The Doctrine of Dispensations

It is nearly impossible to interpret the Bible in it's normal, literal sense without realizing that there are different ages/dispensations. The Doctrine of Dispensations is important because it recognizes the different ways in which God dealt with people since the beginning of time. One key aspect of "Dispensational" theology is the distinction between Israel and the Church. For example, since believers in Jesus Christ fall under the "Church" they no longer have to make animal sacrifices (sin offering) to make atonement for their sins. Church age believers must confess their sins (1 John 1:9) in order to receive forgiveness. There is a future for Israel, which will come at the millennial kingdom, which Christ will establish after the 7 year tribulation period is finished. All in all, the doctrine of dispensations refers to the dividing of ages since from the beginning of time to the eternal state in the future.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• doctrine
• dispensationalism
• dispensations
• Systematic
• Theology
• Biblical
• Word
• Study
• Bible
• Church
• FreeGrace

[FREEGRACER]

Hi Murphy,

All translations have discrepancies including the KJV. This is why we consult with the original text when need be. Imperfect translations would be a better choice of words rather than "false." If God can use imperfect people like His disciples and us, then He certainly can use imperfect translations to communicate His truths. Thanks.

[GanEdenAustralia]

Dispensationalist Theology = ERROR!

[FREEGRACER]

Hi Gan,

Really? Can you show me an example of an error? I'm open.

[Isaiah6twothrueight]

Which Greek Text though? You need to study from the correct manuscripts, otherwise it's pointless.

[FREEGRACER]

Hodges-Farstad (Majority Text)

Nestle-Aland (critical text)

The correct manuscripts would be subject to debate as you know. Thanks.

[Isaiah6twothrueight]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh dude...you can't understand the Bible until you understand dispensations. The same is true of using Bible (per)versions. I was excited to see this, but you are being deceived in many places by using the Nearly Imperfect Version. :(

[FREEGRACER]

Hi Isaiah,

Thanks for agreeing with us in that we should never be content with using imperfect translations. You must consult with the Greek text when necessary. There are discrepancies in the English Bibles but they rarely change or modify a clearly stated doctrine. Thanks.

[Amarx00]

@FREEGRACER

There are lots of examples of the error of Dispensation.. it has been 2 years since you wrote that comment. Do you still feel this way?

[conniemaew]

@bwbama Am I understanding correctly that your disagreement stems from my mention of the feasts of Judaism having to do with the prophecy of Christ's comings? That is the only thing that I think I mentioned in relation to prophecy and the mystery of Christ. And am I also correct in understanding from your statement "The dispensation of law (salvation by works) was promised to Israel" means that you think they were saved by their works? I just want to make sure I understand you correctly.

[bwbama]

@conniemaew ...the mystery concerned Jesus as Savior of Gentiles apart from Israel. But this part of His plan was kept secret... Rom 16:25 "...the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began." 1 Cor 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory."

[bwbama]

@conniemaew Thanks for your reply. I agree with 95% of your points. In fact, you have said very little that does not agree with dispensational theology. The main point of disagreement I have relates to prophecy and mystery. Dispensational theology does not claim God's plan changed, only that it was revealed gradually by the prophets and apostles culminating with Paul. They were all made "stewards" of a message ("dispensed" the authority by God). Prophecy concerned Jesus as Messiah (cont)...

[conniemaew]

@bwbama gospel to the rest of the world That is found in the O.T. The Gentiles were supposed to get the gospel too but at their hands. It wasn't that the atonement was only for the Jews.It really wasn't a secret. It's only secret to those who don't study the Bible.The O.T. teaches it was for everyone but Israel was supposed to be the priests.Since they rejected Him, he found other sheep to bring the gospel to the world, but Jews can be saved. Non-Jews could always join Israel in worship of God.

[conniemaew]

@bwbama If you were to check the Greek word, you would find that dispensation in these verses does not mean a time period where God is dealing differently with people. The word means "stewardship". Paul is saying he is a steward of the message of the grace of God which had finally fulfilled the prophecy of the long-awaited Messiah that had been the focus of the spring feasts (in FAITH - not in WORKS). Jesus was sent to Israel first because they were the ones who were supposed to bring the

[conniemaew]

@bwbama us as a guide for living. We are still to follow the Ten Commandments. Christ said if you love me you will keep my Commandments. And personally I believe the 4th one still holds true too, although I know I am in the minority in that. By the way, the fall feasts are about His Second Coming. If you want to really learn what God has to say, study what Judaism teaches about Rosh HaShanah and the Feast of Tabernacles. It is quite enlightening.

[conniemaew]

@bwbama The whole reason for giving the feast of Passover was to teach them to look forward to the Paschal Lamb who would finally really take away their sins. That is why nobody ascended to heaven (they went to paradise) until Christ's resurrection. That is why he DESCENDED into hades, to bring the good news to those who had died in faith looking forward to His coming. They never achieved it by works. It was always by faith. Christ came to FULFILL the LAW, not abolish it. It still stands for

[conniemaew]

@bwbama They were looking forward to Christ's sacrifice by faith, and that is what brought them salvation. By the works nobody could be saved. Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the WORKS of the LAW shall NO flesh be justified. If you don't understand this, you don't understand salvation.

[conniemaew]

@bwbama Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. They did not earn salvation by works. The law was given to show their sins. The feasts were given to show what they were to look forward to. (cont)