Many today claim that John Nelson Darby in the 1800s was the originator of dispensationalism, yet the truth is much older. The Apostle Paul himself was the first to set forth the truths of dispensations. In Ephesians 3:2, Paul speaks directly of "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward." He further declares that the mystery of Christ-hidden from ages and generations-was revealed to him ( Ephesians 3:3-9; Colossians 1:25-27). These are not man's inventions but divine revelations entrusted to Paul by the risen Lord.
Darby may have revived and systematized these doctrines in his day, but Paul was the original steward. It was Paul who first divided prophecy from mystery, Israel's promises from the Body of Christ, law from grace. He wrote, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" ( 2 Timothy 2:7). Paul is the one who instructs us to rightly divide the Word of truth ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Long before Darby, Paul testified that God had committed to him the dispensation for this age and that he was made a pattern for those who would afterward believe ( 1 Timothy 1:16).
We may appreciate men like Darby, Scofield, or others who helped organize and explain these truths for later generations, but they did not create them. They simply pointed back to the original apostle to the Gentiles. If one desires to see the first true dispensationalist, we need not look to the 19th century but rather to the pages of the New Testament. Paul stands as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed His program for this present age of grace. And if one chooses to disagree, let it be known that it is not Darby you resist but the very Word of God itself-and that responsibility rests on you.
Dispensationalism is a Protestant system of biblical interpretation that views human history as divided into different "dispensations" or ages, each with a distinct way God administers His plan and relates to humanity.
It emphasizes a literal reading of scripture, particularly prophecy, and teaches that God has distinct peoples, Israel and the Church, with separate, though related, roles and future fulfillments of promises.
It doesn't take Darby or anyone to see this truth in scripture.
It's the literal teaching of scripture taking the Bible for what it says without the allegorical approach of "all scripture concerning the future restoration of Israel and heavenly destiny of the Church.
At takes a twisting of scripture or a lack of studying scripture to mis it!
Most non dispensationalists suggests there is no future earthly Millennial reign of Christ.
In doing so they're either ignoring a great deal of the old testament and parts of revelation!
This is where some get off track studying Google feeds of Christianity and diverse covenants and building their theology off these findings and not understanding how they connect to scripture.
Improper hermeneutics is the cause of most of this.
You and I may not agree on everything but I do believe you are further along with this study than I am.
In fact I don't go out and study it from any viewpoint.
I have studied covenant theology and Dispensational theology for arguments sake but I didn't set out to become neither.
I just build my theology off what the Old and New testament literally says in this area and it lines me up with a literal approach to the Bible and that's a Dispensational viewpoint.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the way you presented your thoughts. It was clearly stated, balanced, and very well put. It's refreshing to see something expressed with both clarity and kindness. You managed to make your point firmly while still keeping it thoughtful and respectful-something not everyone does well.
I believe the way you worded things will not only help others better understand but also invite them to reflect without feeling pushed or dismissed. That kind of tone often opens more doors for meaningful discussion.
So, thank you again for the way you shared. It was, in every sense of the word, nicely put.
2 Peter 1:20 says, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." Peter is reminding us that prophecy does not originate with man, nor is it fulfilled by man's opinions or imaginations. Prophecy came as God progressively revealed His plan for Israel's kingdom program, and it must be interpreted in light of God's purpose-not our private reasoning. Verse 21 confirms this: "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."
The key here is recognizing that the Old Testament prophets never saw the Church, the Body of Christ. Paul plainly declares this "mystery" was "hid in God" until revealed to him ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-26). To read Paul's gospel of grace back into the prophets is to engage in the very private interpretation Peter warns against. The prophets spoke of Israel's restoration, Messiah's reign on earth, and judgment of the nations. These promises remain true and await literal fulfillment in the millennial kingdom.
This is why Paul exhorts us to "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15). God's Word must be interpreted according to its proper dispensation. Israel's prophetic hope concerns the earthly kingdom, while Paul's revelation concerns the heavenly calling of the Body of Christ. To blend them is to misapply prophecy and confuse God's distinct programs.
Thus, 2 Peter 1:20 warns us not to force our own meaning into prophecy. Instead, we let Scripture interpret Scripture, acknowledging God's progressive revelation. Prophecy is sure, it will come to pass exactly as written for Israel, and the mystery revealed to Paul remains our doctrine today. Anything else is private interpretation, and therefore error.
I'd read 1 Corinthians chapter 1 to 5 it says it much better than your attempt . And more accurate as well . Just a few highlights 2v 3 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men , but in the power of God .
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God :
There is so much in these chapters , just read them . Hebrews Ch 11 v 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God I recommend just read the Bible from start to finish and if God through his Spirit is teaching you will learn more than any seminary! As Jesus said to his disciples, if you continue in my word you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free! Amen Get reading it and put down those books of men ! Amen !
Hello Meek and seek. I had read through Lbooth1955's understanding of 2 Peter 1:20 and then your reply and wondered what you found in his reply that was inaccurate. What he shared was the correct application of biblical hermeneutics, which must be foundational in the reading of the Scriptures. If we get that wrong then everything we build upon it will be in error. And that probably accounts, in the greater part, for so many different interpretations and applications of the Scripture.
You quoted in part 1 Corinthians 2:4,5, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." When Paul spoke and wrote to the Church there, the Holy Spirit enabled him to bring together all of the Scriptures that properly and correctly manifested Christ Jesus, showing that Jesus was truly God's Love declared by the giving of Himself for their sakes. The world thinks that is ridiculous ("the wisdom of men" & 1 Corinthians 1:18)), for man must pay for his own sins and hope for God's acceptance. But Paul stood against the wisdom of men (Gentiles) and those who sought signs (Jews), but proclaimed what all the Scriptures testified of Jesus.
Once as a high-ranking Jew, Paul believed he understood the Scriptures correctly and so taught others. But when he came to faith, he had to count all that understanding 'loss and dung' as the Spirit enabled him to understand the Word correctly. Did he then lose sight of the correct understanding of Israel's history, God's Plan for them and for the Church (of both Jew & Gentile), and of things future? Not at all. All that God had proclaimed concerning National Israel still holds true and will come to pass. Then Jesus came and brought believing Jew & Gentile into the one Body. Correct distinctions need to be maintained or else we can make the Bible mean anything we want to suit our theology. GBU.
Your quote," What he shared was the correct application of biblical hermeneutics, which must be foundational in the reading of the Scriptures. If we get that wrong then everything we build upon it will be in error. And that probably accounts, in the greater part, for so many different interpretations and applications of the Scripture."
Who determined Bible hermeneutics as the foundation in the reading of the Scriptures? God touches the mouth or gives his words to ingest so the man tasked with it delivers. The Jews did not receive it as intended.. Neither the audience of the apostles. There is only one way to understand God's word. Obedience.
God warned Adam,"In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Correct way is to obey it totally. How Adam would reckon the day is out of place. This simple error shows Bible hermeneutics is a placebo given to a believer to be led by man and his carnal wisdom.
That's very true Bennymkje: Obedience is critical to understanding God's Word. But how one reads and understands God's Word determines the direction that obedience takes.
Take for example the oft-mentioned matter of the Sabbath Day. We all read the same Scripture and understand the giving of it & God's Command to observe it. So why don't all believers in Christ rigidly perform the requirements of Sabbath rest? It boils down to the type & worth of one's hermeneutics of biblical Truth (i.e. applying correct interpretative principles, analysis, and application). So, to one, the Sabbath command is in the Bible, uttered by God Himself, and so must be obeyed by all people. To another, the Sabbath command is indeed in the Bible, but both it and all the Laws given by God to Israel must be read & understood in its proper context or else we stray far from the Word.
One cannot correctly obey what God by His Spirit speaks to us through His Word, unless we understand what His Word is actually stating in context. God indeed told Adam, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." And Adam had to understand it and then obey that Command. Would that Command apply to me today? Correct understanding tells me, 'No it does not apply, but it tells me about obeying God and repercussions for disobeying Him.
God tells Israel to obey His Commandments, to sanctify the Sabbath Day, as unto those under the Law and being judged by it. If I obey that command not understanding the context in which it is given, then I place myself, with Israel, under the Law, for the whole body of the Law is One; and that curse is upon me ( Galatians 3:10). But I choose not to obey that Law (along with the others) and place myself wholly under the directives of the Spirit Who frees from the Law that reveals sin and promises death ( Romans 8:2). Correct hermeneutics is essential or else we could anything we want with God's Word, and teach others accordingly.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Ezekiel 36:26
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:27
"And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Matthew 5:19
"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."
Sabbath entering into the God's rest for believers have the same meaning as was set forth in Gen.2.3
In the proper context this rest 'from all his work' refers to what went before. The seven days refers to the blessings in 1.28. Separated light from darkness gives us the will of God and as fulfilled in his Son. Nowhere do we have this replaced by another. Father of lights and the Son, true Light hold the same quality. Similarly all seven days in which God reveals his rest since His Son shall fulfill them. It is to which a believer enters. This Law is embodied by his Son in his glory. So entering into the rest is an every day thing and not in terms of a day in a week. Bible Hermeneutics is cobbled up by man and it is as mentioned earlier is a placebo prescribed by quacks so when Jesus has said, his kingdom is not of this world, what BH has done? Christian nationalism just shows what devil can do with such quacks. The Spirit in organising the Bible narrative has provided the key in the very Scriptures. Seek and you shall find. God's holiness ought to convince a believer separate a lie from the truth.
Thanks Bennymkje for those further comments. Indeed, the one IN CHRIST has entered into that true Rest even as we see the distinction of the seventh day, and of Israel's rest that gave a foretaste of that true rest to come for all "the people of God" ( Hebrews 4:1-11). The Sabbath rest for Israel was not only a day of physical rest from their daily grind but looked forward to both Canaan-rest and onto a continual spiritual rest only to those believing and who would place their complete trust in the LORD. And yes, in Jesus alone, we can find that perfect rest today - and every day of the week.
Though I don't believe that 'Bible Hermeneutics (BH)..is a placebo prescribed by quacks..' BH is a clear requirement to correctly read and understand God's Word as given, without adding our beliefs, views, & inclinations to it. If Christian nationalism purports to be God's instrument for the installation of Christ's Kingdom & His Holy requirements, then BH is not the fault, but lies at their reading of the Word & their exuberance for the restoration of Christian principles. If that were not the case, then shouldn't all of us, who stand behind BH, also advocate those nationalistic programs? Christ's Kingdom will come, as the Word declares, but on His terms, not ours. We are simply called to be His witnesses of His Mercy & Grace, living Holy lives that reflect the very Nature of the God we worship and serve, and to be a "sweet savour of Christ" to all. So, to name some as 'quacks' is quite uncalled for, since the same could be applied to those who don't hold to correct methods of interpretation, but I refrain from doing so.
Just this point: "So, to name some as 'quacks' is quite uncalled for, since the same could be applied to those who don't hold to correct methods of interpretation, but I refrain from doing so."
When God refers seven days why interpret it as a week? Or Sabbath or Sunday? Everyday is Lord's day, for that matter. Everyday is Christmas for me.
Was Darwinism vs.Creationism worthwhile to carry on for long?. Love your God with all thy heart and mind does not meann serving God and mammon. There is only one correct method of interpreting: by the lamp of the Spirit. If one wants to teach, it requires the Christ in you and not the quack who prescribes his nostrums to the public and to the family the best doctors he can get. Shine as lamps, walking the talk etc.,
You asked some interesting questions Bennymkje, which probably reflects in part what you share in your posts and your eternal disgust with anything BH or Dispensationalism.
Does it matter whether God refers to seven days as a week, or whether the Sabbath or Sunday, the Lord's Day, or even Christmas? It matters in every respect if one is to correctly read, understand and teach from the Scriptures. Yes indeed as you wrote, to the one in Christ every day is lived unto the Lord and in celebration & memory of His Birth and Death. But to give only that as a response to an enquiring mind, does not teach nor satisfy at all; it only speaks of what you believe and adds nothing to answer the question with a proper examination of God's Word on those matters.
But you say that such an interpretation is not done "by the lamp of the Spirit". By what criteria is that assertion made? Because a belief or exegesis is different to yours and your 'hermeneutics', therefore it must be quackerish? I guess the 'proof is in the pudding', when what one presents to another or to a group, is understood, accepted, and appreciated by them.
After all, if "the lamp of the Spirit" is aflame with Light & Truth, surely the hearer must be filled with that light, given knowledge and conviction, and not left bereft and in darkness. Or else that blessed Lamp only brightens and encourages one's own heart and soul & does little else. That's probably all I need to say in response to your comment and would leave this unless you want to continue. Blessings.
Since you asked some serious questions let me try to answer as best as I can:
It is disgust that one can miss the core value of the Scripture and with your own understanding build up another doctrine and another gospel. Even Paul was afraid that he may fall into error and present it in another form. This is God document and you have to receive it as given. Faith in believing unto righteousness, Holiness of God is not in presenting his Will for the sake of human reason but with the grace given, you work your way throgh Yes this eternal disgust is with regards to what is at the end of the road. As in thedays of Noah.(Mt.24.38)
"Does it matter whether God refers to seven days as a week, or whether the Sabbath or Sunday, the Lord's Day, or even Christmas? "
It matters indeed if one misses the everlasting Covenant presented in seven days Gen.ch.1, so the laws of nature and of Moses are all pendent to it. Miracles cease to be within His omnipotence. Entering into God's rest at the day Seven begins from the moment you receive. It is indeed well and good to have an enquiring mind but you say ' does not teach nor satisfy at all; it only speaks of what you believe.' Whether it adds the question with a proper examination of God's Word on those matters.."is for you to determine. I can only give my understanding you have to bring your own. Here in my posts I provide passages to explain. Whether your enquiring mind is,- it it stuck in some repeating groove in the good old LP records is your problem.I leave the rest for you to figure it out yourself. I do not write this in a vaccum so I work with the spirit of Caleb, Give me the mountain! I believe it is easy because it is Christ who is really carrying it, and I write. Disfust is all mine, and I am also a man of likewise passions.
And so Bennymkje, as you have stated, "I can only give my understanding you have to bring your own". Therefore, I will simply rest upon the Word of God as given for our understanding, without contorting it in different ways and in different directions to learn of some special or hidden meaning to it all. If only the writers of the books of the Bible, under Holy Spirit revelation and prompting wrote things as you do here, this might then give me some hope that what you present is valid and in harmony with their knowledge and understanding. Then again, who knows, these things might have been hidden from them as well, so I shall remain in ignorance by their side. Thank you again for your time and may God's Spirit guide us into His Truth.
You have to bellieve the Word of God is for our spiritual instruction in righteousness, His holiness is eternal to which we may never fathom than what is revealed by the Holy Spirit. Your understanding is as my understanding which by itself is not sound as you may think. If you let your dogs out as you stroll in a park, the dog is not discovering any new unbeaten track but they are prisoners to their own physiology. They seek out smells of other dogs and it is how their world is made up of. Similarly one speaks of understanding which can trip some one as a vinyl record that has developed a scratch. It is thus sects cannot come out of their error. Our understanding has to be hitched in meekness and faith. to the Holy Spirit to profit withal.
I write in this forum to prove the Bible is inerrant and so far it has helped me that my faith founded on solid rock. If I use some principles it is because a clear cut pattern and modus operandi. Thus when the Spirit gives us the dep slep of Adam it is also referring to the death of the Son in a far country. Thus there are kangaroo events built in events. Such repeated narrative modes are meant to be accept that God invested in the His Fellowship with Man. So Adam is earthy and last Adam is spiritual. I find the mind of God is knowable as long as truth is what you work with. Some may cite gnosticism or hyper spiritualizing etc., I am not looking into the history of nations but simply the life eternal. The BH with which the false teachers put names on the beast and interpretations during the Cold War with regards to Gog and Magog, are too well known. This is how BH has encouraged quacks to trivialise the word of God.
I agree with you that the more we want to learn, the more the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, teaches us. It is a wonderful (inexhaustible source) of growth in which our search is answered by divine revelation.
However, I also believe that extra-biblical books can be beneficial tools, especially when we have difficulty remembering the large number of people in the Bible. There are so many individuals, and some are simply called "servants" without their names being recorded, but their roles are equally important. These nameless faithful can teach us profound lessons about humility and service.
One book I find useful to read along with the Bible is Paul Gardner's Who's Who in the Bible. It serves as a quick reference guide to the main characters, providing valuable context. By quickly clarifying who's who, it allows me to focus more deeply on the spiritual details and message of the passages I'm reading. It's like having a helpful map for a rich and complex landscape.
I never lean on commentaries, books, or denominational teachings of men, because they all carry the ideas and traditions of human reasoning. I am a King James Bible believer only, trusting God's preserved Word to be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The only wisdom I have is by the Holy Spirit, who teaches me truth as I carefully compare Scripture with Scripture in its proper context. God's Word interprets itself, line upon line and precept upon precept, never contradicting but always confirming itself. When rightly divided, the Bible brings clarity that no denomination or commentary can give. The Spirit of God illuminates His Word to those who humbly study it, not through men's traditions but through revelation given in the Scriptures themselves. I encourage you to try it sometime-set aside denominational bias and man's opinions, and simply let the Word of God speak for itself. It will open your eyes to truth far greater than anything religion or men's writings can provide.
As to you referencing of 1st Cor. chapters 1-5 & Heb. 11:3 you may want to clarify what you are trying to communicate.
Many today claim that John Nelson Darby in the 1800s was the originator of dispensationalism, yet the truth is much older. The Apostle Paul himself was the first to set forth the truths of dispensations. In Ephesians 3:2, Paul speaks directly of "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward." He further declares that the mystery of Christ-hidden from ages and generations-was revealed to him ( Ephesians 3:3-9; Colossians 1:25-27). These are not man's inventions but divine revelations entrusted to Paul by the risen Lord.
Darby may have revived and systematized these doctrines in his day, but Paul was the original steward. It was Paul who first divided prophecy from mystery, Israel's promises from the Body of Christ, law from grace. He wrote, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" ( 2 Timothy 2:7). Paul is the one who instructs us to rightly divide the Word of truth ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Long before Darby, Paul testified that God had committed to him the dispensation for this age and that he was made a pattern for those who would afterward believe ( 1 Timothy 1:16).
We may appreciate men like Darby, Scofield, or others who helped organize and explain these truths for later generations, but they did not create them. They simply pointed back to the original apostle to the Gentiles. If one desires to see the first true dispensationalist, we need not look to the 19th century but rather to the pages of the New Testament. Paul stands as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed His program for this present age of grace. And if one chooses to disagree, let it be known that it is not Darby you resist but the very Word of God itself-and that responsibility rests on you.
G&P
Here's a simple definition of Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism is a Protestant system of biblical interpretation that views human history as divided into different "dispensations" or ages, each with a distinct way God administers His plan and relates to humanity.
It emphasizes a literal reading of scripture, particularly prophecy, and teaches that God has distinct peoples, Israel and the Church, with separate, though related, roles and future fulfillments of promises.
It doesn't take Darby or anyone to see this truth in scripture.
It's the literal teaching of scripture taking the Bible for what it says without the allegorical approach of "all scripture concerning the future restoration of Israel and heavenly destiny of the Church.
At takes a twisting of scripture or a lack of studying scripture to mis it!
Most non dispensationalists suggests there is no future earthly Millennial reign of Christ.
In doing so they're either ignoring a great deal of the old testament and parts of revelation!
This is where some get off track studying Google feeds of Christianity and diverse covenants and building their theology off these findings and not understanding how they connect to scripture.
Improper hermeneutics is the cause of most of this.
You and I may not agree on everything but I do believe you are further along with this study than I am.
In fact I don't go out and study it from any viewpoint.
I have studied covenant theology and Dispensational theology for arguments sake but I didn't set out to become neither.
I just build my theology off what the Old and New testament literally says in this area and it lines me up with a literal approach to the Bible and that's a Dispensational viewpoint.
Blessings.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the way you presented your thoughts. It was clearly stated, balanced, and very well put. It's refreshing to see something expressed with both clarity and kindness. You managed to make your point firmly while still keeping it thoughtful and respectful-something not everyone does well.
I believe the way you worded things will not only help others better understand but also invite them to reflect without feeling pushed or dismissed. That kind of tone often opens more doors for meaningful discussion.
So, thank you again for the way you shared. It was, in every sense of the word, nicely put.
And thank you fo those kind words.
God bless you!
The key here is recognizing that the Old Testament prophets never saw the Church, the Body of Christ. Paul plainly declares this "mystery" was "hid in God" until revealed to him ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-26). To read Paul's gospel of grace back into the prophets is to engage in the very private interpretation Peter warns against. The prophets spoke of Israel's restoration, Messiah's reign on earth, and judgment of the nations. These promises remain true and await literal fulfillment in the millennial kingdom.
This is why Paul exhorts us to "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15). God's Word must be interpreted according to its proper dispensation. Israel's prophetic hope concerns the earthly kingdom, while Paul's revelation concerns the heavenly calling of the Body of Christ. To blend them is to misapply prophecy and confuse God's distinct programs.
Thus, 2 Peter 1:20 warns us not to force our own meaning into prophecy. Instead, we let Scripture interpret Scripture, acknowledging God's progressive revelation. Prophecy is sure, it will come to pass exactly as written for Israel, and the mystery revealed to Paul remains our doctrine today. Anything else is private interpretation, and therefore error.
G&P
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
John 10:4
"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
John 10:5
"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
John 10:26
"But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you."
Blessing's
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God :
There is so much in these chapters , just read them . Hebrews Ch 11 v 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God I recommend just read the Bible from start to finish and if God through his Spirit is teaching you will learn more than any seminary! As Jesus said to his disciples, if you continue in my word you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free! Amen Get reading it and put down those books of men ! Amen !
You quoted in part 1 Corinthians 2:4,5, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." When Paul spoke and wrote to the Church there, the Holy Spirit enabled him to bring together all of the Scriptures that properly and correctly manifested Christ Jesus, showing that Jesus was truly God's Love declared by the giving of Himself for their sakes. The world thinks that is ridiculous ("the wisdom of men" & 1 Corinthians 1:18)), for man must pay for his own sins and hope for God's acceptance. But Paul stood against the wisdom of men (Gentiles) and those who sought signs (Jews), but proclaimed what all the Scriptures testified of Jesus.
Once as a high-ranking Jew, Paul believed he understood the Scriptures correctly and so taught others. But when he came to faith, he had to count all that understanding 'loss and dung' as the Spirit enabled him to understand the Word correctly. Did he then lose sight of the correct understanding of Israel's history, God's Plan for them and for the Church (of both Jew & Gentile), and of things future? Not at all. All that God had proclaimed concerning National Israel still holds true and will come to pass. Then Jesus came and brought believing Jew & Gentile into the one Body. Correct distinctions need to be maintained or else we can make the Bible mean anything we want to suit our theology. GBU.
Your quote," What he shared was the correct application of biblical hermeneutics, which must be foundational in the reading of the Scriptures. If we get that wrong then everything we build upon it will be in error. And that probably accounts, in the greater part, for so many different interpretations and applications of the Scripture."
Who determined Bible hermeneutics as the foundation in the reading of the Scriptures? God touches the mouth or gives his words to ingest so the man tasked with it delivers. The Jews did not receive it as intended.. Neither the audience of the apostles. There is only one way to understand God's word. Obedience.
God warned Adam,"In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Correct way is to obey it totally. How Adam would reckon the day is out of place. This simple error shows Bible hermeneutics is a placebo given to a believer to be led by man and his carnal wisdom.
[Comment Removed]
Take for example the oft-mentioned matter of the Sabbath Day. We all read the same Scripture and understand the giving of it & God's Command to observe it. So why don't all believers in Christ rigidly perform the requirements of Sabbath rest? It boils down to the type & worth of one's hermeneutics of biblical Truth (i.e. applying correct interpretative principles, analysis, and application). So, to one, the Sabbath command is in the Bible, uttered by God Himself, and so must be obeyed by all people. To another, the Sabbath command is indeed in the Bible, but both it and all the Laws given by God to Israel must be read & understood in its proper context or else we stray far from the Word.
One cannot correctly obey what God by His Spirit speaks to us through His Word, unless we understand what His Word is actually stating in context. God indeed told Adam, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." And Adam had to understand it and then obey that Command. Would that Command apply to me today? Correct understanding tells me, 'No it does not apply, but it tells me about obeying God and repercussions for disobeying Him.
God tells Israel to obey His Commandments, to sanctify the Sabbath Day, as unto those under the Law and being judged by it. If I obey that command not understanding the context in which it is given, then I place myself, with Israel, under the Law, for the whole body of the Law is One; and that curse is upon me ( Galatians 3:10). But I choose not to obey that Law (along with the others) and place myself wholly under the directives of the Spirit Who frees from the Law that reveals sin and promises death ( Romans 8:2). Correct hermeneutics is essential or else we could anything we want with God's Word, and teach others accordingly.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Ezekiel 36:26
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:27
"And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."
1 John 2:4
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Matthew 5:19
"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."
Blessings
Sabbath entering into the God's rest for believers have the same meaning as was set forth in Gen.2.3
In the proper context this rest 'from all his work' refers to what went before. The seven days refers to the blessings in 1.28. Separated light from darkness gives us the will of God and as fulfilled in his Son. Nowhere do we have this replaced by another. Father of lights and the Son, true Light hold the same quality. Similarly all seven days in which God reveals his rest since His Son shall fulfill them. It is to which a believer enters. This Law is embodied by his Son in his glory. So entering into the rest is an every day thing and not in terms of a day in a week. Bible Hermeneutics is cobbled up by man and it is as mentioned earlier is a placebo prescribed by quacks so when Jesus has said, his kingdom is not of this world, what BH has done? Christian nationalism just shows what devil can do with such quacks. The Spirit in organising the Bible narrative has provided the key in the very Scriptures. Seek and you shall find. God's holiness ought to convince a believer separate a lie from the truth.
Though I don't believe that 'Bible Hermeneutics (BH)..is a placebo prescribed by quacks..' BH is a clear requirement to correctly read and understand God's Word as given, without adding our beliefs, views, & inclinations to it. If Christian nationalism purports to be God's instrument for the installation of Christ's Kingdom & His Holy requirements, then BH is not the fault, but lies at their reading of the Word & their exuberance for the restoration of Christian principles. If that were not the case, then shouldn't all of us, who stand behind BH, also advocate those nationalistic programs? Christ's Kingdom will come, as the Word declares, but on His terms, not ours. We are simply called to be His witnesses of His Mercy & Grace, living Holy lives that reflect the very Nature of the God we worship and serve, and to be a "sweet savour of Christ" to all. So, to name some as 'quacks' is quite uncalled for, since the same could be applied to those who don't hold to correct methods of interpretation, but I refrain from doing so.
Just this point: "So, to name some as 'quacks' is quite uncalled for, since the same could be applied to those who don't hold to correct methods of interpretation, but I refrain from doing so."
When God refers seven days why interpret it as a week? Or Sabbath or Sunday? Everyday is Lord's day, for that matter. Everyday is Christmas for me.
Was Darwinism vs.Creationism worthwhile to carry on for long?. Love your God with all thy heart and mind does not meann serving God and mammon. There is only one correct method of interpreting: by the lamp of the Spirit. If one wants to teach, it requires the Christ in you and not the quack who prescribes his nostrums to the public and to the family the best doctors he can get. Shine as lamps, walking the talk etc.,
Does it matter whether God refers to seven days as a week, or whether the Sabbath or Sunday, the Lord's Day, or even Christmas? It matters in every respect if one is to correctly read, understand and teach from the Scriptures. Yes indeed as you wrote, to the one in Christ every day is lived unto the Lord and in celebration & memory of His Birth and Death. But to give only that as a response to an enquiring mind, does not teach nor satisfy at all; it only speaks of what you believe and adds nothing to answer the question with a proper examination of God's Word on those matters.
But you say that such an interpretation is not done "by the lamp of the Spirit". By what criteria is that assertion made? Because a belief or exegesis is different to yours and your 'hermeneutics', therefore it must be quackerish? I guess the 'proof is in the pudding', when what one presents to another or to a group, is understood, accepted, and appreciated by them.
After all, if "the lamp of the Spirit" is aflame with Light & Truth, surely the hearer must be filled with that light, given knowledge and conviction, and not left bereft and in darkness. Or else that blessed Lamp only brightens and encourages one's own heart and soul & does little else. That's probably all I need to say in response to your comment and would leave this unless you want to continue. Blessings.
Since you asked some serious questions let me try to answer as best as I can:
It is disgust that one can miss the core value of the Scripture and with your own understanding build up another doctrine and another gospel. Even Paul was afraid that he may fall into error and present it in another form. This is God document and you have to receive it as given. Faith in believing unto righteousness, Holiness of God is not in presenting his Will for the sake of human reason but with the grace given, you work your way throgh Yes this eternal disgust is with regards to what is at the end of the road. As in thedays of Noah.(Mt.24.38)
"Does it matter whether God refers to seven days as a week, or whether the Sabbath or Sunday, the Lord's Day, or even Christmas? "
It matters indeed if one misses the everlasting Covenant presented in seven days Gen.ch.1, so the laws of nature and of Moses are all pendent to it. Miracles cease to be within His omnipotence. Entering into God's rest at the day Seven begins from the moment you receive. It is indeed well and good to have an enquiring mind but you say ' does not teach nor satisfy at all; it only speaks of what you believe.' Whether it adds the question with a proper examination of God's Word on those matters.."is for you to determine. I can only give my understanding you have to bring your own. Here in my posts I provide passages to explain. Whether your enquiring mind is,- it it stuck in some repeating groove in the good old LP records is your problem.I leave the rest for you to figure it out yourself. I do not write this in a vaccum so I work with the spirit of Caleb, Give me the mountain! I believe it is easy because it is Christ who is really carrying it, and I write. Disfust is all mine, and I am also a man of likewise passions.
"Miracles cease to be within His omnipotence." should be read as,"Miracles cease to be mitacles but dall within His omnipotence."
You have to bellieve the Word of God is for our spiritual instruction in righteousness, His holiness is eternal to which we may never fathom than what is revealed by the Holy Spirit. Your understanding is as my understanding which by itself is not sound as you may think. If you let your dogs out as you stroll in a park, the dog is not discovering any new unbeaten track but they are prisoners to their own physiology. They seek out smells of other dogs and it is how their world is made up of. Similarly one speaks of understanding which can trip some one as a vinyl record that has developed a scratch. It is thus sects cannot come out of their error. Our understanding has to be hitched in meekness and faith. to the Holy Spirit to profit withal.
I write in this forum to prove the Bible is inerrant and so far it has helped me that my faith founded on solid rock. If I use some principles it is because a clear cut pattern and modus operandi. Thus when the Spirit gives us the dep slep of Adam it is also referring to the death of the Son in a far country. Thus there are kangaroo events built in events. Such repeated narrative modes are meant to be accept that God invested in the His Fellowship with Man. So Adam is earthy and last Adam is spiritual. I find the mind of God is knowable as long as truth is what you work with. Some may cite gnosticism or hyper spiritualizing etc., I am not looking into the history of nations but simply the life eternal. The BH with which the false teachers put names on the beast and interpretations during the Cold War with regards to Gog and Magog, are too well known. This is how BH has encouraged quacks to trivialise the word of God.
I agree with you that the more we want to learn, the more the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, teaches us. It is a wonderful (inexhaustible source) of growth in which our search is answered by divine revelation.
However, I also believe that extra-biblical books can be beneficial tools, especially when we have difficulty remembering the large number of people in the Bible. There are so many individuals, and some are simply called "servants" without their names being recorded, but their roles are equally important. These nameless faithful can teach us profound lessons about humility and service.
One book I find useful to read along with the Bible is Paul Gardner's Who's Who in the Bible. It serves as a quick reference guide to the main characters, providing valuable context. By quickly clarifying who's who, it allows me to focus more deeply on the spiritual details and message of the passages I'm reading. It's like having a helpful map for a rich and complex landscape.
I never lean on commentaries, books, or denominational teachings of men, because they all carry the ideas and traditions of human reasoning. I am a King James Bible believer only, trusting God's preserved Word to be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The only wisdom I have is by the Holy Spirit, who teaches me truth as I carefully compare Scripture with Scripture in its proper context. God's Word interprets itself, line upon line and precept upon precept, never contradicting but always confirming itself. When rightly divided, the Bible brings clarity that no denomination or commentary can give. The Spirit of God illuminates His Word to those who humbly study it, not through men's traditions but through revelation given in the Scriptures themselves. I encourage you to try it sometime-set aside denominational bias and man's opinions, and simply let the Word of God speak for itself. It will open your eyes to truth far greater than anything religion or men's writings can provide.
As to you referencing of 1st Cor. chapters 1-5 & Heb. 11:3 you may want to clarify what you are trying to communicate.
G&P
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