Right Division
We consider 2 Timothy 2:15 to be one of the most important verses in the Bible.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are commanded to rightly divide the word of truth. What is there to divide?
We consider Acts 28:28 to be a significant dividing line to the child of God today.
Up to and until the end of the Acts period, the Bible is about God’s dealing with His chosen nation of Israel.
After the close of the Acts period, the gospel of God is sent to the Gentiles. It is also at this time when the Lord reveals to the apostle Paul the great mystery of the church, which is His Body, with Christ as its Head.
Unless one understands the separation of the church from Israel, right division has little meaning.
Paul’s last seven epistle were written after the church was revealed: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Titus, Philemon, 1 & 2 Timothy. These are considered to us.
We are now in the “church age” or “age of pure grace” at a time when Israel has been set aside as Lo-ammi, “not my people”. (Hosea 1:9) During this present age all men stand alike before God. After this age ends, God will reclaim Israel as His people and will resume His new covenant with the house of Judah and the house of Israel.
We believe that the church, which is His Body, has a special position that is separate from the elect of Israel, and also has a separate calling, blessing, hope, and inheritance.
Therefore, when we study the Scriptures, we must rightly divide primarily what is to Israel and what is to us, the church.
Secondarily, we can rightly divide the kingdoms, the covenants, the psalms, doctrine, etc.
Right division is essential to fully understand the correct position as a member in this God-made spiritual church. The correct experience only comes from the correct position.
Right division also bears fruit in correct doctrine. God wants us to understand His will for us and, most importantly, to understand His truth. The truth will make you free.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that if we do not have correct doctrine, we must be reproved, given the correct doctrine and instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
