Dispensational Truth
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Dispensational Truth by C. H. Welch,
This work is about the principle of right division, which can best be described as cutting aright the Word of God. When we use right division to understand the purpose of God for mankind, we see two distinct lines of redemptive operation; redemption unto the heavens or the earth. Already, we can see the opposition to traditional thinking.
We are commanded, by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." How can we practice this principle of cutting aright the Bible? Mr. Welch explains that to understand the Scriptures correctly we need to use this method of answering these questions: Who is writing? To whom is it written? Why are they writing? When was it written? What are the circumstances and context?
Before we mentioned the two distinct lines of purpose for mankind. The earthly calling has to do with the nation Israel and how God had this calling in view from, or since, the foundation (overthrow) of the world. The heavenly hope, in contrast, has to do with this present administration of believers being raised to a position in the heaven far above all heavens. This dispensation started before the foundation of the world and cannot be the same.
Have you ever noticed the instructions the Apostle Paul gave to those at Corinth concerning marriage? Do not be married because the time was short. Yet in 1 Tim. Paul told the saints to marry. How do we account for this? And what about the two baptisms in Acts, yet only one baptism in Ephesians? Is every instruction that was given to the New Testament saints valid for today? If it weren't for right division, we would have to say yes. What do we do with circumcision, the communion table, the sabbath keeping? "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (Col. 2:16,17).
Because of limited space, I will just list a few topics that are addressed.
- An exhibition of the plan and theme of the whole Bible.
- The six days creation.
- The divine purpose with the seed that was promised and satan's opposition to it.
- The dispensation of the Mystery.
Remember that the word "dispensation" is not heresy. Since it is found nine times in the Bible we should try to get a handle on its true meaning and begin practicing the principle of right division.
