Rightly Dividing the Word

by Clarence Larkin

a selection from the first While the Bible was written FOR all classes of people, and FOR our learning, it is not addressed to all people in general. Part of it is addressed to the JEWS, part to the GENTILES, and part to the CHURCH. These three constitute the "Three Classes" into which humanity is divided. 1 Cor. 10:32. It follows therefore that while the whole Bible was written for the instruction of the Church, it is not all written about the Church. The Church is not mentioned in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is mostly taken up with the history of one nation, that of Israel. When we take the Old Testament promises and apply them to the Church we rob the Jew of that which is exclusively his. For illustration, the prophecy of Isaiah in the chapter headings is largely applied to the Church, whereas the very first verse declares that it is—"concerning JUDAH and JERUSALEM." Isa. 1:1. In the New Testament the Epistles of Hebrews and James are Jewish. The Epistle of James is addressed, not to the Church, but to the "TWELVE TRIBES scattered abroad." James 1:1. In the Epistle to the Hebrews many Christians stumble at the words "fall away" (Heb. 6:4-6), and "if we sin willfully," Heb. 10:26. But these words do not apply to Christians. They were spoken to apostate Jewish professors of Christianity who had never been born again, and who, if they did not accept Jesus as their Messiah, practically crucified Him again, and were as bad as their brethren who did crucify Him. ALL Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, (2 Tim. 3: 16), and what happened to Israel was written for our ENSAMPLE and ADMONITION, (1 Cor. 10: 11), but we must not apply to the Church what does not belong to it. To do so is to misapply Scripture and lead to confusion. In "Rightly Dividing" the Word we must also distinguish between the work or offices of Christ as Prophet, Priest and King. A careful study of the Chart, "The Threefold Work of Christ," page 250, will show that these offices are not held at the same time. We must also distinguish between the "Prophetic Days" of Scripture. See the Chart on "The Prophetic Days of Scripture" page 2. We must also distinguish between the "Times'* and "Seasons." Between the "TIMES PAST" when He spoke by the Prophets, and these "LAST DAYS" in which He has spoken to us by His Son. Heb. 1:1-2. As. to the "TIMES" we have them designated as the "TIMES OF IGNORANCE,'" (Acts 17:30); the "TIMES OF THE GENTILES," (Luke 21:24); the "TIMES OF REFRESHING," (Acts 3:19); the "TIMES OF RESTITUTION," (Acts 3:21); and the "Dispensation of the FULNESS OF TIMES." Eph. 1: 10. See the Chart of "The Times and Seasons," page 4. From the statement the "TIMES OF THE GENTILES," we see that when the "Gentiles" are in power the "Jews" are not. And as the "Times of the Gentiles" is still running, the Church cannot be in this Dispensation a governing or Kingdom power. We must also not forget the "DIVINE CONJUNCTIONS" and the "DIVINE DISJUNCTIONS" of the Word of God.' We must not separate what God has joined, as the "Word of God" and the "Spirit of God," nor join what He has separated as Baptism and Regeneration, Law and Grace, the Church and the Kingdom.

Genres: Theology, Christian

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarence Larkin is one of my favorite bibilical scholars. He pulls the bibilical doctrines out and puts them in this book for easy understanding. He doesn't give his opinions but lets the Holy Spirit guide him in revealing the Truths.

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not scholarly, but still a tightly written, tightly-reasoned case for classic dispensationalism. Surprisingly compelling even though it's wrong.

[Brian Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarence Larkin’s classic study of the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Every statement is supported by Scripture and, in many cases, the entire supporting text is quoted.

[Abhinay Bitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a new perspective on understanding the Word of God.
Must read for all who want to get a better understanding of the Fundamental Doctrines of Christianity. Definitely a re-read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!

[Barry Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!
Another Clarence Larkin must read.
A recommended "primer" for Larkin's Dispensational Truth.

[Joebiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations