How to Rightly Divide the Word

Something I think's important, is to be able to understand the Bible as an unfolding story of redemption where the plot doesn't necessarily become entirely clear until we've read to the very end of the Four Gospels, Acts and the Epistles.

Otherwise we could mis-apply some parts of the Bible - especially the Old Testament Law and Prophets and maybe even some details in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).

For example if we overlook that some parts of Scripture were intended as a narrative showing the historical fulfilment of previously written Prophecies in Scripture, we could mistakenly think that many such Old Testament prophecies are still to be fulfilled in future - and that would have the effect of making an air-castle out of the Christian claim that Jesus is Messiah. It would also seem to necessitate observing modern-Judaism, even though it would pull the rug out from underneath modern-Judaism at the same time!

But if we get it right - if follow the Bible's timeline of Prophecy and their fulfilment in history the way the Apostles explained it ("rightly dividing [navigating] the Word", Paul called it), then one thing emerges with pristine clarity - and that is JESUS CHRIST.

The overall plot ends up being stated clearly - history and previous Scripture are explained in detail: it was always God's plan to save people in all the world freely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ - regardless of ethnicity, and without observing Moses' complete system of Law. That is the plot which Prophecy and history were always working towards. Jesus Christ.

That's called the Apostle's doctrine - the Gospel.

So perhaps we could "rightly divide" the Word as follows:

THE LAW

Begins with the Promise of worldwide salvation through Abraham's Seed (seed singular, which was Christ) - a promise stated before Israel was even born, and before the Law was ever given.

Then the nation of Israel and the Old Covenant Law emerges, as custodians and temporary foreshadowings of that future Promise.

THE PROPHETS

Details God's dealings with Israel; and includes further details about the coming of the Promised Seed (the Saviour).

OTHER OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL BOOKS

Narrated history to show how Prophecy was fulfilled; set the stage for the Messianic Prophecies to be fulfilled.

GOSPELS

Picked up where Old Testament history left off. Shows Jesus confirming the Promises to those who were under the Law, and eventually fulfilling Prophecy by inaugurating the New Covenant in His blood.

ACTS

Showed the Apostles applying the cross and resurrection as central to God's plan; narrated the inclusion of the Gentiles; authorised the non-necessity of observing the Law. Showed examples of the Apostles' understanding of history and the fulfilment of Old Testament Prophecy, all focusing on Jesus and His salvation - for all, without the Law.

EPISTLES

Provide explanation, summary and application of all of the above.

(The Church is built on the foundation of the holy Apostles and Prophets - there is no 'third testament' - there is no such thing as a Post-Apostolic Church in which church doctrines or the work of the Holy Spirit were to change in any way. To further divide the Epistles up into parts that still apply directly and parts that don't, relies on extra-Apostolic and extra-Biblical authorities.

We're to just keep preaching and experiencing this good news like the Apostles did while we await the coming of the Lord!)