Corinth (AD 67)
2 Timothy - from Rome (AD 68) 



 How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
ead Acts 16L31 Romans 1:16, and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4


(A 10 Minute Video)


 Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
cspivey1953@gmail.com


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