Minister’s Corner - 215 Rightly Dividing The Truth

Loved ones, in 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul told Timothy (and us) to “... rightly divide the truth.” What does this mean? It means to handle the Word of God properly, not to put one's own private interpretation on it, but to leave it in its context, and compare it with other related Scriptures in order to see what God is saying. It is only when a verse or passage harmonizes with other teachings on the same subject that one can conclude that he is properly understanding that particular truth.

To rightly divide the Word, one must first see (1) to whom God is talking (2) in what dispensation of time (3) and whether these were instructions for one individual or for all people of all time. Often a Scripture is lifted out of its context and made to stand alone, with no consideration of these three points. The result forces it to teach something that it does not teach, so that it contradicts other clear passages on the same subject.

For example, some conscientious folks say that one can be saved without being baptized into Christ. Such persons may point to Acts 16:30-31 as proof that all one has to do is believe and accept Christ as Savior. In considering this teaching, a look at the context is again very important. The verses following Acts 16:30 show that Paul and Silas "spoke the word of the Lord” to the jailor and his household, and immediately they were baptized. To conclude that they were saved through faith alone wrests this passage, making it teach a doctrine that contradicts other commands in the New Testament.

What do the Scriptures teach about salvation? They teach that baptism for the confessed, penitent believer in Christ does save him (1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:26-29). How? One is saved by God’s grace through the person's faith, but that faith has to demonstrate itself in the person's obedience to the instructions of the Gospel of Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-24). Remember, the New Testament is the whole body of Gospel truth (John 1:17; 17:17; 14:26; 16:13). God is so good. Love you. Samuel – 28 June 2026