Definition please

[tommiegrant]

I am curious how would the majority of the folks posting here define dispenastionalism? Tom

 

[eph3Nine]

I am curious how would the majority of the folks posting here define dispenastionalism? Tom

How "we" define it isn't really important...how God defines it , in terms of what it means in the GREEK, or original language used, is the key. The closest word we have for it today is "economy" or "dispensing of certain criteria pertinent to a given audience"

Col. 1 25-26
Whereof I am made a minister,according to the dispensation of God which is given me (Paul speaking here) for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.


The word literally means "house rules". It might also be described as a divine ordering and administration of worldly affairs. A period of history during which a divine revelation has predominated in the affairs of mankind.

Put succinctly, a dispensation is a God revealed body of information given for mans obedience during a certain period of time.

You might ask, "Isn't there an easier word than "dispensation?"

Yes, there are alot of easier words than dispensation, but dispensation is the word that GOD CHOSE. For example:

"For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me" (1 Cor. 9:7)

The word "dispensation" may not be familiar, but it is a word specifically chosen by God with a PRECISE meaning that IS important.

Having said that:

Those who consider themselves to be dispensationalists are those who adhere to or advocate a SYSTEM OF INTERPRETING HISTORY in terms of a series of God's dispensations.

He would believe in the concept of dispensationalism and the idea that GOD DEALS WITH MAN DIFFERENTLY AT DIFFERENT TIMES.



This also has to do with PROGRESSIVE REVELATION!

Progressive revelation is the observation that God did NOT give all revelation at one point in time, but instead, He has gradually revealed information throughout history.

For example: Take a look at three verses having to do with what different men were told they could EAT...and then compare it with the last revelation from God to mankind as given to Paul.

Adam

"And God said, Behold , I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a atree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Gen. 1:29)

Noah

"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things." (Genesis 9:3) Theres been a "CHANGE" here...do you see it?"

Moses

"Speak unto the children of ISRAEL, saying, THESE are the beasts which YE shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts that shall YOU eat.......(all that ARENT listed above) ...is unclean to YOU." (Parenthesis mine) Leviticus 11:2-4

Paul

"For EVERY creature of God is good, and NOTHING to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving." 1 Timothy 4:4


These differences are called progressive revelation and indeed show that God has dealt differently with mankind and changed the instructions as He saw fit down thru history.

I hope this helps.

 

[tommiegrant]

Ok I can understand all of that but how about those who would argue that God has 2 different peopels and deals with them in two different ways? What you have discribed is what I have seen termed historical dispensationalism, and from some reading that I have done it seems this concept arrived to counteract I guess what I am desctibing above which I have seen called hyper dispensationalism. What are your thoughts concerning these two schools of thought?

 

[eph3Nine]

Ok I can understand all of that but how about those who would argue that God has 2 different peopels and deals with them in two different ways? What you have discribed is what I have seen termed historical dispensationalism, and from some reading that I have done it seems this concept arrived to counteract I guess what I am desctibing above which I have seen called hyper dispensationalism. What are your thoughts concerning these two schools of thought?

First I would like to welcome you to the forum for discussion of Dispensational Theology. If you understood "all of that" which I painstakingly typed my fingers to the bone off for you...then why are you asking this question? LOL LOL

Most people who "claim" to be dispensationalists consider themselves to be part of Israels program or they think erroneously that the Church, which is His body, began in Acts 2. We try to show them from scripture that this simply cannot be so,and indeed ISN'T.

God DOES indeed have two different programs. He has had them since the beginning of time...see Gen 1:1. We have posted sufficient information on this site to encourage you to have a METANOIA moment. Would you take the time to actually read some of the posts made that ANSWER your question, and then we wont have to go over and over the same thing. Thanks

Also, I offer a book that we can send FREE of charge entitled "God HAD a Secret", that explains just where the Mystery message came from, to whom it was given and why, and what it contains. It is excellent study material and will blow your socks off when you see that this message has always been there. Satan has blinded the minds of most of professing Christianity by keeping the mystery truths submerged and camoflaged (sp?) as well as MIXED with ANOTHER GOSPEL...which Paul warns us repeatedly NOT TO DO.

If you still have questions after reading some of the material here....then please feel free to ask.

Nice to have you here.

 

[tommiegrant]

Thank you for your kind welcome, I do have many question concerning the two system thing, I can not find it in scripture maybe your book would be a help. I would enjoy reading it. As have not fully figured out everything on this forum I still do not know how to use the private message system here as soon as I figure it out I will pm you with my address. Thanks again. In the Love Of Christ, Tom

 

[eph3Nine]

Thank you for your kind welcome, I do have many question concerning the two system thing, I can not find it in scripture maybe your book would be a help. I would enjoy reading it. As have not fully figured out everything on this forum I still do not know how to use the private message system here as soon as I figure it out I will pm you with my address. Thanks again. In the Love Of Christ, Tom

Hi Tom...just click on my name and a list will pop down...or you can simply email me your address at goinupru@yahoo.com...will mail the book tomorrow. The two programs begins at the beginning...God has a program for EACH of the realms He created...LOOK AT GEN 1:1.

Then read some of the titles of the threads in here...they will answer most if not all of your questions with regard to God switching programs....The main scriptures to look at would be those relating to the CIRCUMCISION vs the UNCircumcision...There are clear gospels to BOTH of these...I count TWO...wink...do you?

You will love the book...it will give you honest answers FROM THE SCRIPTURES rightly divided to ALL your questions.

I would be honored to send it to you.

 

[eph3Nine]

Your books are on the way there, tommie. Its indeed an HONOR to provide material to those who have an honest interest in what God is doing TODAY...so that they might cooperate with Him in His goal of "making ALL men SEE what IS the Revelation/Fellowship of the Mystery." Ephesians 3;9

 

[Dispy]

Tom:

WELCOME!

While you are waiting for the book from eph3Nine, I invite you to read the article at http://www.gracealive.us/misunderstood.html.

To really understand it, I suggest you read it twice. It just might be a eye opener.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[tommiegrant]

Dipsy, Thank you! I will look into it. Tom