Part 1 - Studying the Bible “Dispensationally”

This Article is part of a multi-part Study Series called The Time Element In Scripture.

 

 

“Dispensation” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Number 3622 - from <G3623> (oikonomos); administration (of a household or estate); specially a (religious) economy”: dispensation, stewardship.

Dispensational Bible Study is the key to understanding the Bible without the seeming contradictions and the confusion that some think they see in the Bible. Dispensational Bible Study is study that follows the timeline of the Bible and its several changing relationships between God and man.  This is why we are studying “The Time Element in Scripture.” God never changes, but His dealing with mankind has changed through several dispensations, all in accord with His eternal plan.

First, in considering the words above that define a “dispensation,” we see that it’s an ‘economy’ or an ‘invested relationship’ by which God’s ‘household’ is ‘administered’; as when parents invest their life, time, and effort in child-raising, expecting a good child in return. Biblically we’re speaking of God’s family and His ‘estate’ that goes unto us, His “heirs.”

His invested relationship today is with the members of “the church, which is His body,” Today this age is called “the dispensation of the grace of God” being based upon the pure “grace of God” (Rom. 5:15). The former dispensation was “the Law” from which believers today are exempt. “for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14b)

God does not change (Psa. 15:4), however He has changed His relationship with men through several ages. Each relational age is referred to as a different dispensation. Paul here defines today’s dispensation as “…the “dispensation of the grace of God which is given me (Paul) to you-ward (cf. Gentiles v1)” (Eph. 3:2)

God’s children are “heirs” of His family “estate,” made possible by the death of His Son. Note:

where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” (Heb. 9:16),

if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” (Rom. 8:17a).

As with a financial economy, God has invested … “the Spirit of (the) life” of His Resurrected Son, Jesus Christ, into every believer’s human spirit (1Cor 6:17) to be their new, righteous, and eternal life.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell IN you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be IN you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of (Christ’s) righteousness. (Romans 8:9-10)

Each dispensational age has brought or will yet bring a new dispensational arrangement with God. His way of dealing with mankind to date has changed, but not by chance or by His reacting to any sort of surprise such as man’s failings. His Plan has been from “before the world began.”  

“(God) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1:9)

It’s clear that recognizing the time element in Scripture” is the key to our understanding the whole Bible. Only then do we know… What applies… to Who… and When. This is why Paul wrote; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV ONLY).

Thus, we’re instructed to note the distinctions that God has made in His written word. In 1885 Arthur P. Adams (1845-1925) wrote this of 2 Timothy 2:15.

“This rule (2 Timothy 2:15) is of very great importance, though many entirely ignore it. Most Christians consider the Bible as all true; though they have no idea of different ages and dispensations each of which have their own special truths that will apply to no other period. When all Scripture is jumbled together, disregarding God’s “times and seasons,” much of the force, and the true sense of Scripture is lost, and often times people are led thereby into grave and serious error.”