The BIG Picture (Study)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 3 ---  Dividing the REALMS ) In previous posts of this study, we have investigated the NEED to recognize divisions in the Bible. We have also determined the PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible. It is important to remember that the purpose for dividing the Word originates in all things to do with Israel. In this post we will have a look at the first of three overarching 'Israel related' categories that need to be rightly divided in God's greater redemption plan. Within the three categories of (1) Realms, (2) Agencies, and (3) Programs, we will start by dividing the REALMS; defined by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical . Genesis 1:1 famously starts with the statement, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." . In the context of this verse, we know that the heavens and the earth are the physical realms that God created. However, as we progress through this study, and in cont

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 2 --- The PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible ) In the last two lessons, we've had a look at the necessity (or importance) of understanding and exercising right division in the Word. In this short post I simply want to ask the question, "Why is there a dual purpose in God's plan?" What is the reason why we have to split up the content in the Bible? The answer lies in the design of God's plan. As in the image below, you'll see that the end of the plan involves two realms . The lower part (in blue) represents the 1000-year Millennial Kingdom, in which Christ will reign on earth . The part above that represents the heavens . We will look at these two realms in greater detail in the next post, but it is the fact that we have two realms that requires us to divide the Bible between two distinct and unique programs. An Earthly and Heavenly Hope The prophetic program, specific to Israel, is an earthly program which w

Two Programs for Two Realms (Part 3) There have been so many revelations in my dispensational journey, and one of the first (and biggest) that I learned of was the understanding of TWO programs in God's great plan of redemption. One will not see, let alone understand, this concept of two programs unless one recognizes the divisions in scripture, 2 Tim.2:15 . Without the divisions, everything will seem to flow into each other and merge with each other and then you miss the entire revelation all together! It all starts with Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth . These are not just describing different physical realities but also refer to separate realms, one spiritual and one physical. Both these realms became corrupt; the heavens, due to the rebellion of Lucifer,  Job 15:15 , and then later the earth, due to the rebellion (or disobedience) of Adam, Genesis 3:6 . The redemption plan of God involves the setting up of two programs, one to c

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints Have you ever noticed that Old Testament and Gospel saints were NOT PROMISED HEAVEN as a destination? Instead they were promised an everlasting kingdom on earth . As a matter of fact, these saints never even had a concept of "going to heaven" when they died. The reason is because all through the Old Testament and prophecy it was spoken of a glorious new earthly kingdom ; one which would be restored and refreshed as it was before. In the verse below, Zacharias, John the Baptist father, when speaking of salvation, does not have the concept of "going to heaven"  as you and I would today. In his case, salvation is being saved from their earthly enemies and inheriting that promised 'earthly, terra firma' land mention in the covenant made to Abraham, Luke 1:67-75 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:  68 "Blessed is the Lord God of Isra