Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: Dispensationalism’s Favorite Verse

One of the most common objections we get from dispensationalists is that we do not know how to “rightly divide the Word of Truth”, which is taken from II Timothy 2:15. Based on the dispensational view popularized by Scofield, Larkin, Ryrie, and others, this verse is a foundational hermeneutical passage instructing the church that God’s word must be broken into divisions so that it can be properly understood. But not only is the dispensational view of this verse incorrect, it also goes against the hermeneutical and doctrinal thrust of all of Scripture, which instead of teaching division, teaches that Christ’s purpose was to bring unity.
In this episode, we examine II Timothy 2:15 in light of a broader view of God’s Word. We look at many passages where scripture teaches that Christ came to reconcile man to God, to unify the Jews and the Gentiles, and to restore God’s creation. We look at the dispensational insistence that the church and Israel must be forever separated from one another, and explain why Scripture teaches this is not true. God did divorce the physical nation of Israel, and to the extent that it continues in the world, it is an example of what happens to those who reject Him. But the Israel that is made up of those Old and New Testament saints that are the children of Abraham by faith, is reckoned in the Son of David, the risen Christ, the True Israel, and regardless of their earthly heritage, all those who believer are made one in Christ and are partakers of the promises. Please join us as we discuss this often mishandled verse of scripture.
Listen to the audio version here:
Thumbnail image by Rod Ramsey under CC-BY 2.0
Timecodes
00:00:00 What is Dividing
00:05:47 The Context
00:07:52 Dividing God's People
00:20:15 Word and Spirit
00:24:58 Jews and Gentiles
00:46:21 What is Rightly Dividing?
1:00:05 Charts

Production of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NC
Permanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua Horn
Technical Director - Timothy Kaiser
Theme Music - Gabriel Hudelson