BASIC BIBLE QUESTIONS
Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth
Introduction
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
If we are going to understand the Word of God, we must rightly divide it by realizing there are three Bible time periods.
The entire Bible is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but the entire Bible is not applicable to us. For example, we are not commanded to build an ark or to offer animal sacrifices. Unless we understand this important principle, we will never make sense of the Word of God.
To properly understand the Bible, one must understand that there are three dispensations, or time periods, in the Bible.
The Patriarchal Period
The first time period is commonly called the patriarchal period. It began at creation and ended for the Jews when the Law was given at Mount Sinai some 1500 years before the coming of Christ.
Family worship, animal sacrifices, and a time when God spoke tot he heads of households characterized this period.
The Mosaic Period
The Mosaic Period began with the giving of the law through Moses about 1500 years before Christ. It was a law that was given to the nation of Israel and them alone (Deuteronomy 5:1-3).
This period was characterized by the offering of animal sacrifices, circumcision, tabernacle worship, and the priesthood.
The law's purpose was to
- teach Israel the meaning of sin (Romans 3:20), and
- prepare them for the coming of Jesus (Galatians 3:19, 24).
Jesus fulfilled or completed the Law of Moses when he died upon the cross. Paul says in Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross."
Although the Law of Moses is not binding upon us today, it should be studied for the following reasons:
- There are many prophecies that point to Jesus (John 5:39, Luke 24:26).
- Its history is our only reliable source of knowledge about creation and the early history of man.
- It tells us how God dealt with mankind.
- Its events are example to us (1 Corinthians 10:6, Romans 15:4).
The Period Between
The period between the ending of the Law of Moses and the beginning of the Christian Period on Pentecost was a period of reassurance. During this period, Jesus gave proof that he had been physically resurrected from the grave (John 20:21-31). He told the apostles to wait at Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5-8), and He gave them the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).
The Christian Period
The Christian period began on Pentecost in 33 A.D. and will end when Christ returns again. This is the most important period for us because this is the period in which we live. It is a period characterized by new things. We have:
- a new covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13)
- a new birth (John 3:3-5)
- a new name (Acts 11:26)
- a new worship (Acts 2:42), and
- new promises (Hebrews 8:6, 1 John 2:25).
Conclusion
Rightly dividing God's word is what allows us to present ourselves approved to God. Since God's approval should be our primary goal in life, it is imperative that we understand the differences between God's laws and which one we are under today.
by R. C. Archer