We believe that this is a sane and reverent way of handling the Word of God, and

moreover it is a principle we all carry out to some degree in our daily lives. Who would

mix up the contents of the bedroom, lounge and kitchen in their homes, or the various

departments of their business?  The same sanity is needed in the approach to and

interpretation of the Word of God.

If the principle of II Tim. 2: 15 is not obeyed, then confusion reigns and we see the

result of this in the divided state of Christendom around us. All denominations appeal to

the Bible yet they are all in disagreement on many points of doctrine. If this sacred Book

can be interpreted in any way one pleases without any divine guiding principle then it

becomes like a musical instrument that plays any tune the player wishes. Even Satan can

and does quote Scripture but he never rightly divides! The most serious consequence is

that Truth is not obtained however much the Bible is quoted. Every text has a context,

and each context is related to truth that is linked to the company of the redeemed to

whom God has sent it.

Taken out of the setting in which God has placed it, the Bible becomes untruth and we

believe this is why such solemn consequences follow the refusal to obey II Tim. 2: 15.

Nothing can be more serious than turning the Word of truth into error and if we do so we

must not be surprised if we do not receive God's approval in that future day of glory.

Too often this is treated lightly by Christians, but we say with definiteness that no

believer can consistently disobey the divine command of II Tim. 2: 15 and be `approved

of God'. The divine `crown' will not be his, this heavenly prize will be forfeited.

On the other hand if `right division' or `correct handling' is faithfully carried out and

its result is manifest in our lives, we can confidently look forward to God's richest

blessing here and now and His exaltation of us to His throne in the next life.

One more important fact needs to be brought before the reader namely that, when

II Tim. 2: 15 is consistently applied every statement of the Scriptures can be taken

without alteration.  It allows God to mean what He says and have a meaning for

everything He says. There are no contradictions, and everything falls into its proper

place in the outworking of the great purpose of the ages centred in Christ Jesus, and is

finally seen to be carried out to a glorious conclusion by Him Who works all things after

the counsel of His own will.