DISPENSATIONS
(Dispensation is a period of human history expressed in Divine
Viewpoint.)
"Chronos"
means chronological or time in its sequence of events. Dispensation
of Israel has period of Patriarchs, Law, 5th Cycle of Discipline. Often
translated
"times" (1 Thess. 5:1).
"Kairos" means to take periods of time and break them up into
ages.
"Oikonomos"
means stewardship and is often translated Dispensations. It actually
means administration.
"Aion"
is also Dispensation and is translated Age. It is an era when God works
through an organization.
I. AGE
OF THE GENTILES
(Covers
2,000 years)
A.
Outline: Genesis
1-11
1.
Positive
Volition (Age of Innocence)
2.
Negative
Volition (Consciences, or knowledge according to a norm or standard)
3.
Nationalism
(Human government on earth)
B.
Characteristics
1.
Everyone
spoke one language
2.
There
was one race on earth (They didn't get along either)
3.
Scope
From Adam to Babel
4.
No
canon of Scripture
Revelation but not in written form
5.
Satan
attacked the Four Divine Institutions
a.
Attack
on Positive Volition, Genesis 3
b.
Attack
on Marriage and Family, Genesis 6 (Angelic Infiltration)
c.
Attack
on Nationalism, Genesis 11:1-9
6.
No Missionaries (Noah was great preacher but only one)
7.
Salvation:
Faith in Christ
II. AGE OF
JEWS
Old Testament and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (except chapters
13-17 incl.)
A.
Outline:
Abraham to Second Advent minus Church Age
1.
Patriarchs
(Abraham to Moses)
2.
Age
of Law (Moses to Christ)
2000-year
gap
3.
Tribulation
(Daniel's 70th week)
B.
Characteristics
1.
Many
languages
Nations were separated
2.
Many
races
3.
Missionaries to give gospel to people speaking
other-languages
4.
God
picked special nation (Israel) as Missionary Base. Founder: Abraham.
Gentile who became Jew through
Regeneration). Missionary base-must
be characterized by security. (Four covenants with-eternal
life
clauses)
5.
Since
you have Missionary Base, there must be discipline-for-failure.
Leviticus
26-(Babylonian captivity and the Romans capture of Jerusalem
are examples of discipline)
6.
Scope
From Abraham to Second Advent, minus Church Age
7.
Salvation:
Through faith in the Lord Jesus" Christ
8.
Spirituality: faith-rest
III. CHURCH AGE
(Pentecost to Rapture)
A. Outline
1.
Pre-Canon
Period (Apostolic Age, Covered in Book of Acts; concluded at
writing of Revelation)
2.
Post-Canon
Period (New Testament Epistles; 96 A.D. to Rapture)
B. Characteristics
1.
Positional
Truth or Union with Christ. Christianity is not a religion but
a relationship
2.
Jesus
Christ indwells every believer since Pentecost (for fellowship)
3.
Holy
Spirit indwells every believer (function). Only a few were indwelt for
a short time in Old Testament times
4.
Universal
Priesthood of Believer. Never has God given so much power and
meaning to a believer. Every believer an ambassador (full-time Christian
service)
5.
Completed
canon of Scripture
6.
A
supernatural way of life
There is nothing we can do in the flesh which
counts with God
7.
Filling
of Holy Spirit is the means of this supernatural way of life
8.
Salvation:
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
IV. MILLENNIUM or CHRIST'S RULE
A. Outline
1.
Second
Advent of Jesus Christ
2.
Baptism
of Fire
Separation of Believers and Unbelievers
3.
Establishment
of perfect environment on earth. This is to show that environment
is never man's problem
4.
Second
Advent of Satan, Revelation 20:3.
At end of Millennium, Satan will
be released and will find people in same state as Adam and Eve
5.
Satan
heads Unbelievers' Revolt
6.
Revolt
is put down and earth will be destroyed
7.
Last
Judgment (Great White Throne)
B. Characteristics
1.
No
religion on earth until end of this dispensation
just Christianity
2.
Greatest period of spirituality ever known on earth
3.
Israel will be restored as a Nation. They have been dispersed till now
4. Universalism
as it is not known today. When Christ reigns, Internationalism
will be legitimate as Christ is sole ruler (world peace
results)
5.
Radical changes found in nature:
a.
Plant life will abound.
b.
Animals will lose their
ferocity
6.
Unbelievers
are removed from earth at beginning of Millennium. Earth will be populated and by half-way through this
Age, Unbelievers will populate
the earth in a perfect environment and they still wont believe
7.
Life
will be extended on earth, capital punishment will be very limited;
perfect
justice by a perfect Judge.
8.
Salvation:
By faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Old Testament sacrifices
resumed.
GENTILES I JEWS I CHURCH I TRIB I CHRIST 1000yrs I GREAT WHITE
THRONE I ETERNITY