Bible Study

These items taken as a group, and treated as such, give us what is commonly known as Biblical Dispensations. Although there are several good definitions of dispensation, Charles C. Ryrie (D-28), provides this: "A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose". Though adequate, it is not nearly adequate enough, (meaning I could stretch distinguishable to encompass what it should encompass) therefore I rather prefer this quote from Rabbi Loren at Messianic Congregation Shema Yisrael:

"If we are to properly understand, correctly handle, and apply the Word of God to our lives, and avoid misunderstanding, disappointment, and confusion, it is important to understand that God has different requirements for different people in different ages. There is a word for that. It's called Dispensationalism".

Although the word dispensationalism is not in the Bible, the concept is. The word dispensation is found in Ephesians 2:2, but I will not associate it with its kin word.

However, having introduced these two similar words, and having asked the question regarding the word in Ephesians 2:2 (Is this used as a verb or a noun and what is the context to verse 5?), this seems like a good place to insert a basic rule of biblical interpretation, and that is:

"If the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, and seek no other sense, take every word in its primary, ordinary, used, normal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in related passages and fundamental truths, clearly indicate otherwise" (Shema).

Dispensationalism is not a new idea. It neither began with Schofield or Darby, nor is it a doctrine of "modern" times. Its genesis goes back to the early church fathers, Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, who, according to their writings, were also dispensationalists. In fact, it began prior to them and was based on God's promises from Creation onward. Some promises were to Israel, while others were to Gentile Christians.

But there can be a problem with dispensations, and that is, as John McArthur says, "When they hack it up and cut it to pieces" and get everyting mixed up, mashed up, misinterpreted, and misdirected. John McArthur has a fine article on this topic, and fortunately, it is online for us to read. http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/70-13...

There is an improper dispensational viewpoint and a proper viewpoint. A proper viewpoint must sustain a distinction between the Church and Israel. No question. No argument. The Church is not Israel. "As long as one maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church you are going to be safe" (McArthur) when citing dispensations.

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