Our Bible is uniquely designed for us in this dispensation of grace, to be able to read and study it in its proper divisions. First, it is divided into two major divisions: Old Testament – Genesis to Malachi and New Testament – Matthew to Revelation.
The Old Testament is laid out in three distinct sections: History – Genesis to Esther Poetry – Job to Song of Solomon Prophecy – Isaiah to Malachi
The New Testament begins with five books of history: the four gospels transition the Bible from Old Testament to New Testament through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book of Acts transitions from a Jewish church in Jerusalem focusing on the kingdom gospel to the gospel of the grace of God to the entire world where there is no difference between Jew and Gentile spread abroad by the Apostle Paul.
The thirteen books of church doctrine follow written by Paul – Romans to Philemon Our Bible then transitions back from a Gentile focused gospel to a Jewish focus from Hebrews to Revelation. The main doctrinal application is to Jews of the tribulation, even though there are trans-dispensational, timeless truths that are just as applicable to us today.
History -- Matthew to Acts Church Doctrine -- Romans to Philemon Prophecy (Jewish Books) -- Hebrews to Revelation
The synoptic gospels are an incredible Bible study comparing scripture with scripture to see the nuances of each gospel writer as directed by the Holy Spirit to reach their particular audience. Matthew 16:21-27, Mark 8:31-38, and Luke 9:20-26 all cover the same event in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:23 is a great verse that represents a trans-dispensational timeless truth concerning the cost of discipleship even for us today. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Jesus went into some detail concerning those who would follow him and those who would chase after worldly gain instead of the sacrificial life of a disciple. When he returns at the 2nd Advent and sits on the throne of his glory he will judge everyone who is still living after the tribulation. He will reward them according to their works.
Matthew 16:27: For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
The contrast of the cost of discipleship between kingdom discipleship and the dispensation of grace discipleship is very clear. Yes, there are similarities, but the critical difference is the motive behind commitment. For the Jews, it was an all or nothing proposition in order to enter the millennial kingdom.
For us who are saved in this dispensation, the commitment to follow Christ in good works has nothing to do with our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:8-10, 4:30), but everything to do with our journey into Christ-likeness. We are given specific instructions from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through the Apostle Paul in his letters to the Church Age saints. He tells us in two separate scriptures that the commandments he writes are directly from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 Thessalonians 4:2
We laid the foundation of the purpose of discipleship in this dispensation today. Next Sunday, we will unpack the differences of passive inheritance as compared to active inheritance. It is all based on our attitudes and actions.
