Dispensational Theology 02

In other words, the promises made to Israel are not fulfilled spiritually in the church nor does the church
replace a literal, physical Israel as the people of God now or in Christ’s Kingdom rule. It should be noted
that the church was never presented in the Old Testament, because its beginning was on the Day of
Pentecost after Christ’s 40-day post resurrection ministry (Acts 2). The word church is never used
interchangeably in the New Testament for Israel. The phrase, “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16) in its
context is not stating that the church in the New Testament is to be interpreted as the Israel of God.

Fifth, throughout the dispensations that are progressively revealed in Scripture, God’s ultimate purpose
and goal is to glorify Himself, and to receive universal acknowledge and praise as supreme Sovereign
Ruler.

DISTINGUISHABLE DISPENSATIONS

Although dispensational teaching did not appear as a well thought-out doctrine in the early church, the
basic beliefs in Biblical dispensations was taught by the Church Fathers. Such men as: Justin Martyr (110-
165); Irenaeus (130-200); Clement of Alexandria (150-220); Pelagius (360-420); and Augustine (354-430)
spoke of dispensations within the Bible. That said it should not be interpreted that the Church Fathers
believed in dispensations in the same way the term is used today. The point made is that these men and
others saw dispensational divisions within Scripture. Century’s later men such as Pierre Poiret (1646-
1719), Jonathan Edwards (1637-1716), Issac Watts (1674-1748), John Nelson Darby (1800-1882), and C.
I. Scofield (1843-1921), among many others, promoted the dispensational teaching of the Bible.

Traditionally most dispensationalist has taught that there are seven distinguishable dispensations
revealed in the Bible from the inception of creation until Christ Second Coming to set up His kingdom
rule on earth. The traditionally held dispensations are:

 Dispensation of Innocence. Man was created innocent in a perfect environment, provided a test
given by God, but was disobedient resulting in judgment, curse and expulsion from the garden
(Gen. 1:26-3:6).
 Dispensation of Conscience. Man disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; 3:8). His disobedience resulted in sin and man’s eventual
death. Man’s wickedness became so great, making it necessary for God to destroy all of
humanity on earth, except for Noah and his family (Gen. 3:7-8:19).
 Dispensation of Human Government. God established the Noahic Covenant, wherein He
inaugurated the judicial rule within the society of mankind in order to control the wickedness of
man (Gen. 8:20-11:32).
 Dispensation of Promise. Begins with the Abrahamic Covenant made exclusively with the family
of Abraham and nation of Israel (Gen. 12:1-Ex. 18:27).
 Dispensation of Law. Instituted at Mount Sinai setting forth the Moral, Religious, and Civil laws
to govern Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, and the Law of Moses as a way of life but was
abrogated at Christ’s death and Resurrection (Ex. 19:1-Acts 1:26).
 Dispensation of Grace or Church Age. Begins after the Ascension of Christ on the Day of
Pentecost with salvation of Jewish people and quickly spread throughout the Gentile world, and
will be culminated with the Rapture of the church (Acts 2:1).
  Dispensation of the Kingdom Age. Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming to setup
the Millennial Kingdom on earth. It will include the conversion and restoration of Israel along
with the ultimate fulfillment of the unconditional covenants made with the nation (Rev. 20:4).

It is my conviction that the dispensational approach to the study of God’s Word is the only position one
can hold in order to grasp the overall correct teaching of Scripture and the prophecy presented therein.
Hopefully, this will give you new insights in comprehending the proper approach in studying God’s
Word.