Dispensationalism is a controversial subject among Christians. Some of the points of contention debated are:
- Israel and the Church: The extent to which they are distinct or unified.
- Rapture Timing: Pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation views.
- Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation: How to interpret prophetic texts.
The various forms of dispensationalism reflect differing interpretations of Scripture and lead to numerous divisions within the true Church. There is no doubt that the Bible is dispensational; it just has to be rightly divided. Some of the designations for the different theological views are:
- Classical Dispensationalism
- Revised Dispensationalism
- Progressive Dispensationalism
- Hyper-Dispensationalism
Not having a balanced biblical view of dispensations has produce many, if not most, of the divisions within the body of Christ.
Paul certainly recognizes that his ministry is contained within a certain time frame, a particular dispensation.
1 Corinthians 9:17 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.
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
1 Corinthians 9:17 tells us that Paul was given “a” dispensation which means one of more than one, “a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.” Paul is given “a” dispensation which is “the” one given to him.
1 Corinthians 9:17 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.
Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to (the) dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
There is a split within the Church on this misunderstanding this, that Paul was not given “a” but “the” only dispensation under God’s grace and all other times salvation was by works.
Dispensation:
- The action or act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution; disbursement; economical use or disposal.
- The orderly administration of affairs committed to one’s charge; stewardship
- The ordering of events by divine Providence.
The Bible is definitely divided into segments of time.
- Were things the same after the fall as before? No.
- Were things the same after the flood as before the flood? No.
- Were things the same after God called out Israel as before? No.
- Were things the same after the Cross as before the atonement? No.
- Are things going to be the same after the Rapture as before it? No
- Are things going to be the same in the Millennium as they are now? No.
Ephesians 1:10 tells us that dispensations are the disbursement of times, “the dispensation of the fulness of times”. That is, in the end when all the different dispensations of time are completed, the Lord will gather all that is His together.
Ephesians 1:9-10 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Anyone who denies that there are divisions of time in Scripture is not comprehending God’s word correctly.
As with any teaching and doctrine of Scripture, some fail to take it far enough and some take it too far. This is not a reason to deny it. Dispensationalism just acknowledges that things were different at different times.
Example: Where OT saints saved? No, they were reserved unto salvation until the atonement was made.
John 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
They had their sins forgiven according to their faith toward God and were reserved unto salvation until their sins were paid for. That is a big difference compared to now when we receive forgiveness and payment of sins at the same time.
It is all about studying so the word of truth is rightly divided.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.