Dispensationalism?

[reg]

can some1 please explain to me what it is or give me a link to a site that does?

 

[volvophone]

I have no idea. I that a Catholic term?

 

[reg]

I have no idea. I that a Catholic term?

i dont think so

 

[FreeinChrist]

Dispensationism is a way of looking at how God dealt with His people over the millennia.

These quotes are taken from Charles Ryrie’s “Dispensationism.” The rest of the comments are from notes that I took.


What is a dispensation?

“A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of God’s purpose.”

“Dispensationism views the world as a household run by God. In His household-world God is dispensing or administering its affairs according to His own will and in various stages of revelation in the passage of time.”

“A dispensation is from God’s viewpoint an economy; from man’s viewpoint, a responsibility; and in relation to progressive revelation, a stage of it.”



For instance, God’s governed Adam and Eve directly. Their responsibility was to maintain direct fellowship with Him. To do this, they were to take care of the garden and not eat from the forbidden tree. God revealed Himself directly to them.

That’s one dispensation.



There are several thoughts on just what the dispensations are. They agree that one is future – the Millennial reign of Christ from Jerusalem, after the Second Coming.





Salvation and Classic Dispensationism

“The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ; the requirement of salvation in every age is faith; the object of faith in every age is God; the content of faith changes in the various dispensations.” Salvation has always been by faith. Adam knew God, walked with God and showed faith, or lack of faith, by obeying the one restriction placed on him. Noah also knew God, and showed his faith in God by building an ark on dry land. Abraham had faith in God, worshipping God and entrusting Isaac to God’s will. He didn’t have the law like those from Moses on. In the dispensation of the law, it was faith that was their salvation, and one way they showed that faith is by following the law God gave. No, they couldn’t be perfect. But there was forgiveness made available in the sacrifices made by the high priest for unintentional sin. And God did punish when the law was ignored. In the law, we see a shadow of a more perfect sacrifice (THE perfect sacrifice) to come.

While those that went before Christ’s death and resurrection understood that God was sending a Messiah, they didn’t see Jesus. Even His disciples asked, at the last supper, was it time for Jesus to reign and he explained that first He had to die. John the Baptist, when he was imprisoned by Herod, sent his followers to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one, or should we look for another?” because he, too, expected the conquering Messiah. We, the church, see Jesus as the perfect sacrificial Lamb who died for our sins, conquered death and was resurrected. And we see that both a suffering servant and a conquering Messiah were prophesied.









God’s Grace through the Ages

God has shown His grace since the beginning. He planned the future redemption of the world from the beginning (Gen. 3:15). He showed grace by selecting Israel – which was unmerited grace. He repeatedly forgave Israel, who broke the law before they ever received it. His covenant with David was an act of grace. And of course, the Incarnation, the death and resurrection of Jesus are all acts of grace. God continues to show unmerited grace in that all that believe in Jesus will be saved. (John 3:16).





Some Characteristics of Dispensationism



Not all premillenialists are dispensationists, but all dispensationists are premillenialists. That means we see a future dispensation, which is Christ’s millennial reign on earth, and that the Second Coming is prior to a literal millennial kingdom.

Dispensationism sees the church and Israel as separate. They are distinct from each other. We believe this is backed up in Romans 11, for instance.

Dispensationism sees the underlying purpose of God in the world as not just the salvation of the world, but to show the glory of God.

Dispensationism uses the literal method of interpretation of prophecy.

http://www.endtimes.org/dispens.html

http://www.endtimes.org/


Hope that helps!

 

[Dispy]

can some1 please explain to me what it is or give me a link to a site that does?

First of all, dispensationalism is neither a denomination, not doctrine. It is the manner in which one studies the Bible. Even though we know that God is the same today, as he was yesterday, and will be the same tomarrow, He did not always deal with mankind in the same manner.

The following is what I posted on the Varieties of Dispensationalism and can be found at: http://www.christianforums.com/t2096413-varieties-of-dispensationalism-info-only.html. You might find some interesting and informative articles there also.

From my previous posting:
You are soooooo right. There are several varieties of dispensationalists; just as there are varieties in the protestant denominations, and even within denominations. There are even denominationalists that claim to be dispensationalists. Especially among the Baptists and Pentecostals/Charismatics.

IMHO, dispensationalism is not a denomination or doctrine. It is a manner in which one studies the Bible. Dispensationalists should NEVER all be painted with the same brush.

Even thought there are several varieties of dispensationalists, they are usually broken down into three major groups. The most prominant group are the Acts 2 dispies, who believe, as Scofield, that the Chruch, the Body of Christ, and dispensation of Grace, started at Pentecost. This is also where most denominational churches believe the Chruch, the Body of Chrsit started, even thought there are those that teach that the Church today is a continuing expanded OT church.

Then we have the Acts 9/mid-Acts dispies that believe the Church, the Body of Christ, and dispensation of Grace, started after the stoning of Stephen, in Acts 7, and the raising up of Saul/Paul in Acts 9. Some even say it started in about Acts 13. As a dispy, this is the group I basically agree with.

The third major group are the Acts 28:28 dispies. They believe the Church, the Body of Christ, and dispensation of Grace, started after Paul recieved the "full knowledge" of the mystery.

The Acts 9/mid-Acts and the Acts 28:18 dispies are usually referred to as ultra/extreme/hyper dispensationaists. These are man made labels, and usually placed upon them by those that cannot refute their belief. It's much easier for them to use labels. Often my views have been placed on the level with JW's and Mormons.

There are many Acts 9/mid-Acts, and Acts 28:28 dispies that feel offended when referred to as ultra/extreme/or hyper. It doesn't bother me, if fact I really enjoy those terms when asked my church affiliation. When asked, I usuall reply that I am what many call a hyper/extreme/ultra dispensationalist. That will bring on the question: WHAT'S THAT?" That gives me the opportunity to present "the gospel of the grace of God."

Two other beliefs that I hold that are not held by the vast majority of Acts 2 dispensationalists are: 1. I don't believe that the rite of water baptism is a requirement in this dispensation of grace. 2. That it was the Tribulation, not the Chruch, the body of Christ, that started at Pentecost.

For further views I hold pertaing to dispensationalism can be found in the lower half of my post #15 under "Defending Dispensationalism" under this "Dispensationalism" thread.

I am prepared to defend or further explain my views from Scripture. If one feels my views are in error, I look forward to being corrected FROM THE SCRIPTURES IN CONTEXT, as I am still in the learning mode.

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

 

[Dave Taylor]

If you want to get a clearer picture of what Dispensationalism is; and what it teaches; then you should not only visit the pro-Dispensational websites above; but also visit websites that give a critical review of Dispensationalism; and explain its errors and why it is believed by many to be a faulty system of interpretation.

One of the best websites for this, which discribe many areas within Dispensatationalism and why they are Biblically incorrect, can be found at the Grace Online Library website at:
http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/articles/subcats.asp?id=9|21

Anyone dispensational or not, who is interested in this topic, should spend the time to read their articles on it. Then make a better informed decision.

 

[Ebb]

From my studies, I have found that dispensationalism is a system of theology that ignores key scriptures to keep it going. This is especially noticeable in the Scofield Bible, which ignores any reference in its notes to Revelation 19:18, which is key to understanding the entire chapter and the entire Bible. But, we can rest assured that:

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8



​

 

[JM]

Anyone dispensational or not, who is interested in this topic, should spend the time to read their articles on it. Then make a better informed decision.

To a certain extent, I agree.

It’s important to understand all sides of Biblical theology. On a personal note, I wouldn’t embark on a this journey if you’re not ground in Christ and Christ alone. When studying in depth any system of theology it’s important to remember it’s a ‘system’ and you’ll end up at the conclusions that system is leading you to. I’ve spend much time in agony over Reformed/Covenant theology vs. Dispensationalism and have struggled with Christian pluralism because of my study. Many Christians are dashed by this pluralism that exists within our churches.

Stay grounded in the word, we will be judged as God’s people but also for our individual sins and short comings. Also remember that each system has it’s logical outcomes and even confessional forms of Christianity has it’s failings and divisions among it’s people.

Peace,

SP
PS> Here's a great site, I use it almost every day www.stempublishing.com.

 

[billwald]

The important point is that dispensationalism was invented in the middle 1800's by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethern.

 

[Dispy]

The important point is that dispensationalism was invented in the middle 1800's by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethern.

It appears to me that the Apostle Paul was a dispensationalist.

1Cor.9:17 "...a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

In Ephesians 2 alone Paul mentions 3 dispensations. In vss 11,12 he speaks of "TIMES PAST" (how things used to be.) In verse 13 he speaks of "BUT NOW" (how things are today). In verse 7 he speaks of THE AGES TO COME."

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

 

[JM]

The important point is that dispensationalism was invented in the middle 1800's by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethern.

Well, not true. JND wrote a lot and some claim he invented it but it should be noted that JND is said to have 'thought on paper' and his work are all over the place. If you want to narrow it down a little, WK (William Kelly) placed JND's work in logical order and gave subheadings, etc.

Elements of both covenant and dispensational theology can found in the early Church (you can find anything if you look hard enough). Dispensational/literal Bible understandings tend to be more common among the earlier writters.
http://www.tyndale.edu/dirn/source/theology.html

Covenant theology as a system can not be found in the works of Calvin as we know it today (but rather the WCF 1647), just as we don't find dispensationalism in the works of the early Church as we know it today. Covenant theology tends to belong to the humanistic theologian that followed Luther and Calvin and dispensational theology tends to belong to those who simply read the text. http://4himnet.com/bnyberg/dispensationalism01.html

History of Covenant Theology

Covenant theology has roots in the writings of Augustine and John Calvin (Institutes 2:9-11). Johannes Cocceius (c. 1603-1669) developed the classical statement on covenant theology in his The Doctrine of the Covenant and Testament of God (Summa doctrinae de foedere et testamento dei, 1648). Covenant theology was clearly expressed in the BritishWestminster Confession of Faith (chap. 7) and further developed by Hermann Witsius (1636-1708) in the Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man. It may also be seen in the writings of Jonathan Edwards (Collected Writings of Jonathan Edwards, Vol 2, Banner of Truth edition, p.950).

In the United States, the Princeton theologians (Charles Hodge, A. A. Hodge, B. B. Warfield, Geerhardus Vos, and J. Gresham Machen) and, in the Netherlands, Herman Bavinck followed the main lines of the classic view, teaching the Covenant of Redemption, the Covenant of Works (Law), and the Covenant of Grace (Gospel).

Current well-known Covenant theologians include R. C. Sproul, J. I. Packer, and John Frame. This system is taught at schools such as Covenant Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_Theology#History_of_Covenant_Theology

I could be wrong and often am, but note even Warfield starts with Augustine and not much earlier. Pls, visit the links I posted and let me know what you think. The one from Tyndale is a great source post.

peace

 

[Knight]

Would someone be kind enough to explain the following:

1) Compare and contrast Dispensationalism vs. Covenant Theology.

2) Explain why these two views appear to be in such conflict.

3) Explain how believing one way or the other impacts the life of the believer.

 

[eph3Nine]

It appears to me that the Apostle Paul was a dispensationalist.

1Cor.9:17 "...a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

In Ephesians 2 alone Paul mentions 3 dispensations. In vss 11,12 he speaks of "TIMES PAST" (how things used to be.) In verse 13 he speaks of "BUT NOW" (how things are today). In verse 7 he speaks of THE AGES TO COME."

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

Aaaamen. Dispensationalism began with GOD! Paul was a minister of a NEW dispensation that GOD HIMSELF brought about. I have heard it said that this is a new thot or idea that just kind of "popped up" out of nowhere; however, scripture tells us differently.

God raised up a NEW apostle, with NEW instructions for a NEW creation. He changed "programs"...as God is certainly allowed to do , since HE is the ONE with the "clicker"

This is what most professing believers neglect in their understanding. Pauls ministry and message was UNIQUE and "unsearchable"...as in NOT FOUND in the prophetic books. He alone was given the marching orders for WE the Body of Christ....and he referred to the information given to him as "the preaching of Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO the MYSTERY...."

Most professing believers cannot tell you what this body of mystery truth IS that we have been entrusted with. Is it because they dont STUDY to show themselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth?

I say...YEP.

 

[eph3Nine]

Would someone be kind enough to explain the following:

1) Compare and contrast Dispensationalism vs. Covenant Theology.

2) Explain why these two views appear to be in such conflict.

3) Explain how believing one way or the other impacts the life of the believer.

Wow, what an excellent question.

Covenant Theology sees we, the church the Body of Christ, as involved in the marriage agreement that God made with the nation Israel alone. A covenant was just that...a marriage agreement. God had ONLY one bride and scripture tells us that this bride is NOT us, but the nation Israel. If you look carefully at Jer 31:31 it will tell you exactly who the OLD and the New Covenant has to do with. Its NOT US!

These views ARE in direct conflict because God changed programs. He is , in this present economy, NOT dealing with the nation Israel as the vehicle thru which the world can be saved, but has put that program ASIDE temporarily to usher in a NEW plan. This new plan involves new information that is quite the contrary to the information given to the audience of times PAST. It is no longer faith PLUS works to demonstrate that faith. It is NOW by GRACE alone thru faith alone in Christ's finished work alone that saves. See the difference?

By NOT seeing Pauls message and ministry as UNIQUE and superceding all other programs, is to MISS Gods will for YOU as a believer today and to apply a program that God set aside to yourself in error. This is why there are so many denominations today...one on every corner, and they all teach something different. Did you ever notice that? Doesnt it bother you? Well, it sure bothered ME, I can tell ya that.

Right Division, Dispensational study of the Bible puts all those things to rest. The bible finally makes sense. The REAL issues of life come to the forefront and you SEE what is really going on in most churches today. Its worse than we ever thot.

Churches are teaching Israels information and mixing Gods program with Israel and the program given to us by Paul, Gods appointed apostle. Everyone is confused and attributing to God things that HE never promised to us today. Peoples faith is misplaced and the world sees a limping, ineffectual, sick, and spastic body. Why? Because we have NOT taken to heart the instructions we are given as to HOW to study and understand Gods Word.

Paul tells us that if we teach or preach any other gospel than the one he was given by God , that he is accursed. He says it twice. He aint kiddin. God wants us to SEE that the good news given to Paul supercedes any good news that was on the scene previously. Peter and the boys and the earthly Christs ministry was NOT to we , the Body of Christ. We were NOT in existance at that time. The only game in town was the Gospel of the KINGDOM and this was an entirely JEWISH program.

Maybe we could do a study on what the different gospels were or are. So we can see the differences and understand clearly which good news is applicable to US today.

If anyone is interested, I can post it here. Ya'll let me know.

 

[PrincetonGuy]

If you want to get a clearer picture of what Dispensationalism is; and what it teaches; then you should not only visit the pro-Dispensational websites above; but also visit websites that give a critical review of Dispensationalism; and explain its errors and why it is believed by many to be a faulty system of interpretation.

Amen! Well, almost . The word "many" would more accurately be "most."

 

[Dispy]

Welcome eph3Nine.
It's good to see another true Acts 9 dispensationalist on board. What you have posted so far is EXCELLENT.

What you have said about denominational churches is soooo true. They preach what I refer to as a "scrambled egg doctrine," and each serve their congregations their variety of a church doctrine omlet.

An egg is ONE unit, and within that egg we find TWO ingrediences, the yoke (yellow) and clear fluid (white). They can be eaten by cooking them where each component keeps its identity, or they can be mixed together (scrambled). Once scrambled they cannot be unscrambled.

I have found that the Bible is the ONE BOOK where God has told us everything that he wanted us to know. Within that book we find two basic primary doctrines, LAW and GRACE

The Bible can be studied in a manner where LAW and GRACE keep their seperate identies, or they can be mixed (scrambled). When mixed, give nothing but confusion and denominations. Each denomination uses a little different formula for their mixture (omlet) to serve their congregation.

Scrambled eggs can not be unscrambled, however, Paul's gospel can unscramble "scrambled egg doctrines." THANK GOD it unscrambled the doctrine that I was taught and educated in.

Keep up the good work.

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

 

[TheScottsMen]

Amen! Well, almost . The word "many" would more accurately be "most."

“most”? While I do not believe that just because something is popular or has been the most dominate view the past 100 years, crossing denominational lines and imbedding itself throughout all Christendom, saying that “most” people believe that dispensationalism to be in error shows lack of American Christian history the past one hundred years, not to mention the profound affect that Dispensationalism has had upon US foreign policy, and the popularity today with the theology in the thousands of books that blanket our book store. I believe the more accurate word would have been "many". Heck, maybe even just "some".

 

[eph3Nine]

“most”? While I do not believe that just because something is popular or has been the most dominate view the past 100 years, crossing denominational lines and imbedding itself throughout all Christendom, saying that “most” people believe that dispensationalism to be in error shows lack of American Christian history the past one hundred years, not to mention the profound affect that Dispensationalism has had upon US foreign policy, and the popularity today with the theology in the thousands of books that blanket our book store. I believe the more accurate word would have been "many". Heck, maybe even just "some".

LOL. I used to think that too! However, once you really SEE what Gods purpose and plan is for today and how FEW actually even are AWARE of the Mystery truths given to us by God thru Paul, then it makes you begin to do a METANOIA ie:change of mind.

The Scottsmen was correct. MOST professing believers dont have a clue of the importance and distinctiveness of Pauls gospel and are, in fact, preaching another gospel and another Jesus. Why should this surprise you? Satan has had two thousand years to hone his plan of evil and it INCLUDES keeping religious folks IGNORANT of the MYSTERY that WAS Hid in God but is NOW revealed. Satan wants it to STAY HIDDEN, and has done an excellent job of achieving his goal.

 

[PrincetonGuy]

The Scottsmen was correct. MOST professing believers dont have a clue of the importance and distinctiveness of Pauls gospel and are, in fact, preaching another gospel and another Jesus. Why should this surprise you? Satan has had two thousand years to hone his plan of evil and it INCLUDES keeping religious folks IGNORANT of the MYSTERY that WAS Hid in God but is NOW revealed. Satan wants it to STAY HIDDEN, and has done an excellent job of achieving his goal.

2 Cor. 11:2. For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.
3. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
4. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.



Gal. 1:6. I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7. which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!



Eph. 4:4. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
5. one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6. one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
7. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 

[PrincetonGuy]

The Scottsmen was correct. MOST professing believers dont have a clue of the importance and distinctiveness of Pauls gospel and are, in fact, preaching another gospel and another Jesus. Why should this surprise you? Satan has had two thousand years to hone his plan of evil and it INCLUDES keeping religious folks IGNORANT of the MYSTERY that WAS Hid in God but is NOW revealed. Satan wants it to STAY HIDDEN, and has done an excellent job of achieving his goal.

Had Paul preached a different gospel than the gospel found in the Gospels, Paul would have been a liar and a deceiver.

Rom. 16:17. Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
18. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (NASB, 1995)