PATH Doctrinal Statement on Scripture and Interpretation

The Authority of Scripture

We affirm that all Scripture is inspired, inerrant, and fully authoritative as the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The whole Bible was written for our instruction, revealing the character, purposes, and redemptive plan of God.

God has spoken. He has revealed Himself progressively throughout history, and His revelation culminates in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2). Scripture is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice.

The Call to Rightly Divide

We affirm the apostolic command of 2 Timothy 2:15 — that believers are to “rightly divide the word of truth.”

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

To rightly divide means to handle Scripture accurately. It requires interpreting the Bible according to:

• Its historical setting
• Its grammatical structure
• Its covenant context
• Its intended audience

Right division does not divide Scripture against itself. Rather, it honors the unity of God’s redemptive plan by recognizing the distinctions within that plan.

Israel, Gentiles, and the Church

Scripture identifies three distinct groups in God’s redemptive program: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of God (1 Corinthians 10:32).

While the entire Bible is written for the Church’s learning and spiritual growth, not every passage is written directly to the Church as its primary audience.

We therefore maintain:

• That Israel and the Church are distinct in God’s redemptive program.
• That the Church was a mystery not revealed in previous ages but made known through the apostles (Ephesians 3:4–6).
• That God administers His purposes through stewardships (dispensations), without ever changing the way of salvation, which has always been by grace through faith.

Recognizing these distinctions protects us from confusion, covenant misapplication, and doctrinal error.

Progressive Revelation and Covenant Context

God spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets (Hebrews 1:1). He revealed His purposes in stages, culminating in the full revelation of His Son.

Understanding progressive revelation prevents us from:

• Claiming promises made specifically to national Israel as though they were unconditional guarantees to the Church.
• Placing believers under covenantal requirements not given to the Body of Christ.
• Ignoring the historical and covenant setting of biblical warnings and instructions.

The whole Bible is written for us, but not every passage is written directly to us. Every text reveals God’s character and contributes to our understanding, but it must be interpreted in its proper context.

Warning Passages and Assurance

Warning passages — including those found in Hebrews — must be understood in light of their historical audience and covenant setting.

Such passages do not overturn the clear New Testament teaching that salvation is the free gift of God, received by faith alone, and secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Right division safeguards both:

• The seriousness of biblical warnings
• The assurance of salvation grounded in Christ’s completed work

Assurance rests on God’s promise, not human performance.

Our Commitment

We are committed to teaching and interpreting the Bible through a literal, grammatical, historical method that:

• Recognizes progressive revelation
• Maintains the distinction between Israel and the Church
• Upholds salvation by grace through faith alone
• Defends the security of the believer
• Exalts Christ as preeminent in every text rightly handled

Our aim is clarity without confusion, conviction without legalism, and assurance without presumption — honoring the unity of Scripture while respecting its God-given distinctions.