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The exhortation from the apostle Paul declares, "Give diligence to present thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy
2:15 ASV). A failure to handle correctly the Word of God will result in a departure from the
divine pattern. The wrong emphasis in teaching will not produce the faith and unity that is
profitable for one's salvation.
A preacher or teacher is obligated to teach all truths that are applicable to man's salvation today. To be free from the blood of all men one must boldly proclaim all profitable teaching (Acts 20:20) which is "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27 ASV). The faith that saves a soul from sin comes only by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Diligent study of God's Word is necessary so that in every circumstance and situation the Holy Scriptures are correctly applied. A haphazard approach to Bible study is not profitable for one's spiritual well-being. The folly of such careless handling of God's Word is well illustrated by the man who was quick to demonstrate that he was prepared to do what the Scriptures would have him to do. He opened his Bible and read that Judas "went away and hanged himself" (Matthew 27:5 ASV). He then turned and read the Master's statement that says, "Go, and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37). This is exactly the way that many people handle the Holy Scriptures, and it is why the majority of folks are worshipping in vain! The Patriarchal Dispensation began with Adam and Eve in about 4000 B.C. and lasted for approximately 2500 years (longer for the Gentiles). God dealt with each family directly and the father would serve as the prophet or priest. There was no set day for worship under this dispensation. Sacrifices were made with animals — a blood sacrifice. Atonement that was made for the sins of the people was temporary (Leviticus 16) and looked forward to the death of Christ (cf. Romans 3:25-26; Hebrews 9:15; 10:4). The Mosaical Dispensation involved only the Jews — the chosen nation of God. This is clearly stated when Moses said, "Jehovah our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Jehovah made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day" (Deuteronomy 5:2-3 ASV). Acceptable worship was first conducted in the temporary tabernacle in the wilderness and later in the temple at Jerusalem. The priests under the law of Moses were descendants of Aaron and of the tribe of Levi (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 3:1-13). This dispensation contained the first written law and one primary purpose was to keep Abraham's race distinct until the coming of the promised seed (Romans 4:16-19). This law was a "schoolmaster" or "tutor" by which the people of God would be brought to Christ (Galatians 3:19-25). It was always to be a temporary dispensation to last only until Jesus ushered in the New Covenant (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:11, 14; Matthew 5:17). Animal sacrifices were offered for the sins of the people and a remembrance was "made of sins year by year" because it was "impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:3-4 ASV). The Mosaical Dispensation lasted about 1500 years. The Christian Age or New Covenant is the final dispensation and will last until the end of the world. Jesus Christ is the prophet, priest and king of the new covenant, (Luke 24:19; Hebrews 4:14; Revelation 17:14) and He will also be the judge (John 12:48; James 4:12). Individual Christians are priests (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9), and Christ is the High Priest. The sacrifice for sin was Jesus Christ who was offered once for all (Hebrews 9:12, 26). Through His shed blood "we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7 ASV). The church (God's people) is to assemble each Lord's Day (Acts 20:7) to worship "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). The kingdom or church (Matthew 16:18-19) is spiritual in nature, and there is no earthly headquarters (John 18:36). Christ is the head of His church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). There is only "one body" (Ephesians 4:4) and it is the only body that Christ has ever promised to save (Ephesians 5:23). An obedient faith is necessary as Christ is "the author of eternal salvation" only to those that "obey him" (Hebrews 5:9). One enters this kingdom only by the new birth (John 3:3-5) and the Lord Himself adds those who obey the gospel to the church (Acts 2:47). Belief (Hebrews 11:6) , repentance (Luke 13:3) , confession (Romans 10:9-10) and baptism for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Mark 16:16) are prerequisites to one's salvation. God speaking directly to fathers, circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, animal sacrifices, burning incense, and instrumental music are not part of the New Testament. Let us make sure that we are "handling aright the word of truth!" |