Dispensationalism is a theological method to study and interpret the Bible. It is the best way to recognize and confirm that God has dealt with mankind in different ways at different times. For example, under the Law of Moses, the Israelites offered animal sacrifices at various times throughout the year. After the death and resurrection of Christ, that was no longer necessary. When things like that change, we need to have a theological system to understand the purpose and ramifications of the changes. For many, dispensationalism is the key to making sense of the Bible.
Most believers recognize the distinctions in different parts of the Bible but not all consider themselves dispensationalists. One can affirm various dispensations yet be at odds with what makes someone a dispensationalist. Furthermore, even among those who are dispensationalists, there are sometimes differences. All dispensationalists agree on three main precepts.
- Unfulfilled Bible prophecy should be expected to be fulfilled in a literal way just as historic prophecies were fulfilled literally.
- Israel is distinct from the Church and will see all her covenants fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom.
- God’s purpose in the creation of mankind is to reveal the Glory of God to all men and angels. The salvation of mankind is merely one aspect of the greater objective.
Not everyone can agree on how many dispensations there are or what to title them. However, the important thing is to understand that since the Bible covers everything from creation to final judgment, all students of the Bible have to have an understanding of how to recognize, define and categorize the various changes.
The three main dispensations which dominate the pages of the Bible are Law, Grace and Kingdom. The Law was given through Moses and was in effect until the resurrection of Christ. After the resurrection of Christ, many things changed and the grace of God is prevalent and will continue until his Second Coming. After the Second Coming of Christ, He will establish an earthly kingdom and reign for 1,000 years. Many changes will take place under that dispensation. We’ll expand on the details.
A dispensation begins when God administers a new revelation and establishes a corresponding standard. This standard becomes a test for the portion of mankind which God has established to be under the dispensation. Mankind becomes a steward of that revelation and is given time to respond accordingly. In reviewing the full counsel of God’s Word, it is safe to say there are seven dispensations in total. Five are history, the sixth is ongoing and the seventh and final one will begin at the Second Coming of Christ.
So a dispensation has these elements:
- New Revelation from God.
- A divine standard which forms the basis for the test.
- Sufficient amount of divine assistance and time to meet the standard.
- Judgment (punishment) for failure to meet the standard.
A dispensation is more about how God is dealing with the portion of mankind he is dealing with at the time instead of the actual time period. However, it’s nearly impossible to explain dispensations without mentioning the period covered. The goal of this article is to give an overview or basic understanding to someone who is not familiar with the concept of dispensations rather than to dwell on the specific details. For a more detailed work, check below under the Further Reading Paragraph.
The various dispensations are progressive in nature and lead up to the final judgment. They are, in essence, a sevenfold demonstration of the sinfulness of mankind. Additionally, they culminate in demonstrating the Glory of God himself, his power, majesty, holiness, mercy and grace. Mankind as a race is sinful and deserves eternal condemnation. Were it not for the grace of God and the work of Christ as our Savior, we would all be condemned. However, God has chosen to save some of us. The rest will be condemned because they have rejected the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. The dispensations prove the guilt of our race beyond any shadow of a doubt. They also reveal the attributes of God in a way nothing else can.
The Dispensations
The Dispensation of Innocence
We’ll start back at the beginning when man was created. At this point in history, there was a perfect creation and no guilt for mankind. Reasonable duties were assigned such as tending to the garden and naming the animals. The basic test was merely to obey God as we lived in communion with Him in the Garden of Eden with permission to enjoy all the plants and trees except one, the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (the means for a conscience). In time, man was tempted and failed the test by disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit. The result was that God demonstrated man’s sinfulness to mankind. Various judgments, including death, were implemented as punishment. This is often referred to as the Dispensation of Innocence because man began with no guilt, failed the test, then lost his innocent state and suffered divine punishments. That judgment resulted in a huge gulf between man and God (Genesis 2: 4-5; Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15: 22, 45; 1 Timothy 2: 13-14). This failure was the only one necessary to condemn us; the following dispensations validate the accuracy of the original test.
| Name | Dispensation of Innocence |
| Timeframe | From Creation of Adam until the Fall |
| Revelation | God is the Creator and cares about mankind. Promised a Redeemer. |
| Test | Maintain the Garden, Multiply and subdue the earth, Keep in fellowship with God. Don’t eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. |
| Judgment | The Fall of man; death, loss of communion with God, banished from the garden, must toil to survive, pain in childbirth. |
| Reference | Genesis 1-3 |
The Dispensation of Conscience
Next, mankind was banished from the Garden of Eden. They had gained knowledge of good and evil because of the fruit they ate, and they became aware of their conscience and were expected to use that ability. Time advances for many generations and evil choices were habitually made until mankind became so thoroughly depraved that God sent the massive flood. So it is clear that mankind living by conscience alone will not result in good but rather in overwhelming evil. This dispensation is commonly referred to as the Dispensation of Conscience and began with mankind living a new (fallen) life outside the Garden of Eden and living with no other standard from God except to utilize the conscience that they possessed. The failure of the test was so widespread that God punished mankind with a flood that overwhelmed the sinful race and destroyed all but Noah and those with him in the ark.
| Name | Dispensation of Conscience |
| Timeframe | Fall to Flood |
| Revelation | God is Judge; sacrifice required, mankind will be responsible for using our knowledge of good and evil. |
| Test | Choose to do good rather than evil. Use our conscience. |
| Judgment | Flood of Noah |
| Reference | Genesis 3-8 |
The Dispensation of Human Government
Next, God instituted the idea of man governing one another. This is a step up from personal conscience, and it sets up the premise that we may be able to guide the behavior of the community. Established standards and leadership are arranged in an attempt to make progress in the struggle to become obedient instead of evil. For example, if we work together to punish evil when we see it, we may gradually learn to become better by experience and eventually become collectively morally upstanding. The specific divine instruction was given to go ahead and exercise capital punishment for one who murdered another. Additionally, further instructions were given to multiply and spread out around the earth. These are logical directives that were well within the capabilities of mankind. However, because of pride and a sinful disposition, the descendants of Noah decided to settle in one area and make a name for themselves. They erected the Tower of Babel to reach the heavens. Ironically, God came down from heaven, punished them by confusing their language thus forcing them to do the thing they least wanted to do, spread out over the earth. Once again God demonstrated man’s sinfulness to man. This judgment included the confusion of their language as a divine punishment. The consequence of this judgment fulfilled God’s original instructions to spread out over the earth. This is commonly referred to as the Dispensation of Human Government. Though mankind failed the test for both the Dispensations of Conscience and Human Government long ago, we still use both of these tools today to curb immorality.
| Name | Human Government |
| Timeframe | Post Flood – Tower of Babel |
| Revelation | First Covenant, More detailed instructions and responsibilities, govern society to do good. Use capital punishment for murderers. |
| Test | Govern one another to curb evil behavior. |
| Judgment | Confusion of languages, separation to various parts of the earth. |
| Reference | Genesis 8-11 |
The Dispensation of Promise
Next and with a new approach, God decided to work with a select group of mankind instead of the entire population at large. He called Abram and promised him that a nation would be formed from his offspring. God promised that this nation would enjoy a land of their own, special blessings, and protection from their enemies if they only believed God’s promises to Abraham and lived accordingly. The disobedience of the patriarchs was demonstrated by their decision to relocate to Egypt instead of the land God gave them. They entered that land as a clan of about seventy and multiplied into a nation of 600,000 men (plus women and children), yet they became slaves to Pharaoh. This is commonly referred to as the Dispensation of Promise, and the whole world (even to this day) observed the failure of this segment of mankind. They failed to live under the simple condition of believing God’s gracious promises, willingly obeying God’s clear instructions, and gratefully accepting God’s provision. God’s judgment was the several hundred years of slavery in Egypt.
| Name | Dispensation of Promise |
| Timeframe | Call of Abraham – Bondage in Egypt |
| Revelation | A special nation will be formed. A special land given. Unique blessings and promises made. |
| Test | Believe and act on the promises made by God. Stay in the Promised Land. |
| Judgment | 400 years of slavery in Egypt |
| Reference | Genesis 11-Exodus 18 |
The Dispensation of Law
Still working with this select segment of mankind, the Israelites, God chose Moses to serve as a redeemer for this enslaved nation. They miraculously left Egypt after the ten plagues and crossed the Red Sea. Upon reaching Mount Sinai, God revealed the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law Code through Moses. The Nation of Israel was redeemed from slavery in Egypt and free to make choices for themselves. When The Lord offered to provide them with His Law, they promptly agreed. Despite being divinely taught about the sinfulness of man and the Holiness of God, the Old Testament Scriptures detail the repeated failures of this Holy Nation of Israel. They were given many chances and allowed to experiment with obeying and disobeying, receiving blessing and cursing appropriately much as a child learns acceptable behavior from his godly parents. However, like the prodigal son who traded wisdom and wealth for worldly pleasure, Israel chose sinfulness over and over again. They became so depraved and spiritually blinded that they failed to recognize Christ and crucified their King. This is commonly referred to as the Dispensation of Law, and it ended with the tearing of the Temple curtain at the time of Christ’s death. The Temple was eventually destroyed in A.D. 70, and the nation was dispersed throughout the world as divine punishment.
| Name | Dispensation of Law |
| Timeframe | Mount Sinai – Death of Christ |
| Revelation | Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law Code |
| Test | Follow God’s Law |
| Judgment | The captivities in Assyria, Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem and worldwide disbursement of the Jewish Nation in A.D. 70. |
| Reference | Exodus 19 – Acts 1 |
The Dispensation of Grace
Next, with Christ having died and raised from the dead, God moved on to calling out people from the earth’s population at large again, both Jew and Gentile. He chose some from every race to form The Church, the called out ones from the world, and equipped them to be witnesses of the gospel of grace. God’s standard for the Church is to believe in the accomplishments of their miraculous Savior. Additionally, they were provided with the guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit. With greater privilege and responsibility than the ones in previous dispensations, the Holy Spirit provided extensive enlightenment and understanding of the full revelation of God’s Written Word. Additionally, God’s greatness is revealed more than ever before through the Person and Work of His Son Jesus Christ, which resulted in true worship and a level of intimacy with God never experienced previously. These believers are placed into a Holy position upon acceptance of the gospel apart from any meritorious works. Individually they each begin a process to become conformed to the image of Christ. They are spiritually baptized into Christ Himself who is described as the Head and the believers comprise the Body of Christ. Because of this unique union to each other and collectively with Christ, they are promised to do greater things than Christ did in his earthly ministry. With the bar raised high and the divine enablement increased accordingly, God allows time for observation of how this demonstration progresses, approximately 2000 years and running. While it may be hard to prove convincingly how this will turn out since this dispensation is presently in progress and it is here that we cross over the line from history to prophecy, the result is sure—failure. Remember, the original test failed, and these tests are just adding to the validity of God’s judgment of mankind.
Presently, the Church is obviously divided and beginning to regroup as a worldwide false church. Even the best of local churches are blinded with watered down doctrines that focus on rituals and allow sinful behavior to be accepted. The finished work of Christ on the cross is often neglected. In time, the failure of the Church will become evident to all as Christ returns to administer the tribulation judgment upon the earth thereby confirming the failure of the Church and the sinfulness of man during this dispensation. This is commonly referred to as the Dispensation of Grace. God’s grace is demonstrated and proclaimed so explicitly to a world that certainly understands their dire need. Only a few respond by faith and reap the benefits of their new lives even though salvation is proffered to all. The chosen ones who are saved by grace have not done anything to deserve or earn the esteemed privilege they have been given. They are not expected to do anything from their own power. They must rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit. He provides (1) enlightenment for understanding; (2) unusual gifts and abilities for works of service; (3) all that is needed to accomplish the purposes of God. The failure of the Church is due to love for the things of this world and the sinful desires of the flesh. The Church’s failure to live by the Spirit and to be called out and separated from the world will not go unpunished. The counterfeit church will infiltrate and overtake the weakened True Church. While the process is advancing gradually, the sense of denial has overtaken the church. We think we are doing great, but from God’s perspective, we are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”(Revelation 3: 14-22). So the True Church will fail and fade and the remaining called out ones will finally be removed via the Rapture.
Throughout the duration of this dispensation, the Church will have had a limited influence on the world, but in the end mankind at large fails to seek God through the testimony of His Church. Instead, mankind will rally around a false god commonly referred to as the antichrist, who promises peace and ultimately will demand worship. Failure does not seem to describe this situation adequately. We should probably emphasize it with greater words, but no words will capture the vastness of the disgraceful tenure of the Church. Grace seems to be the best description of God’s willingness to redeem any of the human race.
It is intriguing to note the contrast between the Dispensation of Promise and the Dispensation of Grace where the former started with one person, Abram, and many were added, like a pyramid. Then with the Church, many are called and conformed to the image of one person, Christ, which is more like a funnel than a pyramid. It seems as if God is using all possible scenarios to present his case against us.
The Dispensation of Grace ends in a Divine Judgment detailed in the book of Revelation and commonly known as The Tribulation. This severe divine punishment will drastically alter the created world as we know it (Revelation 16: 1-21), and almost all mankind will be destroyed except for the remnant that have become believers and survived this time of great tribulation. This period of seven years will follow the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18) and will close out the Dispensation of Grace.
| Name | Dispensation of Grace |
| Timeframe | Resurrection of Christ – Tribulation Judgments |
| Revelation | Christ is our Savior/Redeemer, Holy Spirit Given, Full Spectrum of Blessing and enablement, Spiritual Gifts, completed canon of Scripture. |
| Test | Separation from the world, spread the Gospel, live in unity with other believers, abide with Christ. |
| Judgment | Tribulation Judgments |
| Reference | Acts 2 – Revelation 19 |
The Dispensation of Kingdom
God’s final dispensation for the race will feature Christ as King of an Earthly Kingdom that will last for 1000 years. He will reign from David’s throne in Jerusalem with an iron scepter. In other words, He will establish Righteousness and Justice by managing the affairs of men Himself through a Kingdom network that answers directly to Christ the King. Since the Tribulation Judgments will have culminated in the elimination (death) of all unbelievers, the Kingdom of Christ on earth is initially comprised of those who have placed their faith in Christ the King. Satan will be bound in the abyss. All who live in the world will have knowledge of the Lord. God’s standard is that they honor and obey Christ whose reign will establish peace, justice and righteousness. Over the course of the 1,000 years, these original redeemed humans will procreate and as many generations are added, the world population will grow exponentially. The curse on the earth will be diminished during this reign of Christ; length of life will be extended for most as death will only affect those who defiantly sin. The descendants of the original remnant will be born with a sinful nature like all human beings have been since the beginning, and they will also be imputed with the guilt of Adam like all members of the race. They will outwardly profess honor and worship for Christ the King to avoid death. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison (the abyss), and he will rally a large rebellion of many who will attempt to overthrow Christ. The point is that even under these near perfect conditions of the Dispensation of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom on earth, mankind as a whole will fail to meet the standard God has given. The sinfulness and depravity of man will once again be thoroughly demonstrated to mankind. A remnant of believers will survive as has been the gracious precedent established in all previous dispensations, but the heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire as divine judgment (Psalm 2:1-12; Isaiah 2:1-5; 11:1-16; Jeremiah 31:31-40; Revelation 19-22).
| Name | Dispensation of Millennial Kingdom |
| Timeframe | Second Coming – Great White Throne Judgment |
| Revelation | Christ will reign on the earth and establish a kingdom administration. |
| Test | Obey, honor and worship Christ the King |
| Judgment | Great white throne, destruction of all Christ rejectors. |
| Reference | Revelation 20 |
Summary on Dispensationalism
The conclusion of the dispensational demonstrations is that mankind is proven to be utterly sinful under all the circumstances of these tests of the seven dispensations. This problem can be traced back to Adam and the original sin he committed and the sinful nature that was passed down to the rest of us. God has been demonstrating mankind’s total depravity through the ages of the history of the world and the pages of his written Word. Presently, some of this dispensational truth is history and some is prophecy, but by the time of its conclusion it will all be history and the grand demonstration of the sinfulness of mankind will come to an end along with the created world. It will literally be the end of time. The only thing left will be for Christ to hand the then purified Kingdom over to his Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). The chosen ones of the race will enter God’s Eternal Kingdom. The eternal Kingdom exists apart from all that was cursed by the fall of mankind. The natural creation will be destroyed by fire. He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). However, the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 19:20), will be the eternal abode of those who refused to believe God and his gracious redemption plan, also known as The Gospel (Revelation 21:8; Isaiah 66:22-24). The Glory of God is indisputable when reviewing his work through dispensations. Redeemed mankind will be exalted above the angels and reign with Christ. Saints from all ages will each have a role in the Millennial Kingdom and on into eternity. Saints from the Dispensation of Grace will collectively form the Body and Bride of Christ himself. By the time the world ends and eternity begins, God will have fully demonstrated his power, omniscience, righteousness, justice and grace and all in perfect balance.
Further reading:
Much of the text of this article is borrowed from the Reference Appendix in my book, The Last Adam.
The Last Adam, Grace and Knowledge Series, Book 1 by Brother Woody Brohm, available as a Kindle ebook via Amazon. See the link for eBooks in the navigation column of this blog for a free version.
Much of my research came from the following resources:
Dispensationalism by Charles Ryrie, available in print or ebook form. Published by Moody Publishers, Chicago. Also the Ryrie Study Bible is a nice research tool.
Major Bible Themes, by Lewis Sperry Chafer and revised by John F. Walvoord, Chapter 20 The Dispensations. Available in print or as an ebook. Published by Zondervan.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by C.I. Scofield, Chapter 2, The Seven Dispensations. Available as Kindle Version via Amazon or perhaps from a used book store. In the Public Domain. Or any Scofield Reference Bible would suffice.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
