How to Read your Bible without Getting Confused

How to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Paul Ellis // 92 Comments

Have you ever been confused by a passage in the Bible that seemed to contradict to something else in the Bible?

The entire Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. But we also need to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We divide the word whenever we interpret one scripture through the lens of another.

So how do we divide the word rightly?

In essence there are two questions we should ask when reading any scripture in the Bible: (i) What does this passage mean in light of the cross? And (ii) who is the writer writing to or about?

The filter of the cross

To hear some people preach you might conclude that the cross was of no significance. But Jesus’ death on the cross is the single most important event in human history.

Before the cross the old law covenant reigned. But after the cross a new covenant made the old one obsolete (Heb 8:13).

Under the old covenant you were blessed if you were good, but under the new covenant we are blessed because God is good.

Consider these contrasts:

Before the cross we were blessed when we obeyed and cursed when we disobeyed (Deut 11:26-28). But after the cross we are blessed because Jesus obeyed and we are redeemed from the curse of the law (Eph 1:3, Gal 3:13).

Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Matt 6:14). But at the cross we were unconditionally forgiven and we now forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13).

Before the cross loving your neighbor meant not coveting his wife or property (Deut 5:21). But after the cross we love and accept others because Christ loves and accepts us (1 John 4:19; Rms 15:7).

Before the cross God was distant and unapproachable (Ex 19:12). But because of the cross we have been brought near to God to receive mercy and find grace (Eph 2:13; Heb 4:16).

Before the cross God held us responsible for our sins and not even sacrifices could clear a guilty conscience (Lev 5:17; Heb 9:9). But because of the cross Jesus’ blood cleanses us from a guilty conscience and he remembers our sins no more (Heb 8:12, 10:22).

Before the cross we said “We will” (Ex 19:9). But after the cross God says “I will” (Heb 8:8-12). Before the cross it’s “do, do, do”. After the cross it’s “done, done done”.

Before the cross righteousness was demanded of sinful man (Deut 6:25). But at the cross righteousness was freely given (Rom 5:17).

Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for all men (Rom 5:18). But because of the cross there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).

When we read the Bible we should ask, is this scripture describing the old law covenant which condemns sinners or the new grace covenant which makes sinners righteous? If you are a Christian, you need not fear the condemnation of the law. Instead, rejoice that you are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).

Consider the audience

It’s also important to ask who the words were written for, otherwise you might end up taking someone else’s medicine. Ultimately there are two kinds of people – those who put their faith in Jesus and those who don’t. Consequently the Holy Spirit brings two different convictions:

1. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of unbelief (John 16:9).

Many things in the New Testament are written for unbelievers. Paul, Peter, John, Jude and James all had things to say to those who did not see their need for a Savior (e.g., 1 John 1:5-10). The apostles also wrote to warn the church about false people masquerading as prophets and preachers (e.g., 2 Pet 2). Words of judgment given to unbelievers do not apply to those whom Christ has qualified.

2. The Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their righteousness (John 16:10).

We do not need to be reminded of our shortcomings, but we often need to be reminded of our right standing before God (2 Cor 5:21). Much of the New Testament was written to assure Christians that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from his love (Rms 8:38-39). Not even our sin (Rms 5:15).

When we fail the Holy Spirit does not condemn us – there is no condemnation to those in Christ. Rather He reminds us that we are righteous, that we are kept by Jesus (Jude 24), that we are the Father’s sons (Gal 4:6), and that our hope is firm and secure (Heb 6:19).

When we make mistakes Jesus doesn’t condemn us, He defends us (1 John 2:1), and he teaches us how to say no to ungodliness (Tit 2:12).

How to rightly divide the word of truth

Rightly dividing the word means reading the Bible in the context of the finished work of the cross. It means we interpret scripture in light of what Jesus has done.

The entire Bible reveals Jesus.

Read the Bible to see Jesus.

___________

92 Comments on How to Read your Bible without Getting Confused

  1. Tammy H // April 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm // Reply

    Paul ~ This is so well put. I found myself reading with my hand on the top of my head, wanting to absorb every scripture and line you had written. You must continue writing about your convictions. I have been so blessed, and I know that others will be too! Tammy

  2. mark r henninger // October 27, 2010 at 9:43 am // Reply

    in context, jesus is the living word (john 1:1,14) and never (hebrews 13:8) would speak today like the dead did yesterday ( “Thou shalt not”). deny the living word with 1610 kjvese and the invitation is given to today’s media, which doesn’t recognize, but practices today’s living word.

  3. Richard Kerridge // November 29, 2010 at 1:54 pm // Reply

    Well said. Clear, helpful and so important.

  4. SUSAN NGUNGI // January 10, 2011 at 5:54 pm // Reply

    So enlightening!

  5. Patrick Hng // February 7, 2011 at 12:19 am // Reply

    I am printing it out as a brochure to give away. God is raising up grace preacher all over the world. Thank you Paul.

  6. Gwendolyn Lilly // April 4, 2011 at 2:53 pm // Reply

    Hi–have been so blessed by this guys grace-based teachings–all messages for free on his website. Thought you might like to listen in also—http://www.dynamicministries.com/messages

  7. Kat // June 6, 2011 at 11:13 am // Reply

    move back to the states.

  8. Deborah Kiblinger // June 12, 2011 at 12:34 am // Reply

    Thanks for the contrasts…the before/after views. Very helpful to see how the gospel gets convoluted and mixed with law-based thinking. Really love your insights Paul. They’ve helped me enormously.

  9. Mark Henninger // June 12, 2011 at 3:14 pm // Reply

    “Before the cross God said “Thou shalt not” (Ex 20). But after the cross God says ‘I will’”

    In the 1700s, God spoke in KJVese. Neither do we (nor even the world today), and God is much wiser than we. Always (Hebrews 13:”8) the living word (John 1:1,14), Worse than confusing, it is a lie to quote God as using words by those not living.

  10. Carl Garrett // January 6, 2012 at 5:39 pm // Reply

    All very true, Paul. However, some might interpret this to mean that there was no salvation before Jesus lived on the earth. That’s not true. Salvation has always been available throughout history. If people don’t understand this, then it’s possible that grace may be only in their heads and not in their hearts – which is not saving faith. So, how were the people of the Old Testament saved?…before the prophets, before David, and even before Abraham? They were saved by faith in Jesus, just like we are! How, you might ask? By fully trusting the Word, the Promise, that Jesus completely fulfilled by dying on the cross, the Promise that IS Jesus; that’s how. What Promise? The Promise contained in Jesus’ Name of LORD: “He is good; His love endures forever.” When they placed their faith in that Promise, in God’s unfailing love, in Grace, they were placing their faith in Jesus. That’s how we’re saved as well. Likewise, many, many (intellectual accent) believers today choose to live under the old covenant, law, and don’t even realize it even though they believe Jesus is Who He says He is (even the demons believe that). They have no choice but to live under the law if they’re not fully trusting in Grace to save them – if Grace hasn’t been born in their hearts.

    • Dennis // April 13, 2014 at 10:22 pm // Reply

      Why did the writers mix the bible if there was the need to divide it as Paul said. Why didn’t they separate the New Testament from the Old Testament? Again as believers in Christ, is the Old Testament of any relevance to us?

      • Paul Ellis // April 14, 2014 at 7:11 am //

        Yes, the Old Testament is a treasure trove. At least Jesus thought so because “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luk 24:27). There are pictures of Jesus on every page. Read the Old Testament to see Jesus.

      • Dennis // April 14, 2014 at 7:33 am //

        I got you Paul. I thank God for your life…

    • John // October 11, 2015 at 6:59 pm // Reply

      Dear Carol Garrett, most beloved of God. I must correct you on your statement that salvation was available prior to Christ. We receive salvation through his shed blood so it was not possible before Christ. You will find in Romans 4:3 as well as Galatians 3:16 and of course Genisis 15:6 that it was not salvation that Abraham himself received, he believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness which could be said of others as well. Ever the sacrifices that were offered were not salvation, they were temporary fixes, without the blood there is no forgiveness of sins and with Christ’s perfect blood we have been perfectly forgiven which is our salvation. I hope Paul approves of this message. Blessings my sister

      • Carl Garrett // January 10, 2018 at 5:04 am //

        John, you are not correct. You are saying that no one who lived before Christ was not saved. I was saying the very opposite. God is also no respecter of persons. And Jesus was crucified, the New Covenant was established and put into place by God before the very foundation of the world. Grace was in affect from the very beginning.

      • Carl Garrett // January 10, 2018 at 5:07 am //

        Everyone, no matter when a person lives or lived, all have the same choice of whether to trust in works/Law or grace/Jesus!

  11. Marlene Davis // March 28, 2012 at 11:00 am // Reply

    Hi Paul, thank you for your thoughts and the little bible study. I really wish that some folks would understand that the Law is the Law of sin and death because it couldn’t be kept without the power of God Himself in us energizing and enabling us to do it. If I am wrong, I know you will correct me, but I believe that LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW as the Scriptures says. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself fulfilled the Law on our behalf!!Praise God. Therefore when we are loving each other, that is in Christ, our enemies or even those we don’t know, then we are fulfilling the Law. I believe that in Ephesians it says we are to Walk in LOVE, Speak the truth in LOVE. Not to mention the great 1 Corinthians 13 chapter which gives a vivid description of love. Greatest love exhibited: The Almighty Father’s love for us John 3:16

    Do I dare say that because of the Cross and the Finished Work of Jesus Christ we are now empowered to operate according to God’s standards because we are now motivated by His love???????

  12. thekingskid1128 // December 28, 2012 at 2:13 pm // Reply

    Very true and very good info! I am delighted to have found your blog and have been following for a couple of weeks now. I wanted to ask though… you stated that:

    “Before the cross the old law covenant reigned. But after the cross a new covenant based on grace made the old covenant obsolete (Heb 8:13). ”

    …however, I’ve always been taught that Jesus was a “fulfillment” of the Mosaic law and therefore did not actually “void” the law but fulfilled it (by the scarificing of the perfect lamb) in the sense of us, (God’s elect) no longer having to worry or stress about breaking the 10 commandments and measuring our salvation upon that. As a believer and a child of God, by following the teachings of Jesus Christ and God the Father… one would not desire to purposely or rebelliously break the commandments (the ten commandments or otherwise) of God’s law. We are still asked to keep the Lord’s commandments (as I have been taught and based on my scriptural reading) but they do not determine our salvation and we are not condemned to an eternity of damnation if we are to ever break one, or two or three of these laws. A sinner can continually act in a sinful nature without remorse but a truly saved person will have to deal with the conviction of the Holy Spirit for his sinful deeds. I say all this because when I first read the article, it gave me the impression that because I am “saved,” I can continue to sin, break the Lord’s commandments and pretty much do whatever I want because my sins have already been paid for. I have never understand that to be true and please, correct me if I am making my conclusion in error.

    • Paul Ellis // December 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm // Reply

      First, the Bible doesn’t say the law has been made obsolete, but the law-keeping covenant (see Heb 8:13, NIV). God no longer relates to us through that old covenant.

      Second, what relationship does the Christian have with the law? Absolutely none (see Gal 3:24 and this post). The law is holy, righteous, and good but it has no power to make you holy, righteous and good. We have the Holy Spirit. Think of it like this: If you wish to have a blessed marriage, are you better off spending time with your wife – loving her, listening to her, looking for ways to delight her – or religiously following a book of Marriage Rules? Now the rules might be perfectly fine, but they are not the real thing. The law is a shadow; Jesus is the Reality.

      Third, the Holy Spirit is not a fault-finder. He will always point you to Jesus and his perfection rather than yourself and your imperfections. He’s really good at that!

      • thekingskid1128 // December 29, 2012 at 1:58 pm //

        Great, thank you so mucj for the speedy reply! I’m still reading the links attached to your comment and am starting to understand your thoughts on this topic a lilttle better. I was raised in the church from age 9-17 and strayed for years. I am now 32 and have recently returned to my Father’s house with a new set of eyes, ears and understanding. I guess I am still a “babe in Christ” and am trying to learn and understand a lot of the reasoning when it comes to intepreting the scriptures.

      • Pastor Dave, Bidy of Christ fellowship Titusville Florida // February 21, 2014 at 3:19 am //

        Actually the Bible says the LAW HAS BEEN ABOLISHED in light of a new and better way. You should know this friend.Colossians chapter 2 tells us the ordinances (law) is over with and we are not under that set of instructions. 2nd Cor chapter 3 clearly says even the law etched in stone…. abolished. I read your ideas on rightly dividing the word and my friend i am worried about your conclusions they miss and renounce too much scripture… I can explain this if you wish? The pope is popular and he has over a billion people fooled into thinking he is peter reincarnated…

      • Paul Ellis // February 21, 2014 at 7:17 am //

        Please respect E2R’s Comment Policy and keep comments short and relevant to the post. Long rambling attacks on the pope don’t get published. Thanks.

      • thecrunchymamachronicles // February 24, 2014 at 12:13 am //

        “Think of it like this: If you wish to have a blessed marriage, are you better off spending time with your wife – loving her, listening to her, looking for ways to delight her – or religiously following a book of Marriage Rules?” Paul, that is so beautiful and the way that I feel when I spent my precious morning time with Jesus.

  13. Rose // December 29, 2012 at 6:42 pm // Reply

    There are so many scriptues regarding forgiveness that ALL our sins were forgiven over 2000 yrs ago passed, present & future sin and then in the Gospel there are scriptures regarding an unforgiveable sin. That was confusing to me.

  14. rose // December 31, 2012 at 8:05 am // Reply

    I have always been puzzled with 1 John 5:16-17 and the meaning of the “sin unto death.” Can you explain exactly what John is referring to?

  15. kevobx // January 1, 2013 at 6:08 pm // Reply

    Confusion is clearly explained in Isaiah 34:11 and if your still confused read Daniel 9:7. Christ was hung on a tree, the scripture tell us in Acts 13:29 he followed what was written in the law.

  16. Ekele anthony alaichen // January 4, 2013 at 4:47 am // Reply

    Thanks a million Paul the good Lord bless you richly iam indeed blessed and see you now as my life coach, mentor and spiritual leader.

  17. Presley // January 28, 2013 at 4:58 pm // Reply

    I really like how you put this! In other words we need to interpret the word of God through the cross( the tree of life) not through the law(the tree of knowledge of good and evil) !

  18. Doug // May 17, 2013 at 1:05 am // Reply

    Paul, I like your teaching, but John 16:10 DOES NOT SAY the Holy Spirit will “convict Christians of righteousness. Let me quote it clearly: “in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you’ll see me no longer.” V.8 is the context ….if v. 9 refers to the world, then so does 10, and 11. V8 says clearly “WHEN HE COMES HE WILL CONVICT THE WORD OF GUILT IN REGARD TO SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGEMENT. NEVER ARE CHRISTIANS TALKED ABOUT IN THIS CONVICTION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. AND V.10 DOES NOT SAYS He convict Christians of anything. You are adding your theology to this verse instead of letting the verse just say what is says.

    • Paul Ellis // May 17, 2013 at 8:05 am // Reply

      So you’re saying that if it’s not the righteous who are being convicted of their righteousness, it must be the unrighteous? Because that makes no sense to me.

      What do you think the verse is saying?

  19. David Taylor // August 23, 2013 at 4:01 am // Reply

    Thank you for this…I graduated from Bible School with a very Schizophrenic view of God. Joseph Prince and some others that I first mocked finally helped me see grace. They helped me see what the cross really meant. The clear dividing line of Grace versus Law was blurred in school out of what I believe is the fear of men and their “Christian behavior” standards that could no longer be enforced through guilt and shame. I hated the book of Romans in Bible college and rarely looked at it except for evangelistic verses. Now I see clearly the fulfillment of the Law and our present Grace in Christ. Too much preaching emphasizes continual guilting and shaming of Righteous saints to conform to a dead law instead of living by the Spirit. There is a fear of losing uniformity if we allow believers to listen to the Holy Spirit of God instead of our church practices and customs. I’m so glad to now be free.

  20. Daleng Jephtha // September 9, 2013 at 6:43 am // Reply

    your ministry has being of tremendous blessings to me, I wish I will know more about you and your ministry because we are really lacking in this truth of the gospel in this part of the world.

  21. Brian Midmore // September 20, 2013 at 7:21 am // Reply

    You invite us to consider the audience and I assume because you consider the SOTM law that it must be for the Jews and not for Christians. Forgive me for going on about the Lords prayer but it seems to me to be significant. Here in the middle of Law we are invited to pray :Our Father, so those saying this prayer must be in covenant of grace No? Then (according to your understanding) in the middle of Grace we swing back into Law with Matt 6.12. Might we not conclude that Jesus mixing Grace and Law. I have just had the gas engineer replace the 3 way valve in my central heating but this scheme seems more complicated than that.

    • Paul Ellis // September 20, 2013 at 8:35 am // Reply

      The genius of Jesus is he preached to many people and gave everyone exactly what they needed – those confident of their own righteousness heard law, and those in need of grace, got grace. Yes, Jesus preached grace and law and often at the same time without ever mixing the two, and he did it in the Sermon on the Mount. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

      If you are standing on your own righteousness, that’s pure law. Jesus is giving you a standard to live up to – perfection. It’s a law with no loop-holes. You cannot be mostly perfect. You have to be as your heavenly Father is perfect. The moment you slip up you will become imperfect and condemned as a failure. The sooner that happens the better because maybe then you will see your need for grace.

      But if you are standing on Christ’s righteousness, these words of Jesus are pure grace. They will cause you to sing and shout for joy because Christ is perfect and, in him, so are you. As a result of his perfectly perfect sacrifice, you have been made perfect forever (Hebrews 10:13).

      I have just finished writing a chapter on this for my forthcoming book.

      • Brian Midmore // September 20, 2013 at 8:32 pm //

        Earlier you said that Jesus preached the Law to the Jews and grace to those who believed. But now are you saying that Jesus words are not objectively Law or Grace but can become either according to the spiritual condition of the hearer? Or a bit of both? I would say the words of Jesus are objectively gospel (Matt 6.23), grace (Jn 1.17) and life (Jn 6.68) which if we misunderstand them and apply them to our lives unspiritually can become law and death. My problem with your approach is that if we label verses with the epithet ‘Law’ our response is ‘this doesn’t apply to anyone in the new covenant’ and therefore give up trying to understand (by the Holy Spirit 1 Jn 2.27) how it does apply. Matt 6. 14,15 is an example.

      • Paul Ellis // September 20, 2013 at 9:18 pm //

        “Forgive or you will not be forgiven” is, on it’s own, not good news, grace or life. I am not suggesting we label verses one way or the other. I maintain we must filter everything through the lens of the cross.

  22. Shawn Stovall // January 18, 2014 at 2:17 am // Reply

    How do we filter Matthew 18:35 through the lens of the cross?

    • Paul Ellis // January 18, 2014 at 10:38 am // Reply

      Most people think that the story of the ungrateful servant is a morality tale. But Jesus said it’s a description of the kingdom of heaven. It’s a picture of how heaven invades earth. Jesus makes it plain that forgiveness begins with the Lord. There are only two possible responses to God’s generosity. One response is to say, “Thank you Jesus! What amazing grace!” The other response is that of the servant in the story. It is to remain unrepentant and unchanged by the goodness of God. It is to shrug one’s shoulders and say, I’ve got to take care of things myself. It’s the fatal path of self-trust.

      If you think that forgiveness starts with you, that you must show it to get it, you will forgive others out of a sense of insecurity and religious obligation. If you succeed at forgiving, it will feed your pride giving you a false sense of entitlement. If you fail at forgiving, you will feel condemned. In either case, you will improve your standing before God not one bit. But if you apprehend what Jesus did for you when he paid for your sins, it will radically change you. It will transform you from a selfish sinner into an ambassador of God’s goodness. You will show mercy to others not because you have to, but because you want to, because God has been so good to you. More here.

      • Shawn Stovall // January 23, 2014 at 1:23 am //

        Thank you Paul…I am rereading the New Testament though the lens of radical Grace and the Cross…specifically looking at the scripture in the light of the fact that my sin debt was paid in full and that God does not see the sin in my life today…therefore God being displeased with me is never a consequence of sin. However, my lens is not formed well enough to understand some scripture in that light…such as Mathew 24:48-51…can you help?

      • Paul Ellis // January 23, 2014 at 8:10 am //

        Hi Shawn, thanks for the feedback. I do have some thoughts on that parable. I’ll add that scripture to the (long) list of scriptures I plan to write posts about. But I do encourage you to take your question straight to the Holy Spirit. Ask him for wisdom and insight and he will give it to you.

  23. Chris // January 18, 2014 at 2:56 pm // Reply

    We should also notice that the servant stayed just that he did not receive the spirit of adoption .Sons serve their brothers out of love servants work for a wage.Servants whom work for a blessing are destined for torment in order that they may realize their adoption and act like and serve like kings.

  24. Chris // January 23, 2014 at 7:20 pm // Reply

    Mathew 24 :48-51 is about grace , it is a judgment of selfrighteousness , the word Goodman is used , Jesus tells us there is only one who is good, you are Gods house, the meat of the house is abounding grace Paul adresses this 1 for 3:2 and on Grace is the only foundation to build on. If you operate through grace you will not smite your fellow servant.God being displeased with you will be as a result on not accepting his grace. This is good news, but not for the self righteous hypocrites.

  25. Dolores // February 8, 2014 at 12:40 am // Reply

    The (written) letter (of the law) kills. The (living) spirit (of love) gives life. Period.

  26. Deb Kean // February 21, 2014 at 6:46 pm // Reply

    Paul, thank you so much for this! I am a person who is described in educational psychology as “high anxious”, so I really need reminding of this even though I know it with head knowledge.

  27. Nick Pritchard // May 15, 2014 at 10:32 am // Reply

    This whole concept is screwing with my biblical paradigm! lol

    I’d even take it another step and say that we divide the scripture whenever we quote the scripture period. When we take a given situation or person and their circumstance and in an effort to make a point or to help or minister to them quote from the word of God, we are making a division. We are saying that for this given situation or doctrinal issue, the following verse is what is important.

    The question then becomes… how indeed do we divide rightly?

    I think that if our method of division leads one to Christ, the cross, faith, hope and love, then we are rightly dividing the word. If it leads me to focus on myself, my sin, my failures and shortcomings, and leads me to despair, shame or panic, then we have divided wrongly.

    Your metaphor of medicine becomes an effective one. Do we give blood pressure medicine to someone with asthma? Or chemo-therapy to someone with depression? In this sense, it then becomes a foolish endeavor to try to make all scripture line up with all other scripture. It is saying different things to different people based on their condition and is intended to lead them to a God engineered conclusion. You can’t give chemo-therapy to the guy who is depressed and expect it to make him well. It will actually make him worse.

    • Paul Ellis // May 15, 2014 at 10:35 am // Reply

      That’s it, Nick. If the scripture we read causes us to give thanks to Jesus, we’re on a good track. If it causes us to focus on self, we’ve missed it.

  28. cool // August 24, 2014 at 8:37 pm // Reply

    Hello Paul, i thank God for your enlightment on this matter
    Do you have an article or can you simply express the work of the cross so that its lens can be clear. Since i feel we receive different teachings on the topic of the cross and may be thats why we perceive the word differently
    The work of the cross article…thanks

  29. Enerlan // March 23, 2015 at 1:47 am // Reply

    Hi Paul, Are we gentiles under the new covenant?

  30. Ralph // August 5, 2015 at 2:55 pm // Reply

    “Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Mt 6:14). But at the cross we were unconditionally forgiven and we now forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13).” This is quoted from the article above. You will not find “unconditionally forgiven” anywhere in your New Testament. Why is the NT called a “Law” in the book of James? “For whosoever shall keep the whole LAW, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” James 2:10. Please see “perfect law of liberty” James 1:25. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15. Why? We are forgiven unconditionally? There are many more scriptures that refute this abomination. You must look at the totality of the evidence given on any biblical topic before you can reach a reasonable logical conclusion.

  31. John // October 11, 2015 at 7:03 pm // Reply

    This is the hyper grace that so many warn of? I’m getting dizzy thinking of the similarities between those who say that and those religious leaders of old who arrested Christ for preaching the same thing.

  32. John // October 11, 2015 at 7:05 pm // Reply

    Thank you Paul for directing me here. I guess 2 Tim 2:15 means what it says.

  33. Kristian // December 9, 2015 at 3:11 am // Reply

    And, for those who think they need to study to show themselves approved by God, that’s from the same passage, in which context we see that Timothy was being encouraged by Paul to properly teach the gospel, in the face of people who were preaching and arguing over a different gospel, to be DILLIGENT in demonstrating that he was approved by God (i.e, in the gospel he had been entrusted with) – “rightly dividing the word of truth” – correctly presenting the gospel, which would involve, of course, studying to bring out how scripture reveals Christ, without getting muddied up with unhelpful arguments. Yes, studying is beneficial, but not as a work to “show yourself approved by God”, but as a joy out of the grace given us by God

  34. Rocky // July 11, 2016 at 3:11 pm // Reply

    Never, ever get tired of reading this article. Just reshared today on fbk 🙂

  35. Mark Bromley // February 13, 2017 at 2:41 pm // Reply

    Hi Paul love your site very much. I am interested in your comments on Luke 2:52 ‘And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.’ Most commentators state that Jesus gained favour through his righteous obedience to God. I have issue with this as even though Jesus was subject to the law the concept of Him as perfectly righteous gaining/increasing in favour/grace with His Father is difficult to swallow. Did Jesus gain grace and if so how?

  36. JohnC. // July 12, 2017 at 3:30 pm // Reply

    This, as many have said about the teachings of Joseph Prince, brings the entire bible together to make sense. This is great stuff.

    • discipleofchrist2017 // July 16, 2017 at 11:07 am // Reply

      It’s great that the bible, grace, life, and the universe make sense now, but I’ve been following this ministry for the last 9 years since I heard of the blood of Jesus. the blood of jesus caused me to shut my mind off, just as this gospel has and I’ve been caught in addiction and divorce. maybe it was already on a shaky foundation but I was promised freedom. so while other’s may be set free by this ministry to serve God in love, I’ve been serving sin. It doesn’t make sense but there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. I’m thankful for that.

      • JohnC. // July 18, 2017 at 10:39 am //

        It makes sense, which does not mean I understand it all. I am often very angry with God over things, unanswered prayer, uncalled for hardships, I’m becoming cynical. Why does God say one thing and seen to do another.

      • Carl Garrett // January 10, 2018 at 5:28 am //

        It wasn’t the blood of Jesus or the Gospel of Grace that shut your mind off. It was either the devil masquerading around as an angel of light or another “gospel” that has no power to save (Gal 1). I understand now that salvation is ALWAYS marked by God handling, providing the power to resist, sinning at the time of salvation. But that does NOT mean you won’t sin or can’t be lured back into sinning including an “addiction”. You can be. It does mean that if you truly were saved, then when it happened, you KNOW God saved you because He did something that you were never able to do yourself by trying hard/harder. If that never happened to you, then Jesus was never born in you in the first place and you need to hear nothing but his never ending love for you, the unperverted Gospel if Grace, over and over in a broken-heart state for one of those seeds to take hold and come alive in the soil of your heart.

      • Carl Garrett // January 10, 2018 at 5:33 am //

        John C, Of course, God never promised you would understand or even hear/see His answer to every prayer, or to remove all hardship (Steven was stoned to death when FULL of the Spirit of God). He did promise to go through it all with you, though – basically holding your hand and leading you all the way if you will simply follow Him.

      • sonofGod2017 // January 11, 2018 at 11:24 am //

        Thank you Carl. I’m definitely in a broken state. Glad to receive his unmerited favor.

  37. DoneWithReligion // July 16, 2017 at 2:41 am // Reply

    Such a good article with points well made. So many in the christian world today only hear of works and behavior modification. We forget that the Old Covenant no longer pertains to us as followers of Jesus. The Spirit does not convict us of sin but of righteousness in Christ. We should be sharing the love of God with others and let the Spirit do the work that needs to be done in the lives of others.

  38. Robert Slominski // September 3, 2017 at 6:17 am // Reply

    2 Timothy 2:15
    (2:15) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

    Hi Paul, if you get time ( I know that’s funny in itself) could you elaborate on this scripture? I know Paul was talking to a young Pastor.. but does it mean more to us as well? Thank you for teaching big time as my wife and I have learned so much by E2R Robert S.

  39. Menardo Roque // January 3, 2018 at 9:34 am // Reply

    Hi Paul,
    I’ve been following your site since last year (2017)…and I’m learning a lot on the gospel of grace…got 2 of your books (hyper grace and the gospel in ten words). I’m leading 10-12 other pastors in our denomination, and I’m wondering how can I lead and share to them the gospel of grace…don’t know where to start with..(we are from one of the traditional denominations)..

    Kindly advise…

    Stay blessed!

  40. John C. // January 13, 2018 at 5:14 am // Reply

    it’s almost like this is a discussion board for preaching points of Joseph Prince. Then again we are talking about 2 grace preachers confirming one another. Great article of complete truth. At one time I viewed the Old Testament and the New as both being applicable to me today in instruction. They compliment one another absolutely but two different covenants written to different people. I get people today that try to convince me that the Jews currently in Israel and not descendants of the Jews of old, making Israel illegitemate. Gaining in knowlege but never able to come to the truth.

    • Deb Kean // January 13, 2018 at 1:45 pm // Reply

      John C, it”s true that the Jews currently in Israel are (mostly) not the descendants of the Jews of old.
      Israel as a nation is not Biblical Israel! I’m sorry to get political, but that’s how it is.

      • John C // January 16, 2018 at 2:59 pm //

        Well Deb, I cut the comment short as not to ramble on with a subject not intended to highlight. I do have some confusion on the whole Israel issue. Are we talking about the land mass or the people, is one of them, especially when it comes to “I’ll bless those that bless you…” From over 2000 years ago how in the world could direct descendants be traced is another. I’m well aware that there are many in Israel not descendants, it was sort of a passing statement. The idea to abandon Israel for whatever reason is something I’m not comfortable even considering

      • roshaneaso, right believing // January 16, 2018 at 5:26 pm //

        Some have a biblical understanding or grace understanding that Israel is representative of New Jerusalem. However the Bible cautions us not to boast in the flesh or put ourselves under law or Christ died in vain. It says this even after Paul circumcised Titus on his journey to Israel. I was concerned about this, and God showed me the scriptures and grace logic. Is this what you mean Deb?

      • Deb Kean // January 18, 2018 at 12:24 pm //

        Not entirely! My comment was purely about the facts – but it’s an important issue as on another site, there’s been a recent conflict between what I think of as the “Judaizers” and the Grace people – in fact one Judaizer attacked a woman for querying his insistence that he is a Jew not a Christian! IN his opinion, anyone born again in Christ is a Jew.
        Such people cling to the Old Testament and interpret the New in light of it, wheras I have always believed we should do the reverse!

    • roshaneaso, right believing // January 16, 2018 at 6:09 pm // Reply

      John something not clear to me without revelation is that Grace does not make Law more relevant. Something else Jesus never would have said.

      • John C // January 19, 2018 at 2:36 am //

        No, it doesn’t make it more relevant, it creates a vast distinction. Without Law there is nothing to compare grace to and grace is taken for granted. Then we come to grace vs. licention or gold vs. polished bronze. Polished bronze looks similar to gold but very different in quality.

  41. Carol // June 2, 2018 at 11:51 pm // Reply

    I am confused. At a church in Ga. we were told that our sin is the cause of illness in the church body. It causes separation from God, self and others and the enemy can then come in and make us sick. They quoted the curses from Deuteronomy as proff of this. This church has great healing testimonies.
    So, is this true in your understanding because I keep getting confused if the OT is still in action or the NT is for now?

    • momzilla76 // June 3, 2018 at 8:45 am // Reply

      All the bible is good for us to learn from but not all of it is direct rules for Christ followers. Not knowing the difference creates much confusion, strife and burdens for Believers. As believers in Jesus we are under the new covenant and not the old. Under the old covenant how well you obeyed God’s laws was how righteous you were. Under the new covenant of Jesus blood we are justified(forgiven), righteous and sanctified through our faith not our behavior. Does this mean our behavior doesn’t matter any more? Of course not. No one who understand sin toxicity plays with it just because they can. It cost Jesus his life.

  42. Hotzpacho // June 9, 2018 at 8:12 am // Reply

    The one point I don’t agree with is that Paul said the entire bible was used for correction and teaching, because when Paul wrote that there wasn’t a new testament, nor was Paul believing that his letters were considered doctrine and part of a bible that was not yet created.

  43. Donna // March 31, 2019 at 3:47 am // Reply

    Greetings I thank you for this word it deally helpe to get an understanding of the bible on a simplistic way. I encourage more teaching like this it is helpful

  44. Tony Johnson // June 11, 2019 at 6:45 am // Reply

    Deeply grateful for you, Paul!
    I never would have thought to interpret even NT writings as teachings before the cross that would need to be viewed in light of the finished work of the cross. I guess I assumed the writer would have already had that view in mind since he was writing after the finished work of the cross. From your post, “Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Mt 6:14)”
    Would you expand on this idea just a bit for me so that I can get a better handle on it. I look forward to your reply. Oh, and thank you for this post. Those are two very good questions to ask when reading the Bible.

  45. Jenny Beauchamp // June 13, 2019 at 4:18 am // Reply

    This is a great explanation of the truth in rightly dividing the word! Thanks Paul.
    I believe the Lord’s Prayer is “old testament”, as the new does not begin until our Savior dies on the cross and is resurrected! It’s like me writing my will, nobody (my kids) get my stuff until I actually die. Also, consider the Lord’s prayer a prayer of thanksgiving. We need to remember the rule of the “implied you”. Jesus is talking to the Father, TRY THIS– Our Father (God) who is in heaven, holy is your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; you give us this day our daily bread and “you” forgive us our trespasses…”likewise” we forgive those who trespass against us (after all we can only truly forgive after we’ve tasted/known the forgiveness of God), you lead us not into temptation, but you do deliver us from evil (seriously, would God ever lead us into temptation?), for yours is the kingdom and the glory forever and forever! That’s a prayer of Thanksgiving, not supplication! Blessings!

  46. Nicholas Griffiths // September 14, 2020 at 6:44 pm // Reply

    Very good Paul. Although I would also suggest some study of Hebrew and Greek via a good interlinear and a more literal bible translation from original language. I often refer to Bible Hub & Young’s Literal Translation. Also, there is the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the OT. Cheers….love your work!

  47. dan bartolomeo // March 5, 2022 at 2:24 am // Reply

    Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for all men (Rom 5:18). But because of the cross there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).

    those who are in Christ are the same as those who were in adam… the difference now is that instead of saved and unsaved, there’s believers and unbelievers…

Leave a reply to Brian Midmore Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Copyright © 2024 Create a website or blog at WordPress.com