#98-G44 ~ Galatians 2:8
We begin this study with more about II Timothy 2:15 and the concept about rightly dividing the Scriptures. This tells us that although the whole Bible is FOR us, it is not all TO us or ABOUT us. The portion of it that is most important for us today is found in the writings of the apostle Paul. It is this man who is said to be OUR apostle. I then point out the words of Miles Coverdale. He lived between 1488 and 1569. He was a great teacher of the Bible. But here are his words about rightly dividing the Scriptures. “It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note – not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before, and what follows. All this is about the importance of CONTEXT. This is a matter that is extremely important and absolutely essential for a right understanding of the things spoken in the Bible. I then go into an explanation of all this and the significance it has for you and the people you get to share this truth with.
I then discuss salvation by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 is the text. But I then show the contrast that has with what James says about salvation in his writings. We then noted James 1:1 where he clearly states that his writing in this letter was TO Israel, not us today as Gentiles. We then look at James 2:19-24 where it becomes obvious that works were required as the way someone needed to express their faith for salvation under this other program. These passages represent two systems for salvation. One was for Israel, that of James, and the other was given for us today through the writings of the apostle Paul. We then went on to look at Romans 4:1-5 (also written by Paul) where it clearly states that our works have absolutely nothing to do with our attainment of salvation in our time.
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