Understanding Dispensationalism and Transitional Periods
Dispensationalism divides the history of God’s dealings with humanity into seven distinct periods, or dispensations, each characterized by specific divine expectations and human responsibilities. These dispensations—Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and the Millennial Kingdom—reveal God’s redemptive plan and covenantal faithfulness. While these periods are distinct, they are not isolated; transitional periods serve as bridges, marked by divine judgment, the establishment or renewal of covenants, and preparation for the next dispensation.
Among these transitions, the Tribulation period stands out for its profound role in bridging the Dispensation of Grace (the Church Age) and the Dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom. This essay explores the Tribulation as a transitional period, examines its scriptural and theological significance, and compares it to other key transitions in dispensational history. Using the insights of scholars such as Scofield, Walvoord, and Ryrie, we will substantiate these claims with ample scriptural evidence to ensure clarity and doctrinal soundness.
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The Tribulation as a Transitional Period
Placement in the Dispensational Timeline
The Tribulation is a seven-year period following the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52) and preceding Christ’s return to establish His Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 19:11–20:6). It is distinct from the Dispensation of Grace, which ends with the rapture, and the Millennial Kingdom, which begins with Christ’s reign.
The Tribulation is frequently referred to as the 70th week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24–27), a period prophesied to complete God’s dealings with Israel. This period is also called the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), emphasizing its focus on Israel and the nations rather than the Church.
Purpose and Characteristics
The Tribulation serves two primary purposes:
- Judgment Upon the Nations
God’s judgment is poured out on the rebellious nations, as described in Revelation 6–19. This judgment reflects the fulfillment of God’s long-deferred wrath (Isaiah 24:1–6; Revelation 6:16–17) and serves as a precursor to the establishment of Christ’s righteous rule. - Restoration and Purification of Israel
As Paul explains, the Tribulation is instrumental in bringing Israel to repentance and fulfilling God’s covenantal promises to them (Romans 11:25–27). The Abrahamic (Genesis 12:1–3), Mosaic (Exodus 19–20), and Davidic (2 Samuel 7:12–16) covenants find their ultimate fulfillment during and after this period, with Israel restored as God’s covenant people.
Scholarly Insights
- C.I. Scofield identifies the Tribulation as the conclusion of the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), a period marked by Gentile dominance over Israel. For Scofield, the Tribulation is essential for Israel’s restoration and the fulfillment of God’s promises to them.
- John Walvoord highlights the Tribulation as the final stage of judgment before Christ’s second coming, emphasizing its role in purifying Israel and preparing the nations for Christ’s reign.
- Charles Ryrie emphasizes the absence of the Church during the Tribulation, underscoring its transitional nature. According to Ryrie, this period focuses entirely on Israel and the nations, as the Church has already been raptured (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).
Other Transitional Periods in Dispensationalism
While the Tribulation is unique in its scope and intensity, other transitional periods in dispensational history share similar patterns of divine judgment, covenantal renewal, and preparation for new dispensations.
Transition from Innocence to Conscience
Key Event: The Fall of Humanity
The transition from Innocence to Conscience occurs with Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1–24). This event introduced sin into the world, resulting in humanity’s loss of direct communion with God and the curse of death (Genesis 3:19).
Characteristics:
- Judgment: Humanity is expelled from Eden, and the serpent, woman, and man receive distinct curses (Genesis 3:14–19).
- Covenantal Renewal: The protoevangelium, or first gospel, is declared (Genesis 3:15), promising eventual redemption through the seed of the woman.
Transition from Conscience to Human Government
Key Event: The Flood and Noahic Covenant
This transition is marked by the Flood, a divine judgment on the widespread corruption and violence of humanity (Genesis 6:5–13). Following the Flood, God establishes the Noahic Covenant, which introduces principles of human government and accountability (Genesis 9:1–17).
Characteristics:
- Judgment: The Flood demonstrates God’s intolerance of unchecked sin (Genesis 7:21–23).
- Covenantal Renewal: God’s covenant with Noah includes the promise never again to destroy the earth by flood, symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:11–13).
Transition from Promise to Law
Key Event: The Exodus and the Giving of the Law
The Dispensation of Promise ends with Israel’s captivity in Egypt and their subsequent deliverance through Moses. At Mount Sinai, God establishes the Mosaic Covenant, introducing the Dispensation of the Law (Exodus 19–20).
Characteristics:
- Judgment: The plagues upon Egypt and the Red Sea deliverance demonstrate God’s power and judgment on His enemies (Exodus 7–14).
- Covenantal Renewal: The giving of the Law establishes Israel as a theocratic nation under God (Exodus 19:5–6).
Transition from Law to Grace
Key Event: The Death and Resurrection of Christ
The Dispensation of Law transitions to the Dispensation of Grace through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, fulfilling the Law’s demands (Matthew 5:17) and inaugurating the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
Characteristics:
- Judgment: The tearing of the temple veil signifies the end of the sacrificial system (Matthew 27:51).
- Covenantal Renewal: The New Covenant is established in Christ’s blood, offering salvation to all who believe (Hebrews 9:15).
Transition from the Millennial Kingdom to the Eternal State
Key Event: The Final Rebellion and Great White Throne Judgment
The Millennial Kingdom ends with Satan’s final rebellion and the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:7–15). This transition ushers in the Eternal State, characterized by the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21–22).
Characteristics:
- Judgment: Satan and the unredeemed are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10, 15).
- Covenantal Renewal: God’s eternal dwelling with His people is established (Revelation 21:3).
Common Features of Transitional Periods
- Divine Judgment
Transitional periods often involve divine judgment as a response to human sin and rebellion. Examples include the Flood (Genesis 7:21–23), the plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7–12), and the Tribulation (Revelation 16:1). - Renewal of Covenant
Transitional periods are marked by the establishment or renewal of covenants, such as the Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:1–17), the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5–6), and the New Covenant (Luke 22:20). - Preparation for a New Dispensation
Each transition prepares humanity for a new phase of God’s redemptive plan, such as the preparation of Israel during the Tribulation for the Millennial Kingdom (Romans 11:25–27).
Implications of Transitional Periods in God’s Redemptive Plan
- Validation of God’s Sovereignty
Transitional periods demonstrate God’s control over history, fulfilling His purposes according to His divine timetable (Isaiah 46:9–10). - Fulfillment of Covenantal Promises
Each transition highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises, such as the restoration of Israel during the Tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7; Romans 11:26). - Encouragement for Believers
Understanding transitional periods assures believers of God’s faithfulness and encourages them to live in anticipation of His promises (2 Peter 3:9).
Conclusion
The Tribulation is a pivotal transitional period in dispensational theology, serving as a bridge between the Dispensation of Grace and the Dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom. Like other transitions in dispensational history, it is marked by divine judgment, covenantal renewal, and preparation for the next phase of God’s redemptive plan. By examining these transitional periods, we gain a deeper appreciation for God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging us to trust in His promises and await His ultimate fulfillment in the Eternal State.
Closing Bible Passages
- Isaiah 46:9–10
“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.'” - Romans 11:25–27
“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.'” - Revelation 21:1–4
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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