In the Bible, ‘dispensation’ is a term used to describe a period of time in which God governs and interacts with the human race in a unique way. It occurs when God changes the rules and regulations governing the human condition and relationship with Him. Generally speaking, there are seven dispensations in the Bible, each representing one of seven unique ways that mankind has interacted with God. The idea of a dispensation helps readers to understand and interpret biblical texts in their proper contexts, as well as to reconcile certain themes throughout the Bible.
One of the earliest known dispensations is found in the very beginning of the Bible, when God’s covenant with humanity was made and the mandate to “fill and subdue the earth” was given. Known as the Edenic Dispensation, this period is marked by the divine instruction given to Adam and Eve and how they were to live in relationship with God. This dispensation is detailed in the book of Genesis and focuses mainly on God’s relationship with humanity.
Another dispensation can be found in the Mosaic Covenant in the book of Exodus. This is the period when God mapped out a specific plan for the people of Israel, including the Ten Commandments, religious institutions, and the sacrificial system. It also includes the 40 years during which Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the promise land. This period is known as the Mosaic Dispensation and focused primarily on God’s relationship with His chosen people.
In the New Testament, several important dispensations are outlined. The most significant is the Church Age, which began with the death and resurrection of Jesus and continues to the present day. This dispensation is unique in that it is the only one to promise an eternity of peace and joy with God. It is marked by the birth of the Church, the teachings of Jesus, and the transforming power of the gospel. This period is known as the Church Age Dispensation and focuses mainly on God’s relationship with His followers.
Another important dispensation outlined in the New Testament is the Millennial Dispensation, which is the period of Christ’s millennial kingdom. This period will begin with Jesus returning to earth and will last for 1000 years, during which time Jesus will reign from Jerusalem and the world will experience an age of perfect peace. This dispensation will end with the final defeat of Satan and the dawn of the eternal state.
In the Bible, the concept of a dispensation conveys the idea that God is actively and personally working with humanity in each and every age. It also helps to clarify that certain aspects of the faith are only applicable in certain contexts, such as the laws of the Mosaic Covenant or the teachings of Jesus during the Church Age. Understanding the various dispensations of the Bible is an important part of comprehending the larger biblical narrative, as it helps to reveal how God is constantly engaging with us in different ways.
Noahic Dispensation
The Noahic dispensation is another important period in the Bible. It begins with the flood described in the book of Genesis and is sometimes referred to as the Dispensation of Innocence. This period is marked by the decline of moral righteousness and the descent of God’s judgment in the form of the Great Flood.
This period is significant as it culminates with God’s decree never to again flood the whole earth and the establishment of a covenant between God and humankind. God also demonstrates his role as a loving Father and promises to look out for his creation, setting aside a special sign of his love and promise in the form of a rainbow.
The Noahic Dispensation is important for its themes of covenant, responsibility, and judgment, since it serves to illustrate the integral relationship between an all-powerful God and His creation. It also serves to reveal that despite the fall of humankind, God is still willing to faithfully reach out to us in love, taking the initiative to restore and save us.
Abrahamic Dispensation
The Abrahamic Dispensation begins with the call of Abraham in Genesis 12. Here, God makes an exclusive covenant with Abraham and his descendants, granting them a special place in his plan. This period includes God’s promise to turn Abraham’s descendants into a great nation and to bring them into their own land. This dispensation is also characterized by God’s promise to bless all the nations through Abraham’s progeny.
The Abrahamic Dispensation is significant for its emphasis on covenant and chosenness. As Abraham’s descendants, Jews and Christians alike are identified as being part of a larger purpose—God’s plan for redemption. The blessing through Abraham’s descendants is a testament to God’s faithfulness towards his people and his commitment to a redemptive plan that focuses on reconciliation and restoration.
The Abrahamic Dispensation also reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises. God does not just make a promise and abandon it, but rather sees it through to completion. It demonstrates the willingness of God to faithfully pursue His purposes and to bring about a lasting redemption of His people.
Davidic Dispensation
The Davidic Dispensation is marked by the time of King David, beginning with his rise to power in the book of 2 Samuel. This period is characterized by God fulfilling his promise to make David the ruler of His chosen people, Israel. It is also marked by the indulgence and rebelliousness of the people of Israel, which ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom into two: Israel and Judah.
The importance of the Davidic Dispensation lies in the fact that it is within this period that God chooses David as a central figure in His plan of redemption. As a result of this selection, God promises an everlasting kingdom that will be ruled under the kingship of David’s descendants. This promise is central to the fulfilment of God’s plan in the New Testament, since Jesus is a direct descendant of David and the rightful King of a spiritual kingdom.
For believers, the Davidic Dispensation is a reminder of God’s commitment to His people and His love for them. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and in providing leaders that can lead His people in righteousness. It also serves to reveal the importance of following God’s direction, as well as the consequences of straying away from Him.
Gentile Dispensation
The Gentile Dispensation begins with the babylonian captivity in the Old Testament and continues until the coming of the Messiah. It is marked by God’s patience and grace towards the Gentiles, as well as His setting aside of the Jews in order to pursue His overarching plan of redemption. This period is especially significant as it provides a platform for the gospel message and the coming of the Messiah into the world.
The Gentile Dispensation is important for its recognition of the importance of all people, regardless of ethnicity. It teaches us that through Jesus’ death, we are all equal in God’s eyes and are able to find salvation, regardless of our background. It further demonstrates how God’s love is available to all of His creation, and the hope that the gospel brings to the human condition.
For those who believe, the Gentile Dispensation is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and redemptive love. It is a reminder that no matter what obstacles we may encounter, God will always be there to guide us and to offer us peace and hope.
Palestinian Dispensation
The Palestinian Dispensation is a period that begins with the re-entry of the Israelites from exile and continues until the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This period is marked by the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies and the ministry of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount and the teachings of Jesus’ apostles. This period is significant for its demonstration of God’s redemptive plan and for providing a platform for the preaching of the gospel.
The Palestinian Dispensation is important for its emphasis on the intense struggle between good and evil. It serves to remind believers of the ongoing battle between God’s will and Satan’s agenda, and of the need to stand firm in the face of adversity. This period also serves to demonstrate the power of prayer and faith in advancing God’s desires and in bringing about the fulfilment of His promises.
For believers, the Palestinian Dispensation reinforces the importance of God’s ultimate plan of redemption. It serves to remind us of God’s sovereign power and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and it reminds us that no matter what trials and tribulations we may face, He will never abandon His people.
Laodicene Dispensation
The Laodicene Dispensation is a period in the New Testament that begins with the destruction of Jerusalem and continues until the end of the world. This period is marked by a focus on the spread of the gospel worldwide, an increase in persecution, and a decrease in morality. While this period is often seen as a dark time for the Church, it is important to understand that it is essential to the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan.
The Laodicene Dispensation is important for its emphasis on faith over works. It serves to remind believers that our righteousness is found in Christ and that nothing we do can earn us salvation. It further underscores the importance of enduring to the end, no matter what difficulties may come our way in this life.
For believers, the Laodicene Dispensation is a reminder of God’s ultimate authority over all aspects of the universe. It serves to demonstrate that despite the obstacles we face, God is still ultimately in control and will bring about justice in the end. It is a reminder that no matter what happens, we can trust in the Lord and will ultimately experience victory and joy as we abide in Him.
