"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. The Bible is divided into two major divisions - the Old Testament and the New Testament. (The word "testament" means "covenant" or "will".) The Old Testament is a history of man's fall into sin and God's carring out His promise to send a Redeemer. The New Testament is the fulfillment of that promise and the law of Christ for you and I to live by. The Mosaic law, which began with the ten commandments, was given only to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 5:1-3). The Mosaic law was fulfilled by Christ and was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). The Old Testament, as such, is no longer binding upon man. The New Testament is God's law for men today. See John 1:17; 6:68; 12:48; 14:6; Hebrews 1:1,2; 8:6,7.
RULE TWO: STUDY THE CONTEXT OF EACH PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE
AND INTERPRET EACH DIFFICULT PASSAGE IN THE LIGHT OF EASILY
UNDERSTOOD PASSAGES.
The Bible is truth and truth agrees with itself, so do not place an interpretation
upon one passage which contradicts another passage.
RULE THREE: STUDY ALL THE BIBLE TEACHES ON EVERY SUBJECT.
Consider all God says on a subject before drawing a conclusion. Failure to do this
will lead to a misunderstanding of Bible truths.
AN APPLICATION:
When we apply these rules to the question: "What must I do to be saved?", we find our salvation depends upon several things, not upon one alone.
WE ARE SAVED BY:
GRACE Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 2:11.
FAITH Romans 5:1,2; Galatians 3:26,27.
OBEDIENCE Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:16-18; Hebrews 5:8,9; James 2:17-26.
TO BE SAVED, WE MUST:
BELIEVE ON JESUS Mark 16:16; John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6.
REPENT OF SINS Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 17:30.
CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10.
BE BAPTIZED Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38: 8:38,39; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4;
Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21.
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