Dispensation – To give out, distribute, or provide.
God dispensed, or gave and distributed specific messages and instructions to different people at different times. God’s divisions of the dispensations is found in
Ephesians 2:7-13 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. [11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Religion likes to deny God’s Dispensations. They claim that that word is just a bible word, while in fact, it is a word that God chose to use 4 times, all through Paul in the Dispensation of Grace in the revelation of the Mystery, and it has a very specific meaning.
I Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
Ephesians 1:10 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:
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
If you don’t acknowledge and apply the dispensations, you are denying the truth of God; you will claim to be someone that you are not and try to steal what God has never given to you. If you are denying the truth of God, then obviously, you are not believing God.
Time past is everything prior to the Dispensation of Grace and the Gospel of Grace (Genesis thru Acts 8). But now covers the Revelation of the Mystery and the Gospel of Grace for the Body of Christ (Romans – Philemon). The “ages to come” covers everything following the Dispensation of Grace, which would be the Dispensation of the Kingdom and the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time (Hebrews – Revelation).
This key unlocks the mystery of the Scripture, especially for the Dispensation of Grace! It separates the members of the Body of Christ from the lie of Christianity! It makes it impossible to misappropriate the Word of God to and from other clearly distinct dispensations! It removes all room for doubt as to which dispensation you are in and what you have been given in Christ. It tells you who you are!
Let’s examine the specific dispensations that God outlined in Scripture and determine which one, and there can only be one, that we belong in (whether we decide to believe God or not).
Since this is God’s creation, and God’s divisions of instructions, and God’s redemption from God’s judgment, I suggest we listen to God. The choice you make regarding who to believe has no bearing on the facts; your choice has no impact on the truth to either strengthen or weaken it.
There are five distinct dispensations outlined in Scripture; each dispensation has an introduction phase or transition period, a distinct doctrine that is specific to that dispensation, as well as other distinct provisions and requirements. For the sake of space, I will only cover the basics.
Dispensation of Promise – Death reigned from Adam to Moses
Romans 5:12-21 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. [15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. [16] And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. [17] For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) [18] Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. [19] For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: [21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
The promise given to Israel is two-fold; eternal life and the land; the physical, literal, earthly possession of the land and ruler-ship on the earth forever; God’s purpose for Israel is the redemption of earth.
The transition or introduction to the Dispensation of Promise is the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3). Paul explains this in
Romans 5:12-14 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
The promise of a redeemer, and thereby eternal life, was accomplished with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ (Galatians 3:16). It is Israel’s physical possession of the land with eternal life on earth, through which God will channel His reward of the gentiles (which are Israel’s inheritance also). The promise was given to
The seed of the woman (Jesus) – Genesis 3:15, Galatians 3:16
Abraham – Genesis 22:15-18, Romans 4:13-18, Galatians 3:29
Isaac – Genesis 21:12, Romans 9:7-8
Jacob – Genesis 28:13, Ezekiel 28:25
The nation of Israel – Deuteronomy 1:8, Acts 7:8
This promise was never given to anyone today. Today we are in a different dispensation. God is doing something different!
Israel’s promise of land is accomplished at the second coming of Christ – Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Dispensation of Law – Sin Reigned
The transition or introduction to the Dispensation of Law is the exodus of Israel in the desert – the book of Exodus.
The Law was added (Galatians 3:19) – Israel had God’s promise and then law, and the secrets of God were not revealed to the gentiles. (The Revelation of the mystery, the Gospel of Grace, given by God to Paul are the secrets of God not revealed to Israel or gentiles prior to the Dispensation of Grace.)
Until the seed, Jesus Christ, came – Romans 3:19
Christ came and fulfilled the law; He made it perfect. Christ did not remove or destroy the law.
The power of sin is the law, because the function of the law is to condemn man by itemizing and showing their sin. Don’t be deceived. The Law is more than just the 10 Commandments.
Redemption for Israel is eternal life in their literal, physical, earthly, Davidic kingdom, ruling with Christ as a kingdom of priests, which occurs at the second advent of Christ and their entry into their promised kingdom.
God’s purpose for Israel is to redeem the earth from the mutiny of Lucifer. The details of that redemptive process begin in Genesis 1 and are completed in Revelation, but do not include the mystery (the Pauline epistles and the Body of Christ) which God parenthetically inserted.
Dispensation of Grace – God’s Grace Reigns, the mystery is revealed; the Dispensation of Grace is parenthetical. God inserted it. The Dispensation of Grace interrupts the earthly redemptive process of Israel. The Dispensation of Grace does not replace or circumvent Israel’s program in the slightest, nor are Israel’s provisions or articles given to the Body of Christ or anyone else. At the conclusion of the Dispensation of Grace, Israel’s program picks-up exactly where it was interrupted.
If God had not inserted the Dispensation of Grace, the 70th week of Daniel would have began following the book of John; the book of Hebrews would have been in the place of the book of Acts and everything between Acts and Philemon would not have been given by God. If this had occurred, the New Testament to Israel concerning the tribulation (Hebrews – Revelation) would not make any sense; it would still be a mystery and the redemption of heaven would not have been accomplished.
The transition or introduction to the Dispensation of Grace is the book of Acts. The gifts of the spirit outlined in I Corinthians 12 were by God’s purposeful design, but, according to I Corinthians 13:8-11, they are no longer in operation. God intended them to serve two functions: to nurture in His new creation – the Body of Christ, and to cause jealousy in Israel during the transition.
God used signs and wonders because of Israel’s unbelief, hoping to persuade them to believe Him (I Corinthians 1:22, I Corinthians 14:22, Exodus 4:1-9, Deuteronomy 6:20-22, John 4:48, Acts 5:12-14, Hebrews 2:4)
Temporarily given to The Body of Christ, by God, to make Israel jealous (Romans 11:13-14, 15:19)
Used by God to nurture the Body of Christ until it gained maturity, which God accomplished before Paul died (I Corinthians 13:8-12)
Grace replaced law during this parenthetical period; Romans 3:19-21 shows that the members of the Body of Christ have immediate redemption and salvation; saved by grace, through faith, plus nothing
God, through Paul, introduces the mystery – Ephesians chapters 1 through 3 and Acts 15:14: Forming a new agency
Pre-mystery “kingdom at hand” – Israel’s salvation is the remission of sin, Israel’s redemption is accomplished upon their entry into their promised Kingdom, and gentiles are not included in their plan of salvation.
The mystery that God revealed is that the purpose of the Body of Christ is the redemption and reclaiming of heaven. The Body of Christ does not have an eternal earthly purpose, but instead has an eternal heavenly purpose – II Timothy 4:18
Post-mystery is twofold; 70th week of Daniel and then the “kingdom established”. Following the 70th week of Daniel, the tribulation, or day of Jacob’s trouble, Israel’s Little Flock receive their redemption and become the kingdom of priests, the possession of the land, and the gentiles; their promised physical, literal, eternal earthly kingdom ruled by Christ … all according to prophecy.
Dispensation of the Kingdom – the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth
The transition or introduction to the Dispensation of the Kingdom is the book of Hebrews, which begins the 70th week of Daniel. In Scripture God calls it the Great Tribulation and the day of Jacob’s trouble; it culminates on the Day of The Lord.
The removal by God of the Body of Christ initiates Israel’s transition into the 70th week of Daniel – the redemption of heaven back to God is accomplished at that time.
At that point, the Body of Christ has already taken its place in the redeemed heaven.
Israel is returned to preferred status by God, once again a separate nation; the original middle wall is restored.
The gentiles will again be without direct access to God; gentile salvation will depend on their service to Israel, back as it was before the Dispensation of Grace. God will no longer strive with the gentiles; gentiles will no longer have the prompting by the Holy Spirit, or even any desire, for salvation.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem begins – temple worship is returned to Israel, but now under the direction of the Anti-Christ.
The faithful believers of Israel (the wheat) will survive the Great Tribulation; the apostate or unfaithful of Israel (the tares) will be destroyed.
The 2nd coming of Christ ( the Day of The Lord) and His literal, physical, earthly kingdom; the 1,000-year reign by Christ. During this 1,000-year reign, Israel will function, according to prophecy, as a kingdom of priests with Christ on the throne, ruling the earth.
Dispensation of The Fullness of Time – time was created to test (make perfect) creation.
The transition or introduction of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time is the book of Revelation and the 1,000-year reign of Christ, wherein is the great white throne of judgment. All men who were subject to the first death will give a personal account to God and receive their sentence to an eternal torment in hell, the second death, according to how they responded to God’s terms for redemption in their particular dispensation. The 1,000-year reign is concluded with Satan being released for a day to tempt man a final time. Then, Satan and all who follow his tempting are cast into the lake of fire for eternity and it is sealed; earth is redeemed back to God and Israel possess their promised kingdom.
The new heaven and new earth are created with Christ ruling as King over them and the faithful of God, both in heaven and on earth, living through eternity in the presence of God.
From the Dispensation of Promise, until Israel was blinded in Acts 7, everyone on earth knew that all of God’s Word was to and for Israel only. With the fall of Israel and God’s insertion of the Dispensation of Grace (Acts 9), the change of program and purpose by God (the separation between what is to you and what is for you), became convoluted in false doctrine. Which flourishes because God has blinded the eyes of the unbeliever. This period, which is from Genesis through Acts chapter 9, is the division that God has identified through Paul as ‘Time Past’.
Acts being the transition book, the complete transition into the Dispensation of Grace that began in Acts 7, was not complete until the end of Acts 28. Where, before the completion of the book of Acts, God removed all spiritual gifts from the Body of Christ; they ceased to be valid and operational.
The gentiles, who were always an enemy of God, now have a provision for direct access to God through Christ. (Being an enemy of God was by their own choice and actions; serving other gods, with idols and pagan worship, being jealous of Israel because of Israel’s access to the living God). Although we, everyone (Israelites and gentiles equally), now have personal provisions for direct access to God through Christ, that access is still on God’s terms.
Christianity attempts to have access to God on man’s terms while retaining their pagan worship and practices. The mystery revealed by God through Paul, the Gospel of Grace, clarifies the issue and dispels the myth about our access to God; it teaches God’s purpose for the Body of Christ; the redemption of heaven.
Christianity denies God by mixing the traditions of men, pagan rituals, the commingling of doctrines, as well as the transliteration of Scripture, and misappropriation (theft) from other dispensations. Christianity is a satanic counterfeit that teaches mankind to deny the truth of God and attempt to access God on man’s terms while circumventing God’s purpose for the Body of Christ.
The period revealed by God through Paul as “But now” is covered in the books of Romans through Philemon. The myths taught by Christianity can be dispelled through the proper application of the Scripture specifically directed to this dispensation.
Christianity drags in all issues, doctrines, benefits, and provisions from all dispensations. Then, they commingle them with the traditions of men and all forms of pagan practices and rituals, while discarding any judgments, curses, or articles not of benefit to their personal agendas. They then claim that God is doing what He said He isn’t doing (miracles, healing, cursing, blessing, etc.), and they promise Israel’s inheritance to their followers, and determine their own provisions for God’s salvation, etc.
We were not on the scene during the writing of the Scripture, the Old or New Testaments (which includes the Pauline epistles). God’s prophets did not write about what is happening today; prophecy only covered time past and the ages to come; what happened(s) before and after the Dispensation of Grace (when we were/are not here). God revealed the mystery, the ‘but now’ Dispensation that we live in, through Paul. Contained in Scripture there are still things to come after the Dispensation of Grace in the completing of God’s plan.
The difference between prophecy and mystery is one of the clearest distinctions in Scripture; an obvious division of truth from the truth. It is the distinct difference between what has been revealed since the world began (prophecy), and what has been kept secret since the world began (mystery); they are distinctly and obviously different; clearly not the same.
What God is doing today is distinctly and obviously different than what God has done in times past and what He will do in the future. You cannot combine what God has divided. According to God, we do not live in an age of prophecy.
DON’T MISS THIS … IT IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY
In Genesis 1:1 God created the Heaven (singular) and the Earth; a clear and distinct difference. From that point, using prophecy, God focused all of Scripture to outline the redemption of earth; everything about His purpose for the redemption of earth was known since the world began; prophecy is everything from Genesis through Acts 7 and Hebrews through Revelations.
In case you missed it, I will tell you again … the book of Acts is a transition book. There is absolutely no doctrine contained in the book of Acts. What we learn in the book of Acts is that God is changing programs. God wanted it to be so obvious that he devoted a whole book about it.
Beginning in Acts 9, with the salvation of Paul, God revealed the mystery, which was Secret since the world began, kept hidden in Himself; the secret that God revealed, through Paul, is contained in the books of Romans through Philemon. God’s revelation of the Mystery, the creation of the Body of Christ, outlines God’s plan for the redemption of heaven; which was never revealed in prophecy.
At the conclusion of the Dispensation of Grace, God’s redemption of heaven is accomplished and God’s plan for the redemption of earth recommences, it picks up where it was interrupted and runs to its conclusion, just as prophecy clearly details (the prophetic books of Hebrews through Revelations).
Here is another clear and obvious division. Prophecy belongs to Israel; gentiles are not given prophecy. The mystery belongs to all men equally, including the gentiles.
During the nurturing in of the Body of Christ, God used the gift of prophecy to stablish the Body of Christ. Before the death of Paul, the Body of Christ had matured and all of the Scripture was complete; the gifts ceased to function … they were no longer needed. Do not try to mix, or intermingle, what God has clearly separated. God’s message in Prophecy and God’s message in the Mystery are clearly and distinctly different in both purpose and function, as well as dispensationally.
God tells us that that everything before Paul has been known since the world began; prophecy.
Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
God tells us that Paul’s gospel is the Revelation of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began, hid in God; an obvious difference.
Romans 16:21 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Ephesians 3:8-12 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: [10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, [11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: [12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Mankind today is not the end of the story. At the end of the Dispensation of Grace, the world will return to living according to prophecy.
The details of those things to come, or as God calls it ‘ages to come’, are contained in the prophetic books from Hebrews through Revelation, wherein Israel is restored to privileged status and the 70th week of Daniel commences and runs it’s course according to prophecy.