One of the greatest reasons the Bible is misunderstood—even among sincere believers—is the failure to recognize God’s divinely established distinctions within Scripture. When these God-given divisions are ignored, the Bible appears contradictory, confusing, and impractical. When they are recognized, the Scriptures become clear, harmonious, and spiritually powerful.

Throughout church history, much doctrinal error has arisen not from denying the authority of Scripture, but from mishandling it through private interpretation and theological blending. God Himself has placed distinctions in His Word, and He commands us to recognize them.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15, KJB)

There are seven major divisions which, when clearly understood, will greatly enhance one’s comprehension of the Bible and safeguard against doctrinal confusion.

I. EARTH AND HEAVEN: TWO DISTINCT SPHERES OF GOD’S PURPOSE

A. God’s Two Realms of Dominion

From the beginning, God purposed to glorify Himself in two spheres: heaven and earth. Both were corrupted through Satan’s rebellion and man’s fall.

“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.”
(Genesis 3:22a, KJB)

Though presently under satanic usurpation, earth will ultimately become the center of God’s visible kingdom.

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.”
(Daniel 2:44, KJB)

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
(Matthew 6:10, KJB)

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.”
(Revelation 11:15, KJB)

B. Israel and God’s Earthly Program

Israel was chosen to be the banner nation of God’s earthly kingdom.

“Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
(Exodus 19:6, KJB)

C. The Church and God’s Heavenly Purpose

Heavenly places, once the realm of angelic rebellion, will be filled with members of the Body of Christ.
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
(Ephesians 2:6, KJB)

“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace.”
(Ephesians 2:7, KJB)

Though both realms will ultimately be united in Christ:

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.”
(Ephesians 1:10, KJB)

They must be distinguished now to avoid ministry confusion. We are not building an earthly kingdom; we are ambassadors of a heavenly calling.

“For our conversation is in heaven.”
(Philippians 3:20, KJB)

II. OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT: COVENANTAL TRANSITION

The Old Testament primarily records God’s dealings with Israel under the Law and the promises connected to the earth. The New Testament reveals both the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ and the progressive unveiling of new revelation.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
(John 1:17, KJB)

Failure to recognize this transition leads to legalism and confusion about salvation, worship, and Christian living.

III. THE NEW TESTAMENT UNDER GRACE: THE CHURCH AGE

A. The Present Dispensation

The Church Age operates under a distinct administration.

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit.”
(II Corinthians 3:6, KJB)

“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.”
(Ephesians 3:2, KJB)

This age is characterized by salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, KJB)

IV. THE NEW TESTAMENT UNDER THE NEW COVENANT (POST-RAPTURE)

The New Covenant is not made with the Church, but with Israel.
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.”
(Jeremiah 31:31, KJB)

Its legal enactment awaits the future fulfillment after the Rapture.

“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.”
(Hebrews 9:16, KJB)

V. LAW AND GRACE: TWO CONTRASTING PRINCIPLES

A. Law: Revealing God’s Righteous Standard

“And the LORD God commanded the man.”
(Genesis 2:16, KJB)

“And God spake all these words.”
(Exodus 20:1, KJB)

The Law exposes sin and demonstrates mankind’s need for redemption.

B. Grace: God’s Undeserved Favor

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
(Titus 2:11, KJB)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8, KJB)

These principles must never be blended.

“For ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
(Romans 6:14, KJB)

VI. ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH: DISTINCT IDENTITIES AND CALLINGS

Israel is a covenant nation with earthly promises.

“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God.”
(Deuteronomy 14:2, KJB)

The Church is a new creature, the Body of Christ.
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”
(I Corinthians 12:13, KJB)

“There is one body, and one Spirit.”
(Ephesians 4:4, KJB)

“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.”
(I Corinthians 10:32, KJB)

They must not be confused.

VII. PROPHECY AND MYSTERY: THE MASTER KEY

A. Prophecy: Spoken Since the World Began

“As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.”
(Luke 1:70, KJB)

Prophecy concerns Israel, the Law, and the earth.

B. Mystery: Hidden Until Revealed to Paul

“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men.”
(Ephesians 3:5, KJB)

“The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations.”
(Colossians 1:26, KJB)

This mystery defines our present dispensation.

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel.”
(Romans 16:25, KJB)

DO NOT CONFUSE WHAT GOD HAS SEPARATED

When Israel and the Church are confused, law and grace are blended, and prophecy and mystery are mixed, the Bible becomes distorted. But when these seven divisions are honored, Scripture becomes clear and glorious.

“God is not the author of confusion.”
(I Corinthians 14:33, KJB)

Let us handle the Word of God faithfully—rightly divided.

SOURCES AND REFERENCES
• The Holy Bible, King James Version (1611)