Rightly Divide The Word Of Truth
Source: Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Greek orthotomeo - English dividing - Strongs 3718:
"to cut straight" is found in 2 Tim 2:15 "rightly dividing,"
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, "rightly dividing the word of truth".
(NOTE: We divide by cutting a straight line)
Question: Where do we cut the straight dividing line in the word of truth?
Answer: The Death & Resurrection of Christ
Heb 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
(NOTE: The New Testament/Covenant doesn't begin until after Christ's death & resurrection)
It's not until a sinless Christs; sacrificial sin atoning death = (sins waged paid) & resurrection = (Gods receipt, payment received & accepted).
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Matt 27:
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost
51 Behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
(NOTE: The old covenant/testament ends, right here, in resurrection power! The veil tears as Christ passes through it, breaking the spiritual barrier. Sin seperated man from God's presents. Thru faith in Christs FINISHED sin redemptive payment. We can come boldly unto the throne of grace - Heb 4:16)
Rom 5:
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(NOTE: KJV Dictionary Definition, justification: In theology, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of faith in the atonement of Christ).
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(NOTE: We access God's grace thru faith in Christ's FINISHED sin atoning work & resurrection)
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Parsing vs 8, For by Gods grace = (unmerited/unearned favor) are ye saved > thru faith placed in the FINISHED sin redemptive work of Jesus the Christ & his resurrection.
Vs 9) and that not of yourselves (no self works are involved).
A Gift is given, not earned. Grace is a gift from God, accessed thru faith placed in Christ's FINISHED sin payment & resurrection.