Rightly Dividing the Word
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
The term divide has 8 definitions in my dictionary; all are similar in basis. Definition #2 says , “to separate into groups; to classify.” This simple definition accurately describes the way the term is used in this verse. A separate definition exists specifically for dividing, and states; “that indicates separation or difference.”
II Timothy 2:15 is a favorite verse among dispensationalists. If only I had a nickel for each time I have heard it…
There is a great danger in building doctrines around a single verse: we need to take the Word of God as a whole. Many times a single verse will accurately reflect what the entire Word of God teaches, but sometimes we need other scripture passages to make sense of it. It is most important that we (mankind) not add our own reasoning to what we find in the Holy Bible!
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:20,21
It is good and necessary to rightly divide the Word of Truth (God’s Word): we may also think of “rightly dividing” as correctly applying. Unfortunately, many dispensationalists have come to use this verse to deny many parts of God’s Word.
So what is a dispensation? A dispensation is anything dispensed or distributed. Also, it is an ordering of events by God. It is, for us, the way God has revealed Himself throughout time.
The Bible uses the term dispensation 4 times, and each time is consistent within its definition (I Corinthians 9:17, Ephesians 1:10 & 3:2, Colossians 1:25). Ephesians 1:10 refers to God revealing Himself through Jesus Christ. In the other 3 verses, dispensation is describing God’s revelation to Paul, and the calling given to him.
In the rest of the Bible we may observe dispensations, but they are not so named! When God first created man, and had fellowship with him in the Garden of Eden, this was the initial “dispensation” toward us. After sinning, a new dispensation came forth. Through Moses came another, and through Christ another.
When your child was new-born, you knew each other in a certain way. After he/she began to walk, it changed. By the time of entering school, you treated them much differently than you first did. More changes come as they physically mature, learn to drive, begin their own families. Each of these different ways that you interact with them may be thought of as a dispensation.
The philosophy or doctrine of Dispensationalism adds greatly to God’s Word—any adding to the Word is utterly evil (Proverbs 30:6). Any so-called dispensation of God is plainly identified in His Word. In short, if the Bible doesn’t show it, it isn’t there!
Cyrus Scofield was Satan’s primary tool in promoting Dispensationalism to an unholy level. The Scofield Reference Bible came out in 1909. In it, Mr. Scofield added his own comments and interpretations to various passages. Therefore, a man was putting himself above the Holy Spirit in conveying God’s truth. No doubt the devil convinced him that he was helping the unlearned! People bought into this (not testing the Spirit!), and we are now well into the third generation of professing Christians that have accepted this heresy as truth. Generations of church-going people have been taught to accept Cyrus Scofield’s additions to the Word of God as if they were divinely appointed!
This indoctrination is very hard to break. Individuals are not told to prayerfully ask for the Holy Ghost’s leading in understanding the Word—they have been told over and over what they are to believe, handed down from a man with “a form of godliness,” but had denied God’s power (II Timothy 3:5).
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. II Peter 1:20
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. II Peter 2:1-3
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. II Peter 2:17-22
One of the great heresies that has risen from Dispensationalism is that of eternal security. This is what is meant by these last verses I have recorded. Consider in verse 18; “…they allure through the lusts of the flesh…those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” The doctrine of eternal security teaches that once a person has been saved, they can never turn and be eternally lost. Such a doctrine ultimately serves the lusts of the flesh, as described here. Please see our sections on Dispensationalism and A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security for a more thorough review.
What other dispensations were added to God’s Word by Scofield and his followers? I will state those which I have encountered directly, but I am not saying that all dispensationalists abide by all of these, or only these. It is meant to be an overview of what you will likely run into.
Dispensationalists do not believe in miracles, but teach that it was only for the disciples, and the newly founded church. No casting out of devils, no speaking in tongues, no healings, no resurrections. The Bible does not teach this! It is an excuse for a lack of faith.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17,18
Dispensationalists teach eternal security, and consider any contradicting passages to be for “another dispensation.” Therefore they consider Matthew to be only for the Jews under the law of Moses. Matthew 7:21-23, 18:21-35, and 25:14-30 all indicate the possibility of denying Christ and falling away! Can you see why they chose to deny the teachings in Matthew? NOT because the Bible says to, but because it is comfortable (II Timothy 4:3).
Hebrews is also written off; due to “tribulation” (Matthew 13:21) caused by 6:4-6 and 10:26-29. I have also heard that the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is meant for the millennium (when Christ returns to reign)! How can anyone justify these teachings that have no Biblical support?
Many professing Christians also disregard the entire Old Testament! Yet without it, how can you believe the New Testament? Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, and Luke 4:4, show that we need every word from God. Jesus addresses it again in Matthew 5:17-20, which says;
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20. Bold print was added to emphasize.
When you pray and consider all of God’s Words, He will guide you into the truth. Dispensations from man-made philosophies will do nothing but destroy your faith.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I John 2:27
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2-3 are often considered to be church ages, rather than anything temporal. Dispensationalists promote this theory, and there may be something to it. But these churches, and church types, did, and do exist, as well. To surmise that they represent only undefined church “ages”, is to do so without Bible support. It is a thought added to Bible teaching from men (Matthew 15:8,9)
Much teaching on prophecy concerning the last days has also been filtered through Dispensationalism. The any-moment rapture, pre-tribulation rapture, and 7 year great tribulation period, are all teachings which stem from this heresy. I guess that once you grow comfortable adding to the Word of God, it’s hard to know where to stop! Beware of what things your “ministers” teach you: test the spirits, cling fast to the Word.
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. Ezekiel 34:2-4
To rightly divide the Word is essential for our understanding in Biblical studies. It is to correctly apply scriptures; based on the context they are used in, and how they fit with the rest of the Word. This next section is presented in a way to help you see more deeply and clearly when studying God’s Word, mostly through examples.
There are “big” comparisons to make; taking all of scripture into account. I have already pointed out that the serpent in Genesis 3 is actually the devil—but that we only have this revealed with certainty in the book of Revelation (12:9 & 20:2)!
Honoring the Sabbath was the single commandment (of the 10 commandments) change made with the Old Testament to the New Testament. Please look at our Sabbath section for more detail.
Dietary laws were also greatly changed from the Old Testament instructions. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 contain extensive descriptions of the animals which were designated to be unclean. Yet beginning with Jesus’ earthly ministry, He made it a point to de-emphasize specific foods to eat. Like these words in Mark 7:18,19;
And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? Mark 7:18,19
After the early church begins, even more new instruction springs forth in regard to eating. In Acts 10, Peter was being instructed to go to the gentile Cornelius. Look at how God showed him to go:
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Acts 10:11-15
The Holy Spirit also moved Paul in addressing this issue a bit later.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Romans 14:2,3
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. I Timothy 4:4,5
We followers of Christ still have requirements concerning our bodies’ upkeep. It is not as particular as in the Old Testament, but every bit as important. Acts 15 reveals the “new” dietary laws given by the Lord.
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
Only too many believers follow no guidelines in regard to the type of food, or quantities they eat. If Jesus is your LORD, the issue of eating must be submitted as well.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Corinthians 3:16,17
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23
One of the best questions to settle when considering Bible passages is, “who are these verses talking to?” Is it directed at the disciples, the unsaved, the Pharisees, the church, or just one individual? We should join with Peter when he asked, “Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?”—Luke 12:41
It is interesting to observe the introductions to many of the books in the New Testament. Perhaps it doesn’t need to be said, but I am certain that many miss it. Let’s look at the introduction found in I Corinthians:
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: I Corinthians 1:2
Look at the power and direction of this letter! It is written to: 1) the Church of God (specific place unimportant) 2) them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus 3) called to be saints 4) with All that in EVERY PLACE call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord (not all call on Him this way). So right away you can see that this is for true believers in Christ, all over the world, in any time period! This is a powerful introduction.
There was one individual who opposed my marriage to Jamie; claiming that since I was divorced, I could never remarry. I pointed out to him scripture from I Corinthians 7 as support for my position. He then claimed that the instructions I referenced were only for the Corinthians being written to! The introduction found at the beginning of this letter should remove all doubt on this matter. To use such a philosophy as this person, is really just picking and choosing your own brand of religion!
Many make the mistake of limiting God’s Word to a place and time in history. If that were true, what good would it be to us? Why would you say that only a few parts of it are relevant for today, and how would you know which parts to regard or ignore? Yet this is exactly what the dispensationalists do—placing men’s reasoning over which parts of the Bible we should listen to.
God’s Word is not bound to a time or place in history—it is relevant and powerful to be used here and now, for “there is nothing new under the sun.”—Ecclesiastes 1:9
All believers should realize that small changes have occurred; as God continues to reveal Himself to us over time. But our God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33), and plainly outlines the differences in His “dispensations” toward us in His Word. Remember that who God is always remains the same (Hebrews 13:8): but even as our relationships with our own children change as they age, so our Heavenly Father has seen fit to reveal Himself ever more deeply as history progresses.
The issue of prayer and prayer fulfillment is a great concern, also. Many are discouraged when they feel their prayer is unanswered. They fail to take into account all of God’s Words, which would explain why some prayers aren’t answered: it would also explain how you can be sure that your prayers are answered!
Inner motives or spiritual condition are the biggest hindrances to prayer.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3
What exactly are you asking for, and why? Is your motive selfish, perhaps worldly in nature? Examine your heart before God (Psalms 139:23,24) in prayer. Ask the Lord to reveal any obstacles, and submit your will to His. He promises to give you the reasons.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
Sin will also separate you from God in prayer. This most often applies to non-believers, very young Christians, or back-sliders (fallen from faith). Mature believers typically bring their lives in Christ daily for sanctification. Real sin can seldom sneak in when we are walking closely with our God. Hebrews 5:12 refers to this issue of maturity.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Hebrews 5:12
As for the sin separation issue, it is revealed well in Isaiah 59:1,2:
Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1,2
It is good to know that your prayers will be heard and answered. God does show us how to know just that! Patience is also an important key, which will be gone over more thoroughly next month. Our Lord is not some genie who instantly grants all our requests! He wants a relationship with us, and wants us to grow. Believe in faith that your prayers have been answered (past tense), and you will receive them (Mark 11:24).
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35,36
One key to answered prayer is found in John 15:7:
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7
The text behind this verse will show us that Jesus is speaking to the 11 true disciples in the upper room. The opening article “if” reveals a conditional promise. If Jesus’ disciples (indicates a level of commitment) abide in Him (dwell in Christ: implies obedience), and (shows 2 conditions necessary) my words (Holy Bible) abide in you (His words have a home in you, and you follow them—Psalms 1:2, Deuteronomy 11:18-20), ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Though this promise in John 15:7 has limiting conditions, it is in no way difficult to understand. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more perfected in Him we become. As this happens, our prayers will more naturally come from right motives and Godly desires. It is always good to examine the reasoning behind the prayers you present. But realize that as your heart is in right relationship with God, your prayers will also fall in line with His will.
John 15:7 is also well-reflected in I John 3:22.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:22.
Here again is another condition required for the answering of prayer. This is not a demand for perfection! During our lives in the flesh, our spiritual lives will only, ever be, under construction. It is the process of being perfected; knowing that the goal cannot be reached until we are transformed into the likeness of Christ (resurrection/rapture). Do not think that a prayer answer will be withheld because of some “slip”, or an ongoing spiritual struggle. These are covered in the daily dying to yourself (Luke 9:23). To do those things “pleasing to God” and “keeping His commandments” needs to be the strong intent of our hearts and minds.
Even more clarity is provided later in I John. Please read this carefully!
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I John 5:14,15
What a simple, powerful promise this is! Never think twice about a prayer request, when you know it is according to God’s will—He hears and answers that petition!
How do you know that your prayer is according to God’s will? Examine your motives, and see how it lines up with scripture. You will always find your answer for prayer direction in the Holy Word of God (KJV only); to find whether or not it be correct. We also need to consider priorities, for sometimes our choice is between two Biblically correct principals. The Word shows us that while there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1), some practices are more important than others. As an example:
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Matthew 23:23,24
In all that is recorded here, it is my intention to provide examples of how vital it is to take every single Word of the Bible for instruction. Hopefully it will provide enough insight to keep you keenly aware as you look into the Word of God for guidance.
GOD is responsible for bringing or withholding rain. It is mentioned frequently in the Bible, and it really mystifies me why so many believers are unaware of this. Perhaps it is simply too often viewed as an explicable, predictable science. Anyone observing weather forecasts should see the obvious mistake in this assumption!
Or maybe it is because God’s Word reveals it as a consequence for spiritual obedience or sin—by then regarding weather only as a “natural” phenomenon, they are released from one type of accountability for sin. The devil loves this!
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Deuteronomy 11:13,14
Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Deuteronomy 11:16,17. Bold type is added for emphasis.
Please also note that the gift of rain (verse 14) comes in due season. This would then also include flooding as a result of disobedience.
“When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee…”—Beginning of I Kings 8:35. Droughts are due to sin, not science. II Samuel 21:1 records an example of this principle. God does cause even the hardship of drought to be a blessing to His people. He has promised in Romans 8:28, and gives us examples such as that in the life of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37,39-45). Sin is still the root cause, but our God protects us through all of it.
Solomon began his reign with an incredibly close walk with the Lord. But even right from the start, the wonderful promises given to Solomon were not without condition!
That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil. I Kings 9:2-9
The words spoken to Solomon concerning God’s people (Israel, or believers today) and the Lord’s house (churches), apply to us today as an example. Oh, how the organized churches of these last days pervert the truth of God! Our Heavenly Father wants a right relationship with each individual; it is of far more value than a good-looking church with full pews (Isaiah 66:1,2)!
Now consider these next verses from Matthew:
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:48-50
Brothers and sisters in the Lord are true disciples; and they DO God’s will! Be careful who you call “brother”, and use holy discernment.
In Matthew 24, Jesus is teaching about the last days. But who is He teaching? The disciples (24:3). All instructions given are to those sold-out followers of Christ.
A common teaching in churches today is that no one can know the “end of the world” time, or the rapture. But when you believe all of the words we are given, you see a different picture.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:32-36
For some reason, these false teachers only focus on verse 36. The “day and hour” of Christ’s coming are kept secret for our protection. If that time could be known, it would give the devil an edge in trying to imitate it. So now if someone claims to know the day and hour, we automatically are certain that they are false prophets—and should be avoided. No one should be pushing verse 36, and ignoring 33! Jesus said we would know the season, even if not an exact time.
Next up is a favorite of those who falsely promote the doctrine of eternal security. The claim is that these verses guarantee that once one is saved, they cannot be lost.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27,28
As we look at verse 27, Jesus is identifying His sheep. Being a sheep of Christ is another conditional promise. Jesus’ sheep must; 1) hear His (Jesus) voice 2) He knows them and 3) they follow Him (Jesus). Only after they have met this criteria, do they receive eternal life(verse 28). And the last promise is that no man can pluck them from His (Jesus) hand. This promise focuses on external pressures (like persecution) which could dissuade people from following Christ. It never removes a person’s freedom to choose. Please see our A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security section for more.
As believers, we are thankful beyond words for the salvation brought to us through Jesus’ blood. We know that good works on our part cannot save us spiritually. Ephesians 2:8,9 are a beloved account of this truth, and a favorite for sharing with others what God’s grace can do. But even this passage contains conditions, and reveals the importance of works.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
Many times I have heard “grace” addicts cling to Ephesians 2:8,9 as a justification for no visible works signifying Christ; either in their own lives or in that of someone else. This passage does not indicate “no works”, but rather that salvation is a gift from God which does produce good works afterward. James 2 also has this theme, and concludes;
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone… Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:17…21,22…24
Once I heard a pastor preaching from Luke 4. He read from verse 16 through 22; all but the last sentence “And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?” His conclusion? That Jesus had spoken wonderful words that put the people at ease (untrue). Then this pastor stated, “…and everywhere Jesus went, people were at ease with him.” Wow! The red flags started waving in my spirit—then I continued reading further into chapter 4. I was easy to see why the Holy Spirit within me became disturbed…
When the pastor said that, “everywhere Jesus went, people were at ease with him.”—I knew that was a lie! But what was even worse, it was a lie regarding the very passage he had quoted! Jesus’ own people did not accept Him as the Messiah/God’s son—the net result was that they became enraged, and tried to kill Him! This pastor showed his true spiritual colors by attempting to twist scriptures into what he wanted them to say—not what was actually there. As with so many under the strong delusion of the falling away, “rightly dividing” the Word of truth means to make it say what he wants it to!
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. II Timothy 4:3,4
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:11,12
Shortly afterward, I wrote a letter to this pastor regarding the issue. I do realize the great responsibility which pastors have to speak correctly, and that it also may be easy to say something unintended. Yet if and when that happens, the congregation needs to know!
This pastor was scheduled off the following week, but returned the next Sunday (2 weeks from the offending date). He never responded to me, or addressed the issue before the people. What he did do was to cite a scripture where Jesus had contention! So without acknowledging his previous mistake, he has now confused his flock! Pride definitely goes before the fall, and this man plainly showed himself to be one of the ministers of Satan spoken of in II Corinthians 11:14,15. No, this incident was not the only evidence he showed of that!
Still another minister I encountered was expounding from Daniel chapter 3; the incident of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the furnace. This story blesses me in many respects—ALL of the story!
This minister was trying to drive home the point of what great faith can do. Certainly, there are many great examples of this throughout God’s Word. There are 30 verses in Daniel 3, all being in regard to this “furnace” incident. The man broke the story into two parts; verses 1-17, and 19-30. What happened to verse 18?
Daniel 3:18 didn’t fit in with the message of faith this minister wanted to bring. By stopping at verse 17 for the first half, he made it seem like these men had confident faith that God was going to deliver them; I say to you that this man wrongly divided God’s Word!
Verse 18 has directly blessed me. During this verse, these servants of God testify that they will not bow to the idol even if God does not deliver them! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not know what would happen next; they simply obeyed the Lord in unwavering loyalty! This is a message that the church desperately needs today; to simply obey, without promise of reward. God’s servants the prophets, and the disciples, all saw marvelous works wrought by God because of faith. Yet these also greatly suffered persecution and death for the stands they took. Daniel 3:18 is absolutely crucial to the whole chapter, and for thoroughly understanding what took place!
The pastor in my first example was far worse than the second. The first one twisted God’s Word and actually contradicted and denied the truth. Minister #2 was promoting believing God in faith, and the great positive results we will see when employing faith. Yet he wrongly applied Daniel chapter 3 in attempting to do so—this was plainly seen by the way he divided the chapter, and “skipped” verse 18. At least his main point was still valid in God’s Word. I know for a fact that to this minister, “rightly dividing” the Word was covered by his dispensational theology. This false teaching has blinded him in how to correctly apply the Word, without adding onto it!
Many more examples and scriptures could be pointed out. I would, however, only like to point out this issue so that you are aware of it. It is always best if the Holy Spirit himself directly leads you into greater understanding. He is the interpreter you need!
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I John 2:27
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.