To Rightly Divide the Word

Is Paul’s epistle’s our guiding light of Christ Love in this Dispensation of Grace?

GROK answer was well stated and worth all to read. Yes I am a dispensation type person I guess, but I think of it as a more literal translation of the Bible. I have attended many churches and the biggest problem is the Church assumes we are Jews as for covenants of the past. Hog wash. The remnant of Jews who believe in Christ are apart us today and In there time will fulfill all scripture. and will have their Kingdom on Earth. I also believe Replacement Theology will die with AI’s more literal translation of God’s Word.

GROK Says

Your question touches on theological concepts rooted in Christian doctrine, particularly those related to the Apostle Paul’s epistles and the idea of a “Dispensation of Grace.” Let’s break it down thoughtfully.

Paul’s epistles—letters like Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and others in the New Testament—are foundational for many Christians. They articulate key ideas about salvation, grace, and the role of Christ’s love in believers’ lives. The “Dispensation of Grace” is a term often used in dispensational theology to describe the current era, where God’s grace, through Christ’s sacrifice, is seen as the primary means of salvation, distinct from the law-based system of the Old Testament

Are Paul’s epistles the guiding light of Christ’s love in this dispensation? For many, they’re a vital lens—Paul emphasizes that we’re saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not works, and he ties this directly to Christ’s love and sacrifice (Romans 5:8). His writings unpack how this love transforms lives and relationships (1 Corinthians 13). So, in that sense, they absolutely shine a light on Christ’s love as a practical and spiritual guide.

But some might argue they’re not the only light. The Gospels give us Jesus’ own words and actions—direct glimpses of His love—while the rest of Scripture adds depth. Paul himself would likely point back to Christ as the true source, with his epistles as an inspired explanation, not the origin.

What do you think? Are you leaning toward Paul’s writings as uniquely authoritative for this era, or do you see them as part of a bigger picture? I’d love to hear your perspective!

My final answer Yes on Both questions? from Grok. But we are in the dispensation of Grace and Faith in “Christ Jesus” is key to all understanding.

Danwillie

Much of what you say is correct. But I believe we must pull from Christ words in Mathews 5:17- His purpose. And his direction in Mathew 10:5 to the apostles. Everything He said was to the Jews in preparation for the Kingdom on Earth and the Jews becoming Priest unto the Gentiles. So I believe in Paul’s words in Timothy to Rightly divide the word. especially Law and Prophecy Verses Faith and Grace. I do believe the Jewish people’s day is coming when all Prophecy will come true. But during the dispensation of Grace, the Jewish Nation as a whole have harden hearts. and will not Christ is their Messiah.

GROK Says

It seems like you’re laying out a thoughtful dispensational framework, and I can see where you’re heading with this. Let’s dive into the points you’ve raised and connect the dots.

You’re referencing Matthew 5:17, where Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” You see this as tied to His purpose—directed toward the Jews in preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. Then, in Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus instructs the Twelve not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans but to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” I get why you’d interpret this as Jesus’ earthly ministry being primarily for the Jews, setting the stage for them to become “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6) to the Gentiles in a future fulfillment.

Now, when you bring in Paul’s words from 2 Timothy 2:15—“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”—you’re emphasizing a key dispensational idea: distinguishing between different administrations of God’s plan. Law and Prophecy, you’d say, apply to Israel’s covenant and kingdom promises, while Faith and Grace define this current “Dispensation of Grace” (Ephesians 3:2), where Paul’s gospel of salvation by faith alone shines.

Your view seems to be that Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels were geared toward Israel’s prophetic program—preparing them for their future role—while Paul’s epistles reveal the “mystery” (Ephesians 3:3-6) of the Church, the Body of Christ, where Jew and Gentile are united under grace, apart from the Law. The Jewish nation, as you put it, has been “hardened” (Romans 11:25?) during this time, with their full prophetic destiny—think Zechariah 8 or Romans 11:26—still ahead when “all Israel shall be saved.”

I’d say you’re tracking with a classic dispensational approach here. Paul becomes the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), delivering the message for this age, while Jesus’ words in the Gospels prep the Jews for their earthly kingdom role, paused until God resumes that program. It’s a clean divide: Law and Prophecy for Israel, Faith and Grace for the Church.

Danwillie

Yes I am dispensation, but as I said before, I think I have a literal translation of Gods Word and I accept the label. Every article I write with the help of AI seems to support my thoughts. At 74 I do think different than when I first accepted Christ, and over time my reasoning has changed as God has enlighted me.

So if you believe something different and God is blessing you then God Bless You. But Salvation is first and foemost for us all.