The reason that most people think the Bible is too hard to understand is because they do not rightly divide the word of truth.
This means that they think that every verse in the Bible is written for their obedience today.
God revealed his law in the Bible. Yet one place tells us that we are subject to it, while another tells us those who teach it are vain. (Mat 5:17; Eph 2:15)
In one verse circumcision is matter of salvation while on another page it voids the cross of Christ! (Gen 17:14; Gal 5:2)
What about the Sabbath day? In one section it is a commandment. In another the Lord of the Sabbath supersedes it. Yet on another we are not to let anyone judge us about it. (Exo 20:10; Mat 12:2; Col 2:16)
Is our justification based on our works or not? (Rom 4:5; James 2:24)
No wonder it seems confusing. Confusion is compounded when preachers do not rightly divide.
It is all too easy to see through pastors and teachers making excuses, avoiding, or distorting the passages to try and reconcile them.
If they only knew how to rightly divide, all of these confusions would become clear.
Right division recognizes the special revelation of Christ given to Paul subsequent to his earthly ministry. This revelation contained a previously unknown message of hope and salvation among the Gentiles. (Col 1:25-27)
This dispensation is called a mystery and is distinct from the information found in the law and the prophets. (Eph 3:3-5)
When we separate or draw a line of division between God’s information in prophecy and his information in the mystery we begin to see how the entire Bible fits in God’s eternal purpose.
The instructions for the church today are found specifically in Paul’s doctrine and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. (2 Tim 2:7)
Without this understanding there is only confusion.
Article Index Published: August 16, 2008
Last Modified: April 20, 2016