How to Study the Bible
New Lesson every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Dispensation (Bible Definition)
(Gr. oikonomia, "management," "economy"). (1.) The method or scheme according to which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. There are usually reckoned three dispensations, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic or Jewish, and the Christian. (See COVENANT ØT0000916, Administration of.) These were so many stages in God's unfolding of his purpose of grace toward men. The word is not found with this meaning in Scripture. (2.) A commission to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Dispensations of Providence are providential events which affect men either in the way of mercy or of judgement.
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Today's Lesson:
Interpret Dispensationally
Dispensations are periods of history in which God establishes different responsibilities for His people. They are divisions of history which are categorized by these responsibilities. We are told in Hebrews 7:12, “For when the priesthood changes, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.” This verse teaches us that God establishes different responsibilities at different periods of history.
There are four clear Dispensations since the fall of Adam:
1- The Age of the Gentiles from the fall of Adam to the Exodus from Egypt
This age is covered in Genesis and Job. It extends from approximately 3900 B.C. to 1445 B.C.
2- The Age of Israel from the Exodus to the Day of Pentecost;
The Age of Israel is found in all Old Testament books except for Genesis and Job. It also extends to all of the four Gospels and Acts 1. There exists in the Old Testament some passages that refer to the Millennial Age. Two examples are Isaiah 61-66 and Ezekiel 40-48.
The approximate dates of this age are from 1445 B.C. until 33 A.D. This Age will also include the time period from the Rapture of the Church until the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, period known as the "Tribulation" or "Daniel's 70th Week" (Dan 9:24-27).
3- The Age of the Church from the Day of Pentecost until the Rapture; (The Tribulation Period, which is the final seven years of the Age of Israel lasts from the Rapture to the Second Advent of Jesus Christ.)
The Church Age is covered in Acts 2-28, the Epistles and Revelation 2-3. The Tribulation period which completes the Age of Israel is found in Revelation 4-19.
This age began in 33 A.D. and is not completed until the Rapture of the Church.
4- The Millennial Age from the Second Advent to the Great White Throne Judgment.
This age is covered in Revelation 20 and certain passages in the Old and New Testaments.
Dispensations are most clearly understood when we consider the different priesthoods that God has assigned to man. For example, before Israel became a nation right after the Exodus, mankind was in the “Age (or Dispensation) of the Gentiles.” The priesthood of this Dispensation was conducted by the elders within one’s own family and is called the “Family Priesthood.” It was practiced by Noah (Gen 8:20), Abraham (Gen 22:2) and Job (Job 1:5). The laws they were to follow were those “written in their hearts” (Rom 2:15) by God.
Shortly after the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, the Age (or Dispensation) of Israel began and the tribe of Levi was called by God as a new and different priesthood which became known as the “Levitical Priesthood.” This priesthood was based on genealogy and descended through the Aaronic line of the Tribe of Levi. The Levitical priesthood carried out its functions in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. Priests of that age were to offer animal sacrifices, to lead in worship, and to communicate God’s Word, but by very specific methods given to Moses by God. As an additional note, it is both interesting and sad that these methods became so distorted by the time Jesus Christ was born that the ritual action itself had become more important than the reality of what it represented (Heb 10:8). The laws they were to follow were recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
After the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, on the Day of Pentecost, God began a new age or “dispensation.” This is called the “Church Age” or “Dispensation of the Church.” In this new Dispensation all those who believe in Jesus Christ become priests to God (1 Pet 2:5,9). These new “Believer-Priests” are not to offer animal sacrifices but are instead to “present their own bodies as living and holy sacrifices, acceptable to God, which is their spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). During this Dispensation, the form of expression of the priesthood changed. However, the spiritual functions of the various priesthoods did not change. All offered sacrifices, led in praise and communicated God’s Word. Dispensations are represented by the different forms or methods God prescribed to carry out His principles. The Dispensation of the Church is to follow the “Law of Liberty” (James 1:25; 2:12) ”in the sphere of love” (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14; James 2:8).
The Millennial Age or Dispensation will have a new priesthood that is led by the Zadokite line of the Tribe of Levi (Eze 40:46; 43:19; 44:15; 48:11). The laws will be based on the “New Covenant to Israel” (Jer 31:31-33; Heb 8:8-10) and established by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as He “rules all the nations with a rod of iron” (Rev 12:5).
The Dispensational Interpretation, therefore, recognizes changes in the forms or methods, but has its basis in principles that are spiritual in nature more than physical. For example, in our current Dispensation we do not need to offer animal sacrifices to our God as a memorial to the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 10:10). Instead of offering animal sacrifices, the Church partakes of the Lord’s Table as a memorial, a sacrifice of praise (1 Cor 11:23-34). During the Millennial Age animal sacrifices will be reinstituted as another type of memorial to commemorate the finished work of Christ on the cross (Eze 43:18-27).
The divisions of history are derived from an interpretative study of Scripture and are not rigidly set. There are several viewpoints as to the exact timing of the change from Dispensation to Dispensation. This does not negate the Dispensational Principle that God has different responsibilities for people at different points of history.
There is a modern-day trend toward “hyper-Dispensationalism,” which seeks to put several small Dispensations within the larger framework. We must note that this trend lacks serious Scriptural backing. It can be easily used to promote personal bias and distort accurate interpretation.
Extreme rigidity in this principle can lead to legalism, and even failure at recognizing opportunities to serve in the Christian life. For example, finding no value for the Church in the Sermon on the Mount, because Jesus spoke the principles during the Age of Israel, misses completely what we are told by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:3, that “sound doctrine” and “sound words” are those of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What we should really seek and cling to are the principles that extend from a study of Dispensations. The forms and methods of the priesthood changed through the course of the Bible, but the principles upon which they functioned remain the same. All priests of any Dispensation have been commanded both to bring sacrifices to the Lord, and to teach God’s Word.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- What verses in the Scripture identify where the Dispensations change?
2- What must the student beware of when applying this principle?
3- What should the student look for in the application of this principle?
4- As much as you are able, trace the Spiritual functions (not forms or methods) of the Family, Levitical and Believer-Priesthoods and note the similarities you find.
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries::
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Minstries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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New Lesson every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible -
DBS HSB #028
Interpret Dispensationally
Dispensation (Bible Definition)
(Gr. oikonomia, "management," "economy"). (1.) The method or scheme according to which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. There are usually reckoned three dispensations, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic or Jewish, and the Christian. (See COVENANT ØT0000916, Administration of.) These were so many stages in God's unfolding of his purpose of grace toward men. The word is not found with this meaning in Scripture. (2.) A commission to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Dispensations of Providence are providential events which affect men either in the way of mercy or of judgement.
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Today's Lesson:
Interpret Dispensationally
Dispensations are periods of history in which God establishes different responsibilities for His people. They are divisions of history which are categorized by these responsibilities. We are told in Hebrews 7:12, “For when the priesthood changes, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.” This verse teaches us that God establishes different responsibilities at different periods of history.
There are four clear Dispensations since the fall of Adam:
1- The Age of the Gentiles from the fall of Adam to the Exodus from Egypt
This age is covered in Genesis and Job. It extends from approximately 3900 B.C. to 1445 B.C.
2- The Age of Israel from the Exodus to the Day of Pentecost;
The Age of Israel is found in all Old Testament books except for Genesis and Job. It also extends to all of the four Gospels and Acts 1. There exists in the Old Testament some passages that refer to the Millennial Age. Two examples are Isaiah 61-66 and Ezekiel 40-48.
The approximate dates of this age are from 1445 B.C. until 33 A.D. This Age will also include the time period from the Rapture of the Church until the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, period known as the "Tribulation" or "Daniel's 70th Week" (Dan 9:24-27).
3- The Age of the Church from the Day of Pentecost until the Rapture; (The Tribulation Period, which is the final seven years of the Age of Israel lasts from the Rapture to the Second Advent of Jesus Christ.)
The Church Age is covered in Acts 2-28, the Epistles and Revelation 2-3. The Tribulation period which completes the Age of Israel is found in Revelation 4-19.
This age began in 33 A.D. and is not completed until the Rapture of the Church.
4- The Millennial Age from the Second Advent to the Great White Throne Judgment.
This age is covered in Revelation 20 and certain passages in the Old and New Testaments.
Dispensations are most clearly understood when we consider the different priesthoods that God has assigned to man. For example, before Israel became a nation right after the Exodus, mankind was in the “Age (or Dispensation) of the Gentiles.” The priesthood of this Dispensation was conducted by the elders within one’s own family and is called the “Family Priesthood.” It was practiced by Noah (Gen 8:20), Abraham (Gen 22:2) and Job (Job 1:5). The laws they were to follow were those “written in their hearts” (Rom 2:15) by God.
Shortly after the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, the Age (or Dispensation) of Israel began and the tribe of Levi was called by God as a new and different priesthood which became known as the “Levitical Priesthood.” This priesthood was based on genealogy and descended through the Aaronic line of the Tribe of Levi. The Levitical priesthood carried out its functions in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. Priests of that age were to offer animal sacrifices, to lead in worship, and to communicate God’s Word, but by very specific methods given to Moses by God. As an additional note, it is both interesting and sad that these methods became so distorted by the time Jesus Christ was born that the ritual action itself had become more important than the reality of what it represented (Heb 10:8). The laws they were to follow were recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
After the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, on the Day of Pentecost, God began a new age or “dispensation.” This is called the “Church Age” or “Dispensation of the Church.” In this new Dispensation all those who believe in Jesus Christ become priests to God (1 Pet 2:5,9). These new “Believer-Priests” are not to offer animal sacrifices but are instead to “present their own bodies as living and holy sacrifices, acceptable to God, which is their spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1). During this Dispensation, the form of expression of the priesthood changed. However, the spiritual functions of the various priesthoods did not change. All offered sacrifices, led in praise and communicated God’s Word. Dispensations are represented by the different forms or methods God prescribed to carry out His principles. The Dispensation of the Church is to follow the “Law of Liberty” (James 1:25; 2:12) ”in the sphere of love” (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14; James 2:8).
The Millennial Age or Dispensation will have a new priesthood that is led by the Zadokite line of the Tribe of Levi (Eze 40:46; 43:19; 44:15; 48:11). The laws will be based on the “New Covenant to Israel” (Jer 31:31-33; Heb 8:8-10) and established by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as He “rules all the nations with a rod of iron” (Rev 12:5).
The Dispensational Interpretation, therefore, recognizes changes in the forms or methods, but has its basis in principles that are spiritual in nature more than physical. For example, in our current Dispensation we do not need to offer animal sacrifices to our God as a memorial to the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 10:10). Instead of offering animal sacrifices, the Church partakes of the Lord’s Table as a memorial, a sacrifice of praise (1 Cor 11:23-34). During the Millennial Age animal sacrifices will be reinstituted as another type of memorial to commemorate the finished work of Christ on the cross (Eze 43:18-27).
The divisions of history are derived from an interpretative study of Scripture and are not rigidly set. There are several viewpoints as to the exact timing of the change from Dispensation to Dispensation. This does not negate the Dispensational Principle that God has different responsibilities for people at different points of history.
There is a modern-day trend toward “hyper-Dispensationalism,” which seeks to put several small Dispensations within the larger framework. We must note that this trend lacks serious Scriptural backing. It can be easily used to promote personal bias and distort accurate interpretation.
Extreme rigidity in this principle can lead to legalism, and even failure at recognizing opportunities to serve in the Christian life. For example, finding no value for the Church in the Sermon on the Mount, because Jesus spoke the principles during the Age of Israel, misses completely what we are told by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:3, that “sound doctrine” and “sound words” are those of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What we should really seek and cling to are the principles that extend from a study of Dispensations. The forms and methods of the priesthood changed through the course of the Bible, but the principles upon which they functioned remain the same. All priests of any Dispensation have been commanded both to bring sacrifices to the Lord, and to teach God’s Word.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- What verses in the Scripture identify where the Dispensations change?
2- What must the student beware of when applying this principle?
3- What should the student look for in the application of this principle?
4- As much as you are able, trace the Spiritual functions (not forms or methods) of the Family, Levitical and Believer-Priesthoods and note the similarities you find.
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries::
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Minstries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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