Dispensation is a theological term used within Christian theology, particularly in dispensationalism, to describe distinct periods or “economies” in God’s method of administering His will and purpose for humanity throughout history. Each dispensation is characterized by a particular way in which God relates to humanity, with specific responsibilities and expectations given to people during that time. The concept of dispensations is central to dispensationalist theology, which divides biblical history into several distinct epochs or dispensations.
Historical Context
Origins of Dispensationalism
The concept of dispensations has its roots in early Christian thought but became more formally developed in the 19th century through the work of theologians like John Nelson Darby (1800-1882). Darby, a leader in the Plymouth Brethren movement, is often credited with systematizing dispensational theology, which later became widely influential in evangelical circles, especially in the United States.
- John Nelson Darby: Darby’s dispensational framework was grounded in a literal interpretation of Scripture, particularly prophecy, and emphasized a clear distinction between Israel and the Church. He proposed that God has different plans for Israel and the Church, with each being governed by different dispensations.
- The Scofield Reference Bible: Published in 1909, the Scofield Reference Bible, edited by C.I. Scofield, popularized dispensationalism in the United States. Scofield’s notes introduced many Christians to the idea of dividing biblical history into dispensations, each with its specific administrative order and divine economy.
Development and Spread
Dispensationalism grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, particularly among evangelical and fundamentalist Christians. It became a dominant theological framework in many Bible colleges, seminaries, and churches, especially in North America. The influence of dispensationalism can be seen in the widespread adoption of premillennial eschatology, the belief in a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth following His second coming.
Dispensations in Theology
Dispensational theology typically divides history into several key dispensations, though the exact number and details can vary among proponents. Commonly recognized dispensations include:
- Innocence: From creation to the fall of man (Genesis 1-3).
- Conscience: From the fall to the flood (Genesis 4-8).
- Human Government: From the flood to the call of Abraham (Genesis 9-11).
- Promise: From the call of Abraham to the giving of the Law at Sinai (Genesis 12-Exodus 19).
- Law: From the giving of the Law to the death and resurrection of Christ (Exodus 20-Acts 2).
- Grace (Church Age): From Pentecost to the rapture of the Church (Acts 2-Revelation 3).
- Kingdom (Millennium): The future reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6).
Each dispensation is understood to represent a different phase in God’s unfolding plan, with specific instructions or covenants given to humanity during that time. The failure of humanity to live up to these responsibilities often leads to judgment and the transition to a new dispensation.
Biblical References
Scriptural Basis for Dispensations
Dispensationalists base their theology on a literal interpretation of Scripture, with an emphasis on the progressive revelation of God’s will through different covenants and instructions given at various points in history.
- Ephesians 1:10 (KJV):
“That 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.”
NIV:
“To be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
This verse is often cited as evidence of God’s administration or “dispensation” of His plan throughout history, culminating in the unification of all things under Christ.
- Ephesians 3:2 (KJV):
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.”
NIV:
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you.”
Here, Paul speaks of a specific “dispensation of grace” given to him, which dispensationalists interpret as the current Church Age, characterized by the grace of God being extended to all through faith in Christ.
- Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV):
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”
NIV:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
This passage emphasizes the progressive nature of God’s revelation, which dispensationalists see as evidence of different dispensations or periods of God’s administration throughout history.
Covenants and Dispensations
Dispensationalists often connect their understanding of dispensations with the biblical covenants, seeing each covenant as marking a new phase in God’s plan.
- Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17): After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. Dispensationalists view this as the beginning of the dispensation of Human Government.
- Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3): God’s covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation, is seen as the foundation of the dispensation of Promise, during which God’s relationship with humanity was centered on His promises to Abraham and his descendants.
- Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24): The giving of the Law at Sinai marks the beginning of the dispensation of Law, during which Israel was governed by the Mosaic Law until the coming of Christ.
- New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20): The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, is seen as marking the dispensation of Grace, where salvation is offered to all through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of the Mosaic Law.
Theological Significance
Distinction Between Israel and the Church
One of the key features of dispensational theology is the clear distinction between Israel and the Church. Dispensationalists believe that God’s promises to Israel in the Old Testament remain in effect and will be fulfilled in the future, particularly in the millennial kingdom. The Church, on the other hand, is seen as a distinct entity with a separate role in God’s plan.
- Romans 11:25-26 (KJV):
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
NIV:
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.'”
This passage is often cited by dispensationalists to support the idea that God still has a future plan for Israel, separate from the Church, which will be fulfilled in the end times.
The Role of Prophecy
Dispensationalism places a strong emphasis on biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the end times. Dispensationalists interpret prophecies in a literal sense, believing in the future fulfillment of promises made to Israel, the rapture of the Church, the tribulation, and the millennial reign of Christ.
- Revelation 20:1-6 (KJV):
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
NIV:
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”
This passage is central to dispensationalist eschatology, which views the millennium as a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, during which God’s promises to Israel will be fulfilled.
Practical Implications for Worship and Life
Bible Study and Interpretation
Dispensationalism encourages a literal and systematic approach to Bible study, where Scripture is interpreted within the context of its respective dispensation. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical texts, as well as recognizing the distinct roles of Israel and the Church in God’s plan.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV):
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
NIV:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Dispensationalists see this verse as a call to “rightly divide” the Word of God, understanding it within the framework of different dispensations.
Worship and Church Life
Dispensationalism influences how many Christians understand the role of the Church in the present age, emphasizing the Church’s distinct mission of evangelism and discipleship during the “dispensation of grace.” Worship and church activities are often focused on teaching and living out the implications of this current dispensation, with an anticipation of the rapture and the return of Christ.
- Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV):
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
NIV:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Great Commission is central to dispensational understanding of the Church’s mission in the current dispensation, emphasizing evangelism and teaching as key aspects of Christian life.
Broader Thematic Connections
The Sovereignty of God
Dispensationalism emphasizes the sovereignty of God in administering different periods of history according to His divine plan. Each dispensation is seen as a unique demonstration of God’s justice, grace, and faithfulness, culminating in the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes in Christ.
- Daniel 2:21 (KJV):
“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”
NIV:
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
This verse reflects the dispensationalist view of God as the one who directs the course of history, establishing different administrations according to His will.
The Faithfulness of God
Dispensationalism also highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, particularly to Israel. Dispensationalists believe that God’s covenants with Israel will be fully realized in the future, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His Word.
- Psalm 89:33-37 (KJV):
“Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.”
NIV:
“but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David—that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”
This passage is often cited by dispensationalists as evidence of God’s unbreakable promises, particularly regarding the Davidic covenant, which they believe will be fulfilled in the millennial reign of Christ.
Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine
Dispensationalism has had a profound impact on evangelical theology, particularly in its approach to eschatology, biblical interpretation, and the relationship between Israel and the Church. While it has been the subject of debate and criticism, especially from those who favor a more covenantal or reformed approach to theology, it remains a significant and influential framework within many Christian traditions.
Conservative Reflection on Dispensation
From a conservative theological perspective, dispensationalism is often embraced for its commitment to a literal interpretation of Scripture, its clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and its emphasis on the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. However, it is also important for conservatives to critically engage with the implications of dispensational theology, particularly in its eschatological predictions and its influence on Christian practice.
Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus
Ultimately, the concept of dispensation points to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Each dispensation, according to dispensationalist theology, reveals a different aspect of God’s character—His justice, mercy, grace, and faithfulness—leading to the ultimate fulfillment of all things in Christ.
- Ephesians 1:9-10 (KJV):
“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That 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.”
NIV:
“He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
This passage reflects the ultimate goal of all dispensations: the unification of all things in Christ, demonstrating God’s love and purpose for humanity through Jesus.