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True Dispensations:

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timlamb

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1: Innocence- defined by unity.

Sin enters the world

2: Conscience- Division

Flood

3: Authority- solid/ complete

Tower of Bable

4: Israel- Temporary

Holy Spirit arrives

5: Church Age- Grace

Rapture

6: Tribulation- Man

2nd Comming

7: Millenium- Completion

Earth Burns Up

8: New Heavens and Earth- New beginning

This is what I came to this thread months ago to learn about. We seem to have been side tracted.

I know no more than this, I am looking for your thoughts.

These dispensations seem to have some validity, as dispensation is defined in the dictionary.
 

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Hope this is helpful.

Most dispensationals agree upon 7 Dispensations. However, there are no set amount of dispensations that can be arrived at in in Bible. Paul in Ephesians 2, list 3 dispensations. 1. "Times Past" vss 11.13. 2. "But Now" vs 13. 3. "Ages to Come" vs 7.

The following is taken from a chart that was produced by the Berean Bible Society. It is based upon the "Dispensation of Grace" starting with the raising up of the Apostle Paul after the stoning of Stephen. I might add that all dispensationalist will not agree with this chart percisely.

GOD'S PLAN FOR THE AGES*

*(Each dispensation is defined by four characteristics.)

A. All what God dispenses to, requires of, promises to, and commands men.

B. Man's responsibility to God.

C. Then man's failure.

D. God's judgment for man's failure and disobedience.

1. DISPENSATION OF INNOCENCE:

A. God created man in His image and therefore God dealt with man in his innocence (Gen 1:26,27). Adam and Eve were placed into a perfect environment and were vegetarians (Gen 2:5,8,9).

B. Man was responsible to dress the garden and keep it (Gen 2:15) and to abstain from partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17).

C. Mans failure came when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:6).

D. Judgment came upon them as they were expelled from the garden and the perfect environment in which they had lived was cursed. Thus sin, sorrow and death entered the world (Gen 3:16-19, 23,24; Rm 5:12-14).

2. DISPENSATION OF CONSCIENCE:

A. God dispensed conscience to Adam and Eve who, when they disobeyed Him, realized that they were naked, thus manifesting that they had to come to a knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:7-10).

B. Now that conscience was to govern man, he was responsible "...to know good and evil..." (Gen 3:22).

God commanded Cain and Able to bring a blood sascrifice to be accepted by Him (Gen 4:1-4) to be offered by faith (Heb 11:4).

C. Cain disobeyed God in failing to bring an acceptable sacrifice, and in a jealous rage killed his brother Abel (Gen 4:5-15).

Man became polygamous (Gen 4:19). As men refused to heed their conscience, through them the earth became corrupt and was filled with violence (Gen 6:11-13).

D. God's judgment upon the corrupt and violent world came with the universal flood in the days of Noah (Gen 6:17).

3. DISPENSATION OF HUMAN GOVERNMENT;

A. God revealed that man was now to govern, thus strongly implying the rise of nations and the need for the establishment of human government (Gen 9:5,6).

B. Man was responsibsle to establish laws that were in accordance with God's righteous standards. He was responsible to "be ye fruitful, and multiply: bring forth abundantly in the earth, and myultiply therein" (Gen 11:4).

In defiance of the Holy One of heaven, they erected the so-called Tower of Babel to pay homage to the astrological signs of heaven (Gen 11:3,4; cf Rm 1:22,23).

C. Man failed when they disobeyed God's command to bring forth abundantly and, in uniting together, failed to multiply in the earth (Gen 11:4).

D. Judgment came swiftly as the Lord confounded their language and scattered them abroad upon the face of all the earth (Gen 11:7-9).

4. DISPENSATION OF PROMISE:

A. God dispensed a promise to Abram: "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:...and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen 12:2,3). God also promised that he would "...multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore..." (Gen 22:17), and unto them would be given a land called canaan (Gen 15:18).

B. Although the covenant that God established with Abraham was unconditional, Abraham and his descendants were responsible to trust God to fulfill His promise (Gen 26:1-4; 28:10-15).

C. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob failed to trust God completely. Instead of going to the land of Canaan from Ur of the Chaldees, Abraham came to Haran and dwelt there until his father died (Acts 7:4).

When the famine came upon the land, Isaac reluctantly obeyed God by not going into Egypt, however, he moved to Gerar, as close to Egypt as possible (Gen 26:1-6).

Jacob stole the birthright from his brother Esau (Gen 25:24-34) and later he forsook the land of his forefathers and, under the permissive will of God, moved to Egypt (Gen 41:54-57; cf Gen 46:26).

D. God's judgment came upon Israel when she remained in Egypt for 400 years in severe bondage to the Egyuptians.

5. DISPENSATION OF LAW:

A. God dispensed the Law to Moses. The purpose of the Law was to give Israel the knowledge of sin (Rm 3:20). The Law had the following characteristics.

1)MORAL: The ten commandments were given to govern the moral life of Israel (Ex 20).

2)CIVIL: The judgments were given to govern the individual Israelites in his dealings with the others (Ex 21).

3)CEREMONIAL: Provisions were formulated by which an atonement for sins could be made (Lev 16).

B. Since the Covenant of Law, or Mosaic Covenant, was conditional, those who were placed under it were responsible to keep all the 613 Commandments; thus Israel could only realize the blessings of God when she obeyed His voice (Ex 19:3-7).

C. Although Israel agreed to do "...all that the Lord hath spoken..." (Ex 19:8), the promise to obey soon proved to be a yoke about her neck (Acts 15:10), and Israel's failure under the Dispensation of the Law are too numerous to list; howerer, some of the more notable were:


1)Idol worship (Ex 32:1-6)

2)Unbelief (Num 13:26-33)

3)Murmuring (Num 16:1-8)

4)Fornication (Num 25:1-3)

5)Rejection of Messiah (John 19:15,16)

D. God's judgment came upon Israel many time during the approximately 1500 years that the nation was under the Dispensation of the Law. Among the more devastation calamities that befell here were:

1)The Assyrian Captivities (2Kings 17:4-6; 15:18)

2)The Babylonian Captivities (2Chron 36:11-21)

3)The setting aside of Israel in unbelief after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).

(The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary did not bring to an end the Dispensation of Promise and the Law, nor did it initiate the Dispensation of Grace. Beginning with the stoning of Stephen and subsequent conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the temporary setting aside of God's earthly people, Israel, gradually took place. At the same time, God gradually began to make known to the new apostle, Paul, "the revelation of the mystery.")

This program of His heavenly people is called "...the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest...made known to all nations for obedience of faith:" (Rm16:25,26).

Concurrently with the steady declension of God's Prophetic Program for His earthly people, with the final, yet temporary seting aside of Israel, was the steady ascension of His Heavenly program, the Mystery. There was, therefore, an overlapping of the two programs and dispensations, a transition period. God's Prophetic program will not resume until the beginning of the tribulation in the Kingdom Age.

6. DISPENSATION OF GRACE:

A. God dispenses grace to a lost and dying world (Eph 2:5, 3:2).

In the Dispensation of Grace a new creation has been brought into existence (2Cor5:17) which is called "...the Church, which is his Body..." (Eph 2:14-17).

Christ is the Head of the Body (Col 1:18) and holds an exalted position as He carries out His heavenly ministry (Phil 2:9: Eph 1:20-23).

B. Men and women are responsible to receive the written Word of God by faith and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved (Acts 16:31). Salvation is obtained by grace through faith, not of works (Eph 2:8,9).

Members of the Body of Christ are responsible to preach Jesus according to the revelation of the Mystery (Rm 16:25; 1Cor 9:16-18) and "to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery" (Eph 3:9) by doing the work of an evangelist (2Tim 4:5).

C. To a great degree men and women have failed to trust God; to believe His work, and to receive His Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior.

D. The Dispensation of Grace will close when "the fullness of the Gentiles be come in" Rm 11:25). All members of the Church which is His Body, living and dead, will then "...be caught up together..." in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air..." (1Thes 4:17; 2Cor10:11; Eph 3:9; Col 1:27).

Those unsaved living after the close of this Dispensation will go into the seven year tribulation. The unsaved who die during this Dispensation will join with other unsaved dead of all ages at the Great White Throne to be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 10:11-15).

7. THE DAY OF THE LORD;

A. God will dispense both wrath and justice uupon the world which has rejected his Son (Psa 2:1-12).

God's Prophetic Program, which was temporarily interrupted when the Dispensation of Grace began, will resume at the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer 30:7). Thus Israel will once again be in view as the world endures seven years of tribulation (Rev 7:1-8).

The great tribulation is a prelude to the coming Milennial Kingdom and has it purpose of overthrowing the Kingdoms of the world and the establishment "of Kingdoms of our Lord, and His Christ" (Rev 11:15), and will close at the Second Coming of Christ (Jer 30:7; Isa 24:1, Mat 24:29,30).

The Second Coming of Christ will initiate His reigh as King for a period of 1,000 years (Rev 20:4,5,7). During His reign the Throne of David will be established (2Sam 7:16; Mat 19:28; Acts 2:30). Justice will fill the earth (Jer 23:5,6); peace will prevail (Isa:9:6,7), and the Abrahamic, Davidic and Palestinian Covenants will be fulfilled.

B. It will be Israel's responsibility to declare that Christ is indeed the Messiah of Israel.

Repentance and baptism will again be preached (Mar 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; cf Rev 9:21) and certain aspects of the Law, such as the Sabbath, must again be observed (Mat 24:20).

C. In the face of almost unbelievable judgment, men will blaspheme God during the tribulation (Rev 16:11,21) and in the Millenial Kingdom will continue to sin against God (Isa 65:20). Although the Lord Jesus Chris rules in righteousness for 1,000 years, there will be those who rebel at the end of the Millenium and challenge His authority (Rev 20:7-9).

D. With the Church, the Body of Christ, seated with Him in the heavenlies, the Kingdom Age will be the consumation of all the previous ages and there will be a number of judgments. The establishment of the " Kingdoms of the Lord, and His Christ" will be accomplished by the judging and chastening of Israel (Mat 25:14-30), and the punishing of the nations (Mat 25:31-46).

At the end of the Millenial Kingdom, all of the unsaved of all ages will stand before the Great White Throne of God and be condemned to spend eternity in the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15).

The Great Day of the Lord will close when the heavens and the earth are consumed with fire as God prepares to execute His Eternal Purpose (2Pet 3:10: Eph 1:10).

8. DISPENSATION OF THE FULLNESS OF TIME: (There are some that do not consider this a dispensation.)

A. God's ultimate purpose of His creation is that "He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth: even in Him (Eph 1:19).

The renovation of the heavens and the earth will return then to their pristine beauty (Psa 104:5; Isa 65:17; 2Pet 3:11; Rev 21:1).

The Body of Christ will reign with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph 2:6,7), and Israel and those redeemed under God's prophetic Program will reign with Christ from the New Jerusalem on the renovated earth (Rev 21:9-27).

All saints will live through eternity in perfect harmony with one another, and since all things have been gathered together in Christ, it seems likely that the heaven and the earth will be open to all the redeemed of all ages. God will be all in all (1Cor 5:9).

B. All will serve Him with gladness (2Cor5:9).

C. There will be no more failures.

D. There will be no more judgment.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev 21:4).

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

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Every place I look has a different view, timeframe, and meaning to their version of dispinsations. This to me says they, by inconsistancy, are mans thought and tool and not God's. It may well be useful to some to catagorize the relationship of man to God through time, but as far I can see, Grace is the only true dispensation, as it is mentioned in the bible and included therefore in most peoples versions. But dispensationalism, as it is practised, is not biblical and unnecessary at best.This is what has become clear to me.Tim
 
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Easystreet

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timlamb said:
Every place I look has a different view, timeframe, and meaning to their version of dispinsations. This to me says they, by inconsistancy, are mans thought and tool and not God's. It may well be useful to some to catagorize the relationship of man to God through time, but as far I can see, Grace is the only true dispensation, as it is mentioned in the bible and included therefore in most peoples versions. But dispensationalism, as it is practised, is not biblical and unnecessary at best.This is what has become clear to me.Tim

There are tons of information on the internet looking to convince you of this and that.
You started out simple so keep it simple. Dispensationalism is simple
You have been give good advice and information but that too can be confusing.
What helped me more than anything else was keeping it simple.
There are a lot of things happening in Biblical History, but in the complete scheme of things where from Genesis to Revelation is God introducing something new to US. It is not new to Him he planned it, but it is new to us and is brought to pass by God.
Creation to the Fall Adam and Eve were as we would say Innocent
1. Innocence
From the Fall to the Flood man now is separated from God because of sin and man is no innocent any more. He is conscience of his sinfulness and separation from God. The punishment God gave to Adam and Eve was their state of being and all offspring they had and down the line to the Flood. We are not told a lot about the working of society during this time. In all cases we simple accept what God’s word tells us and move on. Keeping it simple we call this time Conscience. By the way this dispensation still exist. I will explain it in a later.
2. Conscience
From the Flood to the Promise to Abram / Abraham. Man lived under the new revelation of God given at the end of the Flood. Don’t get caught up in terms but terms are use to convey understanding ok. We all recognize that from the fall to the flood there had to be some civil order. This is a given. But notice that god adds to the revelation some things we did not have prior to the flood. Capital Punishment is introduced, the first rain, and other changes. You can read them in Genesis 9. Make a list of the different things God introduces to Noah and family. Do the same following the fall. List what God told Adam and Eve and the results of their sin.
3. Government
(please don’t get caught up in semantics -we use the term Government not because there wan no government but because God personally laid down some rules that were different from the fall. Look if anyone wants to change the term to describe this change find because there is a new something happening and responsibility assigned to the new revelation.
The rules of life did not change at the Tower of Babel with respect to conscience and government -
From the flood to the Promise is the next time frame of history before God reveals more of his plan to us. Before I go on The dispensation of conscience and government are continues until the end.
What happened at the promise to Abram? New Revelation. Granted the rest of the world keep right on going and had not clue that Abram received this revelation. You can take that up with the Lord. This is not the our purpose here.
God introduces more of His plan to us with respect to what He tells Abram now Abraham. What is it that is new? Abram singled out to receive the Land Promise. You can read it. God over and over again confirms and re-affirms His promise with Abraham and his seed. By the way the Promise continues on.
4. The Promise
Land promise and all that Abraham was promised with respect to his son Isaac. Now we are in the dispensation of Promise which includes conscience, and government too. Now the next thing is the Ten commandments and the Jewish Law. So it is Promise to Law.
5. Law
Here we are introduced to the law. God took Moses to the top of the mountain and gave him the 10 commandments and later gave Israel all the definitions and rituals. It does not take a rocket scientist to see these fundimental new revelations and unfolding drama of redemption which we have rightly called dispensations. Law to Grace
Daniel and other passages introduce us to future events and we lean of past events as well which were future at the time he wrote the book.
6. Grace, Church Age,
For a very long time God government Israel with law with respect to holy things and representation of things to come.
Daniel takes us down to the death of Christ and the ten toes are standing their unfulfilled up to this point. Many of us believe it is taking shape however, now.
The church age ends at the rapture read Paul’s writings.
When Christ dies and the Church is established - separate from Israel and The Gentiles - we start the dispensation of Grace or the Church Age dispensation.
The tribulation is the finishing up of the 5 dispensation to some extent because it is the final time of the Gentiles that Paul speaks of in Romans, When the times of the gentiles are finished All Israel will be saved and this happens at the end of the 7 year tribulation or the end of the 70th week of Daniel.
7 Kingdom
All saints from all ages resurrected and present then. Only the saved on earth out of the 4/5 of the total population left will be allowed to enter the kingdom. All lost at that time are sent to hell. Their time is up. Only save enter the kingdom.
Hope this helps.




 
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timlamb

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Gordonslocum, thankyou for your time and energy, that is a good way to showcase history, but I'm sorry' the end is what gets me. We have a nice historical annaliss going on here and then it goes "Pauline" You can quote Paul withoput making it sound like the whole thing exists because Paul made it so.None the less, it is still just a way to study biblical history in that is makes for order. but it still turns me off when people fight over when "grace" started. I my take this topic up for my self, but these stages and times are personal opinion and will not change my heart for the Lord one iota, so I think, on this topic, I will keep my thoughts to my self, unless it becomes and issue that is counterproductive to someones walk of faith, then ofcourse, I will comment.Thanks again Gordon, I agree with much of your theories.
 
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Tychicum

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Tim ... Come back in about 10 years or so of reflection ... Lord willing ... and let us know if you agree with some of our opinions.

I can't speak for the others but it took me about a decade or so of rather constant study ... and I thought I was rather
"quick" ...

I mean compared to Plato and Socrates ...

But maybe they were just dimwits ...

But hey ... maybe you are a really quick study ...

Do let us know how you make out ...

.

(PS ... just teasing ...)
 
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Easystreet

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My point with respect to dispensations is not to disagree, but to simply point out how I understand it.

The number one underlying principle is not the complete ball of wax, but that too is necessary for proper understanding and definition. The whole ball of wax defines the system and is necessary. Understand the issue of the simple outline to define a dispensation and it all fits together. At that point it becomes a simple well defined easy to understand system. Very little disagreement and basically no confusion -IF we stay within the guide lines. That is the real key. It is the real test. It is the foundation of the system following the number one foundation of the Normal Literal interpretation of Scripture.

Again, I see it as the outline of History. If there is within the Time Space Continuum New Revelation of God's Unfolding Plan of Redemption that is where I place the beginning of a New Dispensation.

The tower of Babel is a significant event but it does not fit into a new dispensation in the fullest since of the test. In saying this I don't disagree that it is not a significant change in the lives of mankind - but it does not meet the criteria of a dispensation per say.

If we use a measuring stick then we have a standard where by to judge what is and what is not.

As stated above the following is the standard that measures what a dispensation is. Here they are again.

A. All that God dispenses to, requires of, promises to, and commands men.

B. Man's responsibility to God.

C. Then man's failure.

D. God's judgment for man's failure and disobedience

OK we have our Measuring Stick
Now as I said I simplify it.

Creation to Fall Innocence

Fall To Flood - Conscience >> (this remains until history ends)

Flood to Promise - Government >> (this remains until history ends)

Promise to Law - Promise >> (this remains until history ends but is fulfilled at the start of 1k year -kingdom

Law to Grace - Law << (a memorial use of the sacrifice system will be instituted in the millennial k.)

Grace to 1000 year Kingdom >> Church Age (here is where we catch a lot of flack. Grace has always been and salvation has always been by faith in the light of revelation within the dispensation - progressive revelation. Recognition of dispensations as defined is an acknowledgement of God revealing to us what He is doing in the history of mankind, Time Space Continuum. The rules however when considered carefully warrants that we call this dispensation "The dispensation of Grace" Stay within the guidelines of what a dispensation is and it all makes sense.)

Kingdom to New Heaven/Earth - Kingdom or Millennial Kingdom << Only saved inter kingdom, there is harmony with wild life, people life very long lives and people who die at the age of 100 do so because of sin. The church is ruling and reigning with Christ, David is there with Christ, (some believe all saints of all ages will be there - this is my belief). Offspring of all the saved peoples allowed to enter the kingdom not be save and will have to accept Christ or die and go to hell and then the lake of fire.)

From the end of the kingdom into eternity all remains as is from the stand point of revelation to us. We are not told if there are changes in His plan beyond this point.

I keep all dispensations within the Time Space Continuum, Beginning to End of temporal existence. Once everything is in its eternal state dispensations are over from the revealed side of things. Why? That is all we have to go on. Using the rules above keeps it within this beginning and end time space continuum.

When it is all said and done the understanding of dispensationalist comes from the normal literal understanding of Scripture.
What we as dispensationalist don't need to do is ad fuel to the fire for our Covenant Brothers and Sisters whom we understand to be wet behind the ears on their point of view and interpretation - especially when it comes to prophecy.


In the truest sense of the word this is the major difference between us dispensations and the covenant position that divides us. There are other issues but this one is the straw that breaks the camels back.

God Bless

Gordon

Let me add why I don&#8217;t thing anything past the 1000 year kingdom is a dispensation with respect to temporal existence. There is no failure on the part of life. Human life as is defined within the Time Space Continuum does not exist anymore. Perfect has arrived in its fullest sense of the word. Part "C." of the outline does not fit in this Eternal State.
 
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timlamb

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Gordon, Your last post is a perfect example of why I can't see dispenationalism as a unifying theology. (nothing personal) Even your criteria or measuring stick is different than anything I have read.

I posted a very simple and common dispensational chart in the first post, and no one has agreed with it here.

The only thing wrong about dispensations is arguing "My theory is right and yours is wrong".

Being a dispenationalist is like being a theist, we all believe but no one believes exactly the same thing, and the truth is somewhere in the middle.

tim
 
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JM said:
Are Christian's still able ministers of the NEW COVENANT, as Paul writes?

Yes. Many dispensationalists connect certain new covenant promises with blessings found in the church in this dispensation.


Lamorak Des Galis
 
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timlamb said:
I posted a very simple and common dispensational chart in the first post, and no one has agreed with it here.

Dispensationalism isn't about the number of dispensations or the scheme. There have been many varieties throughout the history of dispensationalism. There is a "minimalist" number of 3 dispensations which is found within the Dallas Theological Seminary Doctrinal Statement. That is, a recognition of at least a past, a present and a future dispensation.

But dispensationalism isn't really so much about dispensations. Dispensations are only the tip of the iceberg. The basis of the dispensations is what's important. the basis is the Biblical covenants.

Dispensationalists look at the Biblical covenants as revealed historically and progressively. This progressive revelation of the Biblical covenants and the promises associated with them is the reason why dispensationalists see a distinction between Israel and the church. Its why we believe OT promises to Israel
are "retained" for the future, so that there is a future place for Israel in God's plan, and that there will be a millennial kingdom.

Lamorak Des Galis
 
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timlamb

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LamorakDesGalis said:
Dispensationalism isn't about the number of dispensations or the scheme. There have been many varieties throughout the history of dispensationalism. There is a "minimalist" number of 3 dispensations which is found within the Dallas Theological Seminary Doctrinal Statement. That is, a recognition of at least a past, a present and a future dispensation.

But dispensationalism isn't really so much about dispensations. Dispensations are only the tip of the iceberg. The basis of the dispensations is what's important. the basis is the Biblical covenants.

Dispensationalists look at the Biblical covenants as revealed historically and progressively. This progressive revelation of the Biblical covenants and the promises associated with them is the reason why dispensationalists see a distinction between Israel and the church. Its why we believe OT promises to Israel
are "retained" for the future, so that there is a future place for Israel in God's plan, and that there will be a millennial kingdom.

Lamorak Des Galis
I like the Dallas minimalists, there is definately a past present and future.

If a theology instructor wants to divide history for the sake of study, that works for me, but it is no part of a reasonable theological belief system.
 
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timlamb said:
1: Innocence- defined by unity.

Sin enters the world

2: Conscience- Division

Flood

3: Authority- solid/ complete

Tower of Bable

4: Israel- Temporary

Holy Spirit arrives

5: Church Age- Grace

Rapture

6: Tribulation- Man

2nd Comming

7: Millenium- Completion

Earth Burns Up

8: New Heavens and Earth- New beginning

This is what I came to this thread months ago to learn about. We seem to have been side tracted.

I know no more than this, I am looking for your thoughts.

These dispensations seem to have some validity, as dispensation is defined in the dictionary.
Hi Tim,

I wanted to remind you that you set the condition of this forum POST, not me.

Now, you are, I would guess, upset with me because I offered my understanding on dispensationalism. Take time to read what you said in Red above. I accept your appoligy.

Now, I am not in a battle with you or anyone on haveing one up on you or visa a versa. OK

I shared because you ask.

I do challenge point 3 and 6 of your outline. It does not fit the theological definition. Whatever the dictionary definition is that is fine but "dispensationalism" in the context of Biblical Study is using the term as defined by a theological premise that was established by Past Theologians of The Word of God.

It is only fitting that we use eh Theological definition to define the intent of what is considered.

Let me illustrate. Take your dictionary, preferably an older version of a College Level Dictionary. Notice as you look at words that there are different definitions based upon the use of it, General use, medical use, mathematical use, etc.

In the case of the term "dispensational" the correct definition is the one set forth by the inventors of the term and the teachers of the term as it was conceive by them and those following as it is refined within the theological circles.

This is normal in all disciplines be it theology, medicinal, philosophy, math or other.

Hope this clears up our difference. I believe it will.

God Bless

Love Always Finds A Way
 
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timlamb

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GordonSlocum said:
Hi Tim,

I wanted to remind you that you set the condition of this forum POST, not me.

Now, you are, I would guess, upset with me because I offered my understanding on dispensationalism. Take time to read what you said in Red above. I accept your appoligy.

Now, I am not in a battle with you or anyone on haveing one up on you or visa a versa. OK

I shared because you ask.

I do challenge point 3 and 6 of your outline. It does not fit the theological definition. Whatever the dictionary definition is that is fine but "dispensationalism" in the context of Biblical Study is using the term as defined by a theological premise that was established by Past Theologians of The Word of God.

It is only fitting that we use eh Theological definition to define the intent of what is considered.

Let me illustrate. Take your dictionary, preferably an older version of a College Level Dictionary. Notice as you look at words that there are different definitions based upon the use of it, General use, medical use, mathematical use, etc.

In the case of the term "dispensational" the correct definition is the one set forth by the inventors of the term and the teachers of the term as it was conceive by them and those following as it is refined within the theological circles.

This is normal in all disciplines be it theology, medicinal, philosophy, math or other.

Hope this clears up our difference. I believe it will.

God Bless

Love Always Finds A Way
Gordon, I haven't been upset at all at any one. I am quite satisfied that I have seen enough of dispensationalism to know that I will use it as a tool, but will not label myself with it.

I didn't mind your thoughts, I never meant to put you down for your belief, I merely was comparing all posts recieved, and finding no clarity. You are the one making a federal case out of it. I make no appologies for anything I said, but if you feel you have been offended, I am glad you have a forgiving nature. I wouldn't want you carrying around any anger.

BTW- my reference is the Harper-Collins Dictionary of Religon, and it has only one definition; but I am sure you will still disaprove.
 
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