General Bible Knowledge: THE MUSKEGON BIBLE INSTITUTE INC. "TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS

Copyright © 2020 BISHOP WILLIE J. DUNCAN SR., D.D., Th.D., Ph.D.

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General Contents

GENERAL BIBLE KNOWLEDGE TEXTBOOK

BOOK ONE

Preface

Study Course Procedure Curriculum

The Divisions of The Books of the Bible

Introduction To General Bible Knowledge

Ages

The Dispensations of the Bible

Some Main Characters of the Seven Dispensations

How to Study Our Bible

The Seven Speeches of the Bible

Symbolism

Figurative

Literal

Parables

Allegory

Biblical Contrasts

Biblical Implication

Thy Word is Truth

The Preaching of the Word

Rightly Dividing the Word

Bible Covenants

Three General Covenants

Specific Unconditional Covenants

Seven Feasts of the Lord Compared with The Seven Days of Creation

Exposition on the Days of Creation

Fifty Thousand Years

The Godhead

The Holy Ghost is God

Understanding the Godhead

Name’s of God

Prophecy

Political Prophecies

Satan’s I Wills

God’s I Wills

The Prophecy of Daniel

Church History

Revelation Explained

Seven Stages of Church History

The Ephesian Age

Apostolic Warnings

The Smyrnian Age

The Pergamian Age

The Council of Nicea

The Thyatirian Age

The Ante Nicene Fathers

Nicene Period

Post Nicene

Manuscripts

Copy

Bible Translations

The English Translations

The Sardian Age

The Philadelphian Age

The Laodician Age

Baptism in Jesus’ Name

Tests for General Bible Knowledge Through Church History

TYPOLOGY

BOOK TWO

Preface

Curriculum Study Guide

Introduction

God’s Equation

Spiritual Characteristically Types Adam

Eve and the Church

Abraham and Isaac

Abraham, Eliezer and Rebekah

Joseph and His Brethren

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle Contents

The Brazen Altar

The Brazen Laver

The Holy Place

The Holiest of Holies

The Ark of the Covenant

The Seven Sonships of Christ

Son of God

The Son of Man

Son (Seed) of Abraham

The Son of David

Son of Joseph

Son of God by Resurrection

Son Over His Own House

Examination

FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES OF SALVATION

BOOK THREE

Acknowledgements

Preface

Curriculum Study Guide

The Death of the Testator

The Prophet

The Priest

The Sacrifice of Testator

The Sacrifice

The Mediator

Melchizedek

The Way of Salvation

Hearing the Full Gospel

How Shall They Hear Without A Preacher?

Beware of False Prophets

Apostolic Warnings

Believing The Gospel

The Work Of Faith

Repentance

Baptism

The Formula of Baptism

Four Parts to the Great Commission

Which is the Correct Baptism Formula? Matthew 28:19-20

Fulfillment

There is One Baptism Immersion

Baptism for the Remission of Sins

Ye Shall Receive the Holy Ghost

Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Speaking in Other Tongues

Old Testament Prophesying as Sign of the Presence of the Spirit

New Testament Tongues as Initial Sign of Receiving the Holy Ghost

The Difference in Other Tongues and Gifts of Tongues

Gifts of the Spirit

The Gifts in the Church

The Christian Walk, Holiness

Saved by Grace

Old Man Adam

Sinology (The Study of Sins)

Introduction

The Sins of the Flesh

Sins Of Unchasity

Sins Of Irreligiousness (Galatians 5:20)

Sins Of Malignity (Galatians 5:20, 21)

The Sins of Excessiveness (Galatians 5:21)

Lovology

Eternal Security?

Sons of God

Examination

Questions and Answers

GENERAL BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

TEXTBOOK

Book One

TEXTBOOK

GENERAL BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

Preface

This course will consist of the study of General Bible Knowledge. My effort is to walk the student through the Bible in various subjects. The course will begin with a logical study of the arrangement of the Books of the Bible.

We will examine the Ages, Dispensations and Covenants. You will learn how to study the Bible effectively—rightly dividing the word of truth.

In this course, you will study the Godhead. You will learn about the Prophecy of Daniel and Revelation. We will walk through Church History and capture the expectations of the Rapture of the Church.

The Muskegon Bible Institutes’ ostensible purpose is that each student would embrace a burning desire to continue in the study of the Word of God effectively, and our goal is that each student would learn how to apply the knowledge acquired from this course. Please study all the Biblical references given. This will enhance your learning capability. Consider it a blessing for being a part of this course.

Dr. W. J. Duncan

The Author

MUSKEGON BIBLE INSTITUTE INC.

GENERAL BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

Study Course Procedure

Curriculum

(FIRST TEN WEEKS)

*THREE TIME PER WEEKS*

FIRST WEEK

You must learn the Books of the Bible and the divisions thereof in order.

You must learn the Dispensations and Covenants.

SECOND WEEK

You must learn the creative story and be able to compare the Seven Feast Days of the Lord with the Seven Days of Creation.

THIRD WEEK

You must learn the answer to the twelve questions on the subject. "Thy Word is True: Proven by the scriptures from your memory.

FOURTH WEEK

You must study the course on the Godhead.

FIFTH WEEK

You must write a three-page report on, How God is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and yet be one.

SIXTH WEEK

You must study the Names of God. You must be able to quote at least ten names with their meanings and where they are found.

To pass this section you must pass the test questions that are recorded in the test booklet.

The Divisions of the books of the Bible.

Dispensations and Covenants.

The Mystery of the Godhead.

The Names of God.

PROPHECY

SEVENTH WEEK

You must be able to define the word Prophecy in your own words.

You must explain the approach of the use of the term political prophecies.

You must be able to discuss Satan’s I Wills verses God’s I wills

EIGHT WEEK

You must study the whole book of Daniel and give a summary of the Book.

NINTH WEEK

You must be able to remember the Hebrew names of Daniel and his friends. You must also remember the Chaldean names.

You must be able to tell the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and what it means. Also, name the order of the kingdoms.

TENTH WEEK

You must be able to tell the vision of Daniel and what this vision represents in the succession of Kingdoms.

You must be able to explain the origin of the Anti-Christ from their visions.

You must answer the questions on Bible Prophecy in the test session.

CHURCH HISTORY

SECOND TEN WEEKS

(Revelation)

FIRST WEEK

Give a summary of Revelation.

Put to memory the seven periods of Church History, including their fates if any.

SECOND WEEK

Apostolic Age

You must study the contents and doctrines of the apostolic warnings and prophecies given by the Apostles concerning the rise of false doctrines and false churches.

THIRD WEEK

Persecuted Age

You must study the times of the Christian Martyrs and that, which led to the persecution of the Church.

You must study the various men who arose in this period and their doctrinal opinions, which were developed.

FOURTH WEEK

Pergamian Age

(Imperial)

Give a brief history of the nation of Rome.

Give a report on the doctrines of the Nicolatans.

FIFTH WEEK

Give a research paper on the council of Nicea.

SIXTH WEEK

The Thyatirian Age

(Catholic)

You must study the origin of the Catholic Church.

Study the result of the Dark Age in the Christian Church.

SEVENTH WEEK

You must study the difference between Manuscripts, Copies, and Translations.

Who was the Massoretes?

What is a Version?

EIGHT WEEK

The Sardian Age

(Reformation)

You must determine, "What event brought about the Reformation Period.

Some main Leaders of the Reformation Period.

NINTH WEEK

Philadelphia Age

(Wesleyan)

Examine the origin of various churches of this age. Could they be justified in the light of the Holy Scriptures?

TENTH WEEK

Laodician Age

(Pentecostal’s Revivals)

You must be able to explain the spirit of this age.

You must be able to give a brief History of the Pentecostal Revivals beginning in 1901 to date.

Write 5,000 words report on what you have learned in the various subjects throughout this course.

GENERAL BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

The Divisions Of The Books Of The Bible

(OLD TESTAMENT)

(LAW)

GENESIS

EXODUS

LEVITICUS

NUMBERS

DEUTERONOMY

(HISTORY)

JOSHUA

JUDGES

RUTH

I SAMUEL

2 SAMUEL

I KINGS

2 KINGS

I CHRONICLES

2 CHRONICLES

EZRA

NEHEMIAH

ESTHER

(POETRY)

JOB

PSALMS

PROVERBS

ECCLESIASTES

SONG OF SOLOMOM

(MAJOR PROPHETS)

ISAIAH

JEREMIAH

LAMENTATIONS

EZEKIEL

DANIEL

(MINOR PROPHETS)

HOSEA

JOEL

AMOS

OBADIAH

JONAH

MICAH

NAHUM

HABAKKUK

ZEPHANIAH

HAGGAI

ZECHARIAH

MALACHI

(NEW TESTAMENT)

(GOSPELS)

MATTHEW

MARK

LUKE

JOHN

(HISTORY)

ACTS

(PAULINE EPISTLES)

ROMANS

1 CORINTHIANS

2 CORINTHIANS

GALATIANS

EPHESIANS

PHILIPPIANS

COLOSSIANS

1THESSALONIAN

2THSSALONIANS

1TIMOTHY

2 TIMOTHY

TITUS

PHILEMON

HEBREWS

(GENERAL EPISTILE)

JAMES

I PETER

2 PETER

I JOHN

2 JOHN

3 JOHN

JUDE

(PROPHECY)

REVELATION

Introduction To General Bible Knowledge

King James Version

The Study of the Bible is one of the most fascinating and rewarding endeavors that any of us can ever take. For in these pages of the Holy writ are the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We will receive prolong life physically and Eternal life spiritually, if we continue our study in the Word of God. We will be exposed to the knowledge of all things. Moreover, we will be apt to comprehend quite easily on all subjects, taught by God and man.

The books of the bible are arranged logically, and not chronologically. That is as they relate to subjects and contents, rather than dates and periods each was written; Meaning all law books are grouped together, all history books are grouped together, all gospels are grouped together and so on.

They are divided under various topics. There are ten divisions of the Bible, which are as follows: Law, Israel’s History, Poetic, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, The Gospels, History (The Acts) Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, and Prophecy.

The books in the Law Division contain specific moral codes that regulate the behavior of man toward man and God. The lessons in the Historical books teach us concerning The Rise and Fall Of The Nation Of Israel. The Poetic books are the folklores and literature or writings of the people of Israel. The subject listed as, Major Prophets are the prophets who wrote longer books, and the Minor Prophets wrote shorter books. The Gospels are biographical accounts of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Book Of Acts gives thirty years of Church History. The Pauline Epistles are the letters written to the Church and Officers. The General Epistles are so called because they Do Not address any Specific Church or Person. Revelation is the last of the Prophetical books.

The Bible also can be divided under the Headings such as: The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. The Old Testament is the New Testament contained. The New Testament is the Old Testament Explained. The Old Testament is the Shadow. The New Testament is the Body. The Old Testament is the Preparation. The Gospel is the Manifestation. The Book of Acts is the Proclamation. The Epistles are the Explanation, and; Revelation is the consummation.

The term Testament suggests that the testator makes a will effective at his death. All wills must be enjoined with the death or blood of the Testator (Heb. 9:16). In the Old Testament, the Testator did not die, only animal blood was shed. In the New Testament, the Testator had to die to free man from the penalty of sin. God being the testator purchased the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28; 1 John 3:16). The Bible can be divided into other divisions such as Ages, Dispensations, Covenants, etc.

Ages

THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS OF THREE AGES IN TIME SUCH AS:

THE ANTE-DILUVIAN AGE

POST-DILUVIAN AGE, AND

AGE OF AGES

AND SEVEN DISPENSATIONS:

INNOCENCE

CONSCIENCE

HUMAN GOVERNMENT

PROMISE

LAW

GRACE

MILLENNIUM

AGES OF THE BIBLE

AGE – an age is a period between two great physical changes in the earth’s surface

(Genesis 7:11; Zech. 14:4, 10; 2 Peter 3—KJV)

DISPENSATION – a dispensation is a moral or Probationary period in which God dealt or deals with man.

ANTE-DELUVIAN AGE – From ‘The fall of man’ to the flood

POST-DELUVIAN AGE – From the Flood to the Second Coming Of Jesus Christ

AGE OF AGES – From the Second Coming Of Christ to the End Of Time, which includes the Millennium.

The Dispensations Of The Bible

Man’s Innocence – this dispensation extends from the creation of Adam to the expulsion from the garden (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:16, 17; 3:6, 22-24).

It has to do with God making man to become His Son. Prior to this time, God had no son. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:26, 27) To further show that God made man his son, God gave him the dominion over all the earth, and that he should pursue it. This is the Father giving the inheritance to his son.

The book of Psalms tells it more emphatically by saying, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou vastest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour".

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;" (Ps. 8:4-7)

This truly shows that man is God’s son. Though made a little lower than Angels, man is genuinely God’s Son. Christendom has made one of the greatest mistakes in biblical interpretation in determining the Son of God by ascribing to Jesus Christ Eternal Son-ship. When in all actuality, the son-ship that Jesus took on was that of the position that Adam once had.

Note, in particular, the unique testimony: "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ⁶But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. "But now, we see not yet all things put under him. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:5-9___KJV)

This passage in Hebrews tells us that man was made a little lower than Angels, yet God saw fit to put all things under his feet. This shows that Adam is Son of God. The angels were not given this privilege though greater in nature. "For unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?" (Heb. 1:5)

So, when Adam sin and lost his position as son, Jesus himself took the position of man. In Hebrews 2:7, Adam is made a little lower than angels; and took on the form of the son of God with all things being put under him.

The scriptures show that man lost that position, and then brought in the point saying: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9)

The son-ship that Jesus assumes was only for destroying the enemy of man, which is death.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:14-15; Phil. 2:5-9)

Christ must stay in the position of son ship until the last enemy is destroyed. "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet: But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him." (1 Cor. 15:24-27)

This is the same language of the scripture found in Genesis 1:26-28 when God did at the first put all things under man. And gave him the power to pursue and subdue the earth. But Adam lost that position and Christ came and took the place of man to restore him to his former position.

When Adam sinned, he lost all that was granted unto him in the son-ship, and Satan became the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4; St. Luke 4:6). After hearing that Jesus was Son of God, Satan made an effort to take away from Jesus his Son-ship just as he did unto Adam. All things were already given unto Jesus as God gave to Adam. Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Jesus must reign as Son until the last enemy of man is destroyed. This is death itself. After this completion, Jesus will turn the kingdom back to God, and the position of son-ship unto man and he will return to his pre-incarnate-state as the Eternal God. This will fulfill the scripture in Revelation 21:6-7.

"And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

Conscience – This dispensation deals with man knowing good from evil. That is, if he did good or evil, his conscience would let them know. That ended with a Judgment in a flood (Genesis 3:7, 22; 6:5, 11, 12; 7:11).

The term conscience means that one knows with oneself, what he has done. This is the time without the law of the Ten Commandments. There is a law written in the hearts of men that give the sense to know between right and wrong.

"For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.

Human Government – In this dispensation, man tried to build a society without God. They tried to build a tower called Babel to make a name for them. This dispensation ended with the confusion of tongues (Genesis 9:12; 11:1-4, 5___KJV)

This dispensation is the era of time where the earth was given a new chance to exercise discipline. Noah and his three sons were challenged to repopulate the earth; therefore, this dispensation and population emanated from three progenitors Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Shem: __meaning renown, famous, or named. His name is suggestive of a religious connotation. It is true that from the Semites most of the world religions are arrived. He is considered as being the father of the yellow races. From which we get most of our world religions. Abraham is the most famed religious figure. From his descendants’ spring three great world religions such as: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All of them trace their allegiance to father Abraham. It is very true that God used his promise that he made to Abraham: That through his seed shall all the people be blessed. From Jesus, we have the establishment of the gospel for all mankind by which he told his disciples to preach to every creature under heaven, so that all may have a chance to be saved.

All racial distinctions became obvious, after a long period from being separated upon the different continents over the face of the whole earth. "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generation: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. ⁸When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel." (Due. 32:7) In previous time, all were of the same nationality and language. "And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech." (Gen. 11:1; Mal. 2:10; Acts 17:26) Ham occupied Africa. Egypt, which is in Africa, is called the land of Ham. It’s interesting to note that, "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham." (Psalm 105:23) From Ham we have, on the most part, the black Race; who from this day until now, dwells in Africa: Ham means Hot! His name is suggestive of the hot climate where most of his descendant resides. His pigmentation of skins, texture of hair, or thickness of lip, etc., are not the result of a curse, but have received hereditary or environmental adaptability over the period of thousands of years. The same things are the case of the development of other races and ethnic distinctions. The Hamites are not the only ones that are black. In fact, most of the populations of the earth are black and of a darker complexion.

Ham__ is attributed as having developed Human Government. Nimrod the first human governor was the son of Cush, who was the son of Ham (Gen. 10:6-7). Mizrahi is attributed as having found Egypt in Africa. It is a known fact that the Egyptians were among the first in civilization. This is well attested throughout the world history. Cush is considered to have established Ethiopia, which is in Africa. Africa then can be classified as the cradle of civilization. One the most prestigious thing in Africa is to be a Chief of a tribe__meaning a king.

Japheth__the meaning of this name is enlargement. This is suggestive of their development in science and philosophy. It is a known fact, that the descendants of this son are the Caucasians, the Romans, the Greeks, Scandinavians, Russians, etc., with their ethnicity and racial features. The bible says, "For the Jews require a sign, (religious), and the Greeks seek after Wisdom. " Philosophy (1 Cor. 1:22)

It is quite evident that the Greeks are historically involved with Philosophy, science and technology. Men like Euclid, Aristotle, Plato, etc. are long ago clad in such efforts. Even unto this day, these descendants are engaged in education more than any other race.

MAN, Under Promise – In this dispensation, God entered a covenant with one man named Abram, whom God called out from the heathen and made an unconditional promise unto him and his seed. This dispensation ended with the children of Israel in bondage in Egypt. The book of Genesis began with the words: "In the beginning God created..." but ended with "in a coffin in Egypt." (Gen. 1:1; 50:26; 12:5; 15:5; 26:3; 28:12, 13; 13:14-17; Ex. 11:13, 14) Anytime there is a promise, it is required that faith should be invoked that the hearer might believe and be the recipient of such promises. Here, it is noted under this dispensation that, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. This is true for everyone who believes shall be blessed with faithful Abraham (Gal. 3:9).

Law – This dispensation is sometimes referred to as legal. In this time, God gave the children of Israel a list of "Thou Shalt Nots", but they continued to sin. This dispensation ended on the cross of Calvary, with Jesus giving His life for the sins of the world (Ex. 19:1-8; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 3:19, 20). The Law only teaches us how to deal with God and man. It briefly summed up with one word that is Love. In fact, Love to God and Love to man. The first portion deals with our relationship with God, and the second portion deals with our relationship with man (Matt. 22:36-40).

Grace – This is the dispensation where God makes man to become righteous without any effort on man’s part. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God:" This dispensation closes in three phases as follows:

The Rapture – is when God takes the church from the earth (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

The Tribulation Period – when Israel goes through a great trial and troublous time, along with the whole world (Matt 24:21, 22; Zeph. 1:5-18; Dan. 12:1; Jer.30:5-7; Zech. 14:1).

The Second Coming of Christ – this is the time He comes in great power and glory to set up the Millennium kingdom and the restoration of Israel (Matt. 24:29, 30; 25:31-46).

The Millennium – This is the time when Christ and His Saints shall reign a Thousand (1000) years in Peace and happiness over the restored nation of Israel and the Gentiles. This is the time when Satan shall be bound for a Thousand (1000) years (Acts 15:14-17; Isa. 2:1-4; Chapter 11; Rev. 19:11-21; 20:1-6). It ends up at the time when the Devil is loosed after being bound for a Thousand years. It ends with the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:3, 7-15; Rev. 21 and 22). Amen! And