Basic Right Divisions in the Scripture

There are four divisions that when recognized will give a tremendous boost in understanding the Bible. When their differences are not fully appreciated confusion arises. Most of church history has been plagued with mishandling and private interpretations of the Scriptures by wrongfully ignoring these necessary divisions.

1. Law and Grace (John 1:17)

Law and grace are the two principles under which mankind has operated with God. The first law was given to Adam and Eve; later hundreds were given in covenant with Israel. We learn from the law the need for a great work to be done for God’s righteousness (Gen. 2:16-17, Exo. 20, Deut. 6:24-25).

Grace is the essential principle in the great dispensation of grace under which we now live (Eph. 3:2). Grace is described by undeserved favor unto reprobate humanity (Titus 2:11, 3:3-7, Eph. 2:1-5). God’s provision of free grace unto salvation is offered to all without works (Eph. 2:8-9). God’s love is manifested in the finished work of Christ on the cross (Eph. 2:4-5, Rom. 5:6-10, 15-21).

While both principles magnify the Lord Jesus Christ they must be separated if we are to avoid doctrinal confusion. We are either under law or under grace (Rom. 6:14-15).

2. Israel and Church

Israel and the Church are the two entities through which God’s will is performed. Israel’s purpose is to be a peculiar people, above all nations, and a kingdom of Priest unto God (Exo. 19:5-6, Deut. 14:2, 26:18). Through its covenants this one great nation of priests shadowed the greater things to come on earth through the Messiah.

The Church here is not the general congregation throughout all history, but that unique one body church which is called the body of Christ composed of all redeemed in this dispensation to show forth the fellowship of the mystery to all men and to the principalities and powers (Eph. 1:20-23, 4:4-6, 5:23-25, Col. 1:18,24, 1 Cor. 12:13,27). This new creature is the manifold wisdom of God where the unsearchable riches of Christ and the mystery of God’s will is made known (Eph. 1:9, 3:8-9, 2 Cor. 2:14).

While both entities point to the Lord Jesus Christ for their fulfillment they must be separated if we are to avoid identity confusion. We are either Israel (more aptly Jew or Gentile) or we are the Church the body of Christ (neither Jew nor Gentile) – 1 Cor. 10:32, 12:13, Gal. 3:28, 6:15, Col. 3:11.

3. Earth and Heaven

Heaven and earth are the two spheres of dominion that God has purposed to glorify him, but since the beginning have been usurped by Satan through sin (Gen. 3). In the end, the home of lowly mankind, earth, will become the centerpiece of God’s kingdom (Dan. 2:44, Jer. 23:5, Matt. 6:10, Rev. 11:15). Israel will bring the banner of God’s earthly program, and to declare his marvellous works manifested in the flesh (Ex. 19:5-6, Deut. 26:18).

Heavenly places have always been the realm of angels and other spiritual beings. In the end heaven will be filled with the members of the body of Christ (Eph. 1:21-23, 2:6-7, Col. 1:13). The one body will declare the riches of his grace through Christ in the very places where the great rebellion started in the universe (Eph. 2:7).

While both dominions will be gathered together in Christ (Eph. 1:10), they must now be separated if we are to avoid ministry confusion. We are either building a kingdom on earth through the covenants or we are ambassadors from heavenly places (Col. 3:1-2, 2 Cor. 5:20, Phil. 3:20).

4. Prophecy and Mystery

The three previous divisions can be simplified into a single division. This single division that is most needful for the Bible student to make is that between Prophecy truth and Mystery truth.

The law, Israel, and the earth are the subjects of prophecy which had been spoken since the world began until Paul (Luke 1:68-70, Acts 3:18-24).

Grace, the one body Church, and heavenly places are the subjects of the mystery of Christ which had been kept secret, hid in God, until revealed first to the apostle Paul (Eph. 3:5, 9, Col. 1:26-27, Rom 16:25). This is the dispensation under which we now live and minister (Eph. 3:2).

A failure to rightly divide these pairs has turned the Bible into a conglomeration of confusion. Do not try to put together what God has separated. Making these distinctions clear will greatly benefit anyone who desires to grow in their understanding of God and the Bible.

Evangelist Rodgie Quirante

The Workman's Treasure Study Series