2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved (dokimos, to be goodly thought of) unto God, a workman (Gk. ergates, a toiling teacher) that needeth not to be ashamed (Gk. aischunomai, disgraced), rightly (Gk. orthos, correctly) dividing (Gk. orthotomeo, dissecting) the word (Gk. logos, pure thought content) of truth.

Philip. 1:10 (so) That ye may approve (dokimazo, distinguish) things that are excellent (Gk. diaphero, differ); that ye may be sincere (Gk. eilikrines, judged by sunlight) and without offence (Gk. aproskopos, found faultless) till the day of Christ;

It is rather apparent to in these times that most of Christianity has not paid much attention to “rightly dividing the word of truth” we find in Scripture. As noted above, Paul told the Philippians that they ought to distinguish “the things that differ” – in order to be found faultless in His light.

Many Christians are living defeated lives, because they are hanging onto their past experiences, and even their past understandings of their religious beliefs. They see their sins more than they see the solution to their sins, and that is the blood of Jesus! They spend more of their time dwelling on their sins, than dwelling on what Jesus has done for them! They need to understand the good news of Paul’s “gospel of the grace of God.”

What a difference between ‘the Law’ and ‘grace’ — between conditional and unconditional Forgiveness!

Both systems are consistent with God’s character and work according to His overarching plan for the ages. But we should rejoice in being saved members of “the church which is ‘the Body of Christ” (Eph. 1:22b-23a) during this present “dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph. 3:2)! The proper dispensational understanding of the Bible shows us that while God Himself, His character, never changes, His dealings with man do and have in fact changes through the course of history; i.e., today we live ‘under grace” and not “the Law.”

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Some denominational and even independent churches, pastors and teachers may still object; erroneously saying that the forgiveness teachings of Jesus while on earth represents doctrine which was later written to us as members of the present day Church. They further erroneously argue that we also should make our forgiveness conditional upon forgiving other first. They often do this because of the false assumptions and a fear that the grace and forgiveness that Paul preached will be abused.

Let’s address this false assumption.

First of all, we agree with Paul that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Rom. 15:4). All of Scripture is equally inspired of God but is profitable Only as it is Rightly Divided as Paul instructs us in 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16.

Second, let us understand that Jesus of Nazareth’s earthly ministry was “only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” according to prophetic word (Matt. 10:5-6; 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30; Rom. 15:8). Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled some 62 prophecies made to Israel concerning Him as the coming King and His Heavenly Kingdom yet to come on earth.

Thirdly, our Lord’s life and teaching did not nullify the covenant of “the law” given to the nation Israel through Moses on Mt. Sinai (cf. Matt. 5:17-18; 8:1-4; 23:1-3; Luke 2:21-24; Gal. 4:4). Jesus of Nazareth was born, lived, and worked as a Jew under the law (Gal 4:4) as He was circumcised the eighth day. He observed the Jewish feast days, told a healed leper to show himself to the priest and offer the gift (animal sacrifice) that Moses commanded, and He charged His disciples to observe and do all which those who sat in Moses’ seat bade them, the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees had this authority and were strict adherents for the letter of “the law.”

In fact, Jesus of Nazareth’s kingdom teaching did take ‘the law’ deeper to include the motives of the heart (cf. Matt. 5:22, 28, 32, 34), and certain adjustments were made to accommodate the coming kingdom (cf. Matt. 5:44; 13:52). His teaching was one of confirmation “to the circumcision (Israel)” (Rom. 15:8). Any new revelations given by Jesus of Nazareth at this time were only added details confirming the long prophesied, millennial phase of the kingdom of God as outlined in the prophesies of the Old Testament.

Finally, we should acknowledge that the Apostle Paul is the theologian for the present “dispensation of the grace of God” (cf. 1Cor 14:37, Rom 2:16). In Paul’s writings alone do we find the doctrine, position, walk and destiny of “the Church, which is His Body” (Eph. 1:22b-23a) Our Lord Jesus Christ conducted His 2nd ministry as a heavenly ministry from heaven to and through Paul, as his mouthpiece for today’s age of grace for the heavenly people of the Gentile “church which is His body” (Eph. 1:22b-23a). We today are the recipients of Paul’s ministry through his thirteen epistles. May we never lose sight of where we stand in the program of God for the Gentiles. This is crucial for our study of forgiveness as we have shown. Note these Pauline credentials.

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I (Paul) write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:37
3  Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me (Paul), which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 2 Cor 13:3
11 But I (Paul) certify you, brethren, (so) that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I (Paul) neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of (from) Jesus Christ. Gal 1:11-12
2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. Gal 2:2
9  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision (Israel). Gal 2:9
1  For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me (Paul) to you-ward: 3  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my (Paul’s) knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6  That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Eph. 3:1-9

Being properly adjusted to Paul’s grace teaching of forgiveness is absolutely essential for a joyous and victorious life of faith. How can we love and praise God for something of which we aren’t sure that He has given us?

Likewise, how can we have joy and peace when we fear God may withdraw His gifts if and when we falter?

We should not let unscriptural or undispensational teaching separate us from the enjoyment of sins forgiven and intimate fellowship with the One “in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith [faithfulness] of Him” (Eph. 3:12).