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(1) Full inspiration of the Scriptures.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim. 3: 16).
COMMENT. We believe unreservedly in the full inspiration of Scripture. Peter
supports Paul in II Pet. 1: 21 which reads:
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
The Greek phero here translated "moved" is translated "driven" in Acts 27: 17.
(2) Right division of the Scriptures.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2: 15).
The Trust Deed then gives Acts 28: 17-31 as the second reference, but as it is a
long passage, we quote only Acts 28: 28. The reader may refer to the whole passage
in view of its importance:
"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and
they will listen" (Acts 28: 28, N.I.V.).
COMMENT.
The reference to "right division" leads us to consideration of
dispensational truth. Writing to the Philippians, Paul says:
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in
all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and
without offence till the day of Christ" (Phil. 1: 9-10).
In the margin, instead of "approve things that are excellent" there is the alternative
rendering "try the things that differ". In our search for knowledge we have to observe
differences. For example, if I say I have an animal with four legs, you do not know
whether it is a donkey, or cat, or dog, or cow... unless further information is given which
will identify it. The fact is that a donkey has four legs, but everything with four legs is
not a donkey. So in our study of the Scriptures, we learn by observing differences. Does
Peter's ministry differ from that of Paul? We quote a short passage:
"But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was
committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for He that
wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty
in me toward the Gentiles:" (Gal. 2: 7-8).
(3) Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
(Matt. 16: 16).
"And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the son of the living God"
(John 6: 69).
"And Thomas answered and said unto Him, my Lord and my God" (John 20: 28).