Cross Commission Ministries

I. Introduction.

A. A dispensation is a way of ordering things, such as an administration, a system, or a management. In theology, a dispensation is the divine administration of a period of time; each dispensation is a divinely appointed age. Dispensationalism is a theological system that recognizes these ages ordained by God to order the affairs of the world. (See para II. A. below). Dispensationalism has two primary distinctives:

1. A consistently literal interpretation of Scripture, especially Bible prophecy.
2. A view of the uniqueness of Israel as separate from the Church in God’s program. Classic dispensationalism identifies seven dispensations in God’s plan for humanity. Dispensationalists hold to a literal interpretation of the Bible as the best interpretation of Scripture (hermeneutics).
3. Biblical Dispensations and Covenants show God’s plan for the restoration of His fallen Kingdom. A dispensation and a covenantal promise are pre-fall. Dispensations relate to God’s plan for history. Covenants relate to what His contracts or promises will accomplish.