Introduction to Dispensationalism
Dispensational theology is a framework for understanding the Bible that emphasizes the distinct ways God has interacted with humanity throughout history. According to this view, God has revealed His will and governed His creation in different “dispensations” or periods of time, each characterized by specific responsibilities for humanity and varying means of divine revelation and salvation.
Dispensationalism views Scripture as unfolding progressively, with each dispensation representing a new phase in God’s redemptive plan. It highlights the importance of biblical covenants, God’s promises to Israel, and the ultimate fulfillment of these promises through the kingdom of God. As B.Th. students, understanding dispensational theology will help you see the Bible’s grand narrative, the role of Israel, and God’s overarching purpose for humanity.
What is a Dispensation?
A dispensation refers to a period of time in which God deals with humanity in a specific way concerning sin, grace, and responsibility. The term “dispensation” is derived from the Greek word oikonomia, meaning “management” or “administration.” Each dispensation typically has a distinct set of expectations, commands, or responsibilities, along with corresponding consequences for obedience or disobedience.
Dispensationalism recognizes that while God’s character is unchanging, His methods of governance and revelation have varied according to different historical contexts. The key point of dispensationalism is that these periods are progressive, each revealing more of God’s plan for redemption and the future kingdom.
The Seven Dispensations in Dispensational Theology
Traditional dispensationalism identifies seven distinct dispensations in biblical history. Each of these periods represents a unique way in which God interacts with humanity, characterized by specific tests or responsibilities, human failure, and divine judgment, leading to a new dispensation.
1. Dispensation of Innocence (Genesis 1:26-3:6)
- Time Frame: From the creation of Adam and Eve to the Fall.
- Key Responsibility: Humanity was created in a state of innocence, with the primary command to “be fruitful and multiply” and to avoid eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17).
- Human Failure: Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), bringing sin into the world.
- Divine Judgment: The Fall resulted in separation from God, spiritual death, and the introduction of labor pains, toil, and death into the human experience (Genesis 3:14-19).
2. Dispensation of Conscience (Genesis 3:7-8:14)
- Time Frame: From the Fall to the Flood.
- Key Responsibility: Humanity was to follow the guidance of their God-given conscience, knowing right from wrong.
- Human Failure: The world became increasingly wicked, culminating in widespread violence and moral corruption (Genesis 6:5-6).
- Divine Judgment: God sent the Flood to cleanse the earth, sparing only Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9).
3. Dispensation of Human Government (Genesis 8:15-11:9)
- Time Frame: From the end of the Flood to the Tower of Babel.
- Key Responsibility: God instituted human government and commanded humanity to spread across the earth and establish order (Genesis 9:1-7).
- Human Failure: Humanity rebelled by building the Tower of Babel to make a name for themselves and avoid dispersing across the earth (Genesis 11:4).
- Divine Judgment: God confused their languages, forcing them to scatter (Genesis 11:8-9).
4. Dispensation of Promise (Genesis 12:1-Exodus 19:25)
- Time Frame: From the call of Abraham to the giving of the Law at Sinai.
- Key Responsibility: God called Abraham and promised to make him a great nation, blessing those who bless him and cursing those who curse him (Genesis 12:1-3).
- Human Failure: The patriarchs and their descendants often lacked faith, as seen in the events surrounding the selling of Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37) and Israel’s failure to fully trust God during the time in Egypt.
- Divine Judgment: Although God remained faithful to His promise, Israel ended up in Egyptian bondage due to their failures.
5. Dispensation of Law (Exodus 20:1-Acts 2:4)
- Time Frame: From the giving of the Law to the coming of Christ and the beginning of the church.
- Key Responsibility: Israel was given the Law through Moses and was required to obey it to maintain a covenant relationship with God (Exodus 19-20).
- Human Failure: Israel repeatedly broke the Law, fell into idolatry, and failed to live up to their covenantal responsibilities (Judges, 1 Kings 12).
- Divine Judgment: Israel suffered exile, captivity, and foreign domination as consequences of their disobedience.
6. Dispensation of Grace (Acts 2:4-Revelation 19:21)
- Time Frame: From Pentecost to the Second Coming of Christ.
- Key Responsibility: This is the present dispensation, where salvation is offered by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Church is called to proclaim the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Human Failure: Humanity, both individually and corporately, continues to reject God’s grace and the offer of salvation.
- Divine Judgment: This dispensation will end with the Great Tribulation and Christ’s return in judgment.
7. Dispensation of the Kingdom (Revelation 20:1-15)
- Time Frame: The future millennial reign of Christ on earth.
- Key Responsibility: Humanity will live under the righteous reign of Christ, and Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-6).
- Human Failure: Despite Christ’s perfect rule, many will rebel when Satan is released at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:7-9).
- Divine Judgment: Satan will be defeated, and all unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:10-15).
Key Features of Dispensational Theology
Literal Interpretation of Scripture: Dispensationalists emphasize the importance of interpreting the Bible literally, particularly regarding prophecies and promises to Israel. They argue that God’s promises to Israel, such as those concerning the land and the future kingdom, must be fulfilled literally, not allegorically.
Distinct Role of Israel and the Church: Dispensational theology makes a clear distinction between Israel and the Church. Israel is seen as God’s chosen nation with specific promises that are yet to be fulfilled, particularly concerning the land and the Messianic kingdom. The Church, on the other hand, is viewed as a separate entity that exists during the dispensation of grace.
Progressive Revelation: Dispensationalists believe that God’s plan unfolds progressively, with each dispensation revealing more about His will and redemptive purposes. This does not mean that people in different dispensations were saved by different means, but that God’s revelation and humanity’s responsibilities changed over time.
Future Kingdom and Eschatology: Dispensationalists hold a futurist view of eschatology, believing that many prophecies, particularly in the book of Revelation, will be fulfilled literally in the future. This includes the belief in a literal, thousand-year reign of Christ on earth (the Millennial Kingdom).
Criticism and Debate
While dispensationalism has had a significant influence, it has also faced criticism, particularly from those who hold to covenant theology. Critics argue that it overly divides Scripture and creates a discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments. Some also believe that dispensationalism overemphasizes the role of Israel at the expense of the Church.
Conclusion
Dispensational theology offers a framework for understanding God’s plan throughout history and His interactions with humanity. By examining the distinct dispensations, students can better appreciate the Bible’s unity and diversity in its unfolding revelation. While not universally accepted, it provides an important perspective on God’s covenantal promises, the role of Israel, and the anticipation of the future kingdom.
