Dispensation - a doctrine or a schism?

See: -ation & other big doctrines

Dispensation

There are ONLY four (4) dispesations in the Scriptures.

They are ONLY mentioned & identified in the N.T.

"dispensationalISM" is not a word in the Scriptures.

"baptism" & "schism" are only two "isms" in the Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

"-- rightly dividing the word of truth." pertains to:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Corinthians 9:17 - (1st mention) -; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2; Colossians 1:25;

This is a NT (Greek) word. Is there anything in the OT that be defined in a similar manner? What about "dispe" (partial match)? This results in the word 'disperse(d)(sions)' 16 times. In the NT 3 times.

There are four dispensations in the Scriptures.

1 - 1Co_9:17 ... a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

-the gospel was preached to Abraham - Gal 3:8 (Not by Paul)

- everlasting gospel - Rev 14:6 (by an angel, not by Paul)

- 'preach the gospel' - phrase is in the NT 11 times.

2 - Eph_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:

This is the only verse with the phrase 'fulness of times'. Notice 'times ' is plural.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

(See also: Mark 1:15, Luke 21:24 & Dan 8:23, John 7:8, Gal 4:4) (See seperate study on'... time ...")

3 - (Eph 3:2) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

2 Thes 2:16

(See Phrase study (A-M) on'... grace of God ...")

4 - (Col 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;

1 Corinthians 15:8-9 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Read Col 1:21-29. Note 'made a minister' in (KJV) Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23, 25;

There is no dispensation'al' or dispensational'ism' in the Bible.

Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. ----

(see Bible Study comparing to new Versions)

Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (31) Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

According to the doctrine of God as expressed in Isaiah 28:10,13 the first mention of "dispensation of the grace of God" is defined in the next line of scripture:

Eph 3:2-5 KJV If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: (3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; ---

"rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). When one traces this biblical practice throughout church history he finds its most common name: dispensationalism - Dr. David Walker

This is his definition of dispensationalism.

(Heb 4:12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

http://www.biblebelievers.com/BlueDISP.html

But is it God's definition of dispensation?

There is no 'dispensation' in the new bible versions. Except the NKJV shows two - in Eph 1:10 and 3:2.

This according to BibleGateway.com and searching the NAS, NIV, NKJV and Holman.

G3622 οἰκονομία oikonomia

Total KJV Occurrences: 10

dispensation, 4

1Co_9:17, Eph_1:10, Eph_3:2, Col_1:25

steward, 3

Luk_16:3, Luk_16:8, Tit_1:7

stewardship, 3

Luk_16:2-4 (3)

G3622 οἰκονομία oikonomia

oy-kon-om-ee'-ah

From G3623; administration (of a household or estate); specifically a (religious) "economy": - dispensation, stewardship.

G3623 οἰκονόμος oikonomos

oy-kon-om'-os

From G3624 and the base of G3551; a house distributor (that is, manager), or overseer, that is, an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the Gospel): - chamberlain, governor, steward.

G3551 νόμος nomos

nom'-os

From a primary word νέμω nemō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): - law.

From Webster's Dictionary

DISPENSATION, n. [L. See Dispense.]

1. Distribution; the act of dealing out to different persons or places; as the dispensation of water indifferently to all parts of the earth.

2. The dealing of God to his creatures; the distribution of good and evil, natural or moral, in the divine government.

Neither are Gods methods or intentions different in his dispensations to each private man.

3. The granting of a license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by laws or canons, or to omit something which is commanded; that is, the dispensing with a law or canon, or the exemption of a particular person from the obligation to comply with its injunctions. The pope has power to dispense with the canons of the church, but has no right to grant dispensations to the injury of a third person.

A dispensation was obtained to enable Dr. Barrow to marry.

4. That which is dispensed or bestowed; a system of principles and rites enjoined; as the Mosaic dispensation; the gospel dispensation; including, the former the Levitical law and rites; the latter the scheme of redemption by Christ.

Isaiac Watts age-ism

Scofield (mid 1800s) started it. Bullinger likewise about the same time

Tried to define it by treating it - the Gospel/ Scriptures - as sliced sandwich meat from a deli, How thick or thin do you want?

It is 'one gospel' / 'one Word of God'

'One Word' 2 Samuel 14:12; 1 Kings 8:56; Acts 28:25; Galatians 5:14;

(Philippians 1:27) Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

(Galatians 3:8) And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

(2 Timothy 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(context??)

(Isaiah 28:10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

(Isaiah 28:13) But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Rightly dividing God's Word

This is not dispensations

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

(the following is from the Bill Gothard shown below)

In his letter to Timothy, Paul writes, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15). The Greek word translated rightly dividing is orthotomeo, and is used only this one time in the Scriptures. It means "to cut straight," to make a true and accurate division.

This is a very interesting and significant verse, because Paul is saying that if we understand how to accurately divide the word of truth, we will be approved by God.

I have always assumed that to rightly divide Scripture means to correctly interpret it, and that is certainly an essential objective. However, this definition does not fully satisfy the meaning of the term rightly divide. From one of the roots of this Greek word (orthos, meaning "correct, straight") comes our English word orthodontics, which refers to a branch of dentistry that mainly deals with straightening the teeth of children.

Discovering Riches of the Word of Christ

I would like to share with you what I believe is an accurate application of the phrase rightly dividing. This has been one of the most important and thrilling discoveries of my life!

When I began memorizing large portions of Scripture as a young boy, I experienced a deep joy in the Lord. When I studied the Scriptures and their interpretations in college and graduate school, I was further enriched in the Word of God. Then, as I have taught the truths of God’s Word over the past 40 years, I have had a delight in seeing its power transform lives.

However, I have never experienced exhilarating excitement and delight in the Lord and in His Word to equal that which I have experienced in these last months by seeing all Scripture through the eyes of Christ’s commands.

As I used to read the words of David, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God" (Psalm 42:1), I had to admit to myself that this was not actually true in my life, and I wondered whether it ever would be true. However, it is now a reality.

I feel like the disciples must have felt on the road to Emmaus when Jesus opened up the Scriptures. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." Later they exclaimed, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:27, 32).

I am experiencing that same "burning of heart" as I take a command of Jesus and see its foundation in the Old Testament and its application in the New Testament.

The Divisions of God’s Word

There are three clear divisions within Scripture. First, there are the Law and the prophets. The Law, or Pentateuch, includes the first five books of Moses, Genesis through Deuteronomy. The prophets are composed of the rest of the Old Testament from Joshua to Malachi.

The second division of Scripture is the teachings of Jesus. They are found in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The message of these books is the central revelation of God to man. The entire Law and the prophets are understood only in the light of Christ and His message. He is the living Word Who came from the Father to communicate light, truth, and love to mankind.

The third division of God’s Word is the teaching of the apostles, beginning with Luke’s account in Acts and ending with John’s message in Revelation. Notice the structure of these three divisions.

Law and the Prophets	Teachings of Jesus	Apostles’ Doctrine
Moses and the four Major Prophets:	Jesus and the four Gospels:	Paul and four primary writers:
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel	Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John	Luke, John, Peter, and James

Jesus emphasized the importance of concentrating on His commandments if we want to demonstrate our love to Him, experience His love, and have Him reveal Himself to us. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).

When Jesus sent His disciples out with the Great Commission, He instructed them to make disciples by teaching all His commandments. (See Matthew 28:20.) This is exactly what Paul and the apostles did. They based their entire message on the commands of Christ.

Paul makes a powerful affirmation of this fact in I Corinthians 14:37. "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord."

All 49 general commands of Christ are referred to or explained in the Book of Romans. Paul concludes this book by stating, "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ… according to the commandment of the everlasting God" (Romans 16:25–26).

We might wonder how Paul received the commands of Christ since Paul was not with Jesus during His earthly ministry. He got them directly from Christ in a special revelation, as he states, "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11–12). Paul emphasized to Timothy that He based sound doctrine on two things: Christ’s own words and that which leads to Christlike living. (See I Timothy 6:3.)

Delight in Knowing the Mind of Christ

Paul explained to the Corinthian believers that the wisdom of God is not comprehended by human intellect but by the discernment of the Holy Spirit through the mind of Christ. (See I Corinthians 2:6–16.)

Since the Old Testament is the foundation of Christ’s commandments, and the epistles are the application of them, we can know the mind of Christ by viewing the Old and New Testaments through His commands. With this perspective we can understand the true meaning of the Law and the prophets and the application of Christ’s teachings in the epistles.

How the Commands of Christ Reveal God’s Truth

Let’s take one command of Christ and see how its foundation is laid in the Old Testament and its application is explained in the New Testament.

Discovering the Wisdom of Christ

Paul exhorts us to "let the word of Christ dwell in… [us] richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in… [our] hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16). Notice how this verse includes all three divisions of Scripture. It begins with the word of Christ, then goes to the Old Testament psalms, then to the New Testament with its dynamic of grace.

My note: grace is in 137 O.T. verses and 122 N.T. verses.

In the O.T.: 'find grace' in 9vs /'found grace' in 18 vs.

Why would one say that the N.T. has 'its dynamic of grace;?

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

'Gift" and "grace' are together only in 6 N.T. verses:.

(KJV) Rom. 5:15,17; Eph. 2:8; 3:7; 4:7; 1Pe. 4:10;

Read each verse with understanding.

Some make two divisions in Scripture—Law and grace. They claim that Law is the Scripture before Christ died and grace is the Scripture afterward. This would place most of Christ’s teaching under the Law. God demonstrated the fallacy of this reasoning on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus spoke together and Peter suggested making three tabernacles—one for Moses, representing the Law; one for Elijah, representing the prophets; and one for Jesus. God removed Moses and Elijah, leaving only Jesus, and declared, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." (See Luke 9:28–36.)

Daily Success

Ever since I discovered the rich treasures in the commands of Christ, I have been looking for opportunities to share them with others. For this purpose, Daily Success has been developed.

Daily Success is a 49-week program of e-mail encouragements focusing on the 49 general commands of Christ. The program is designed to help men catch a vision for becoming the spiritual leaders that God intends them to be in their families, churches, and communities. Members of the Daily Success program also have access to additional online resources to facilitate a deeper study of each command.

http://billgothard.com/bill/teaching/commandsofchrist/rightlydividing/

See also

http://www.brethrenonline.org/articles/dispen.htm

http://www.forerunner.com/eschatology/X0004_4._Disp_Rebuttal.html

dispensation = division?

But now in this new age of grace all the world’s people (including Israeli’s) are saved only by the "BELIEF in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that takes away the sins of the world". You can’t add or take anything away from this, that is the gospel of grace, period! The sacrifice that Christ made is sufficient and complete.

Right division bible study only means to understand what parts of the bible is written to what age and books of the bible pertain to it, Past – Present – Future – (Time Past, written to Israel, Prophecy, Kingdom of God program) (But Now, Present time, Written to all alive today, Age of Grace) (Future, Age To Come, Written to Israel, Prophesy)

Books of the Bible

Past: Genesis – Gospel of John (written to Israel, Kingdom message, 12 apostles)

Acts is transitional: Kingdom (past) to Grace (present)

Present: Romans – Philemon (Written to us by our Apostle Paul, Age of Grace)

Future: Hebrews – Revelation (written to Israel, the believers during the tribulation period after the sacrifice of Christ, Kingdom message)

Time Past - Exo_21:29; Exo_21:36; Deu_19:4; Deu_19:6; 2Sa_5:2; 1Ch_9:20; 1Ch_11:2; Gal_1:13; Gal_5:21; Eph_2:2; Eph_2:11; Phm_1:11; Heb_1:1; 1Pe_2:10; 1Pe_4:3;

But Now - 62vs

Present time - Luk_18:30; Rom_8:18; Rom_11:5;

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My notes:

Searching for the word "dispensation" results in 4 verses:

1Co. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25;

Checking Strongs Concordance for the usage of the Greek word for "dispensation" results in several other verses where the Greek word "G3622 οἰκονομία oikonomia" is used:

Luk 16:1-4 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. (2) And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. (3) Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. (4) I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

Luk 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Tit 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Should one use 'dispensation' or even 'dispenser' in each of the above places where it reads 'steward--'?

OR

Is it wrong or correct to change the meaning of the word "dispensation' to 'division'?

Is this not a misinterpretation of Scripture/ Or is it just repeating someone elses commentary or private interpretation?

(2 Peter 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Can one match 'dispensation' to the following Scripture verse correctly?

(2Ti 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Scripture gives only 3 N.T. verses with the use of the word "dividing":

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

twoedged sword: Psa. 149:6; Pro. 5:4; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16;

power of God: Mat. 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 9:43; 22:69; Acts 8:10; Rom. 1:16; 1Co. 1:18,24; 2:5; 2Co. 6:7; 13:4; 2Ti. 1:8; 1Pe. 1:5;

Scripture says that 2Tim 2:15 is explained in detail in Heb 4:12.

Scripture also explains 'division' in Luke 12:51-53-

From Cloud's?

But now in this new age of grace all the world’s people (including Israeli’s) are saved only by the "BELIEF in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that takes away the sins of the world". You can’t add or take anything away from this, that is the gospel of grace, period! The sacrifice that Christ made is sufficient.

Right division bible study only means to understand what parts of the bible is written to what age and books of the bible pertain to it, Past – Present – Future – (Time Past, written to Israel, Prophecy, Kingdom of God program) (But Now, Present time, Written to all alive today, Age of Grace) (Future, Age To Come, Written to Israel, Prophesy)

Books of the Bible

Past: Genesis – Gospel of John (written to Israel, Kingdom message, 12 apostles)

Acts is transitional: Kingdom (past) to Grace (present)

Present: Romans – Philemon (Written to us by our Apostle Paul, Age of Grace)

Future: Hebrews – Revelation (written to Israel, the believers during the tribulation period after the sacrifice of Christ, Kingdom message)

Time Past - Exo_21:29; Exo_21:36; Deu_19:4; Deu_19:6; 2Sa_5:2; 1Ch_9:20; 1Ch_11:2; Gal_1:13; Gal_5:21; Eph_2:2; Eph_2:11; Phm_1:11; Heb_1:1; 1Pe_2:10; 1Pe_4:3;

But Now - 62vs

Present time - Luk_18:30; Rom_8:18; Rom_11:5;

7/25/2014

dispensation of:

grace

gospel - of grace

the gospel - 1Co. 9:17

the fulness of times - Eph. 1:10

the grace of God - Eph. 3:2

God - Col. 1:25

(Act 20:24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

(Gal 1:6) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

(Php 1:7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

(Rom 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

(Eph 6:15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

law grace

(Joh 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(Rom 4:16) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

(Rom 5:20) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

(Rom 6:14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

(Rom 6:15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

(Gal 2:21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

(Gal 5:4) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Grace in OT-38x

Gen. 6:8; 19:19; 32:5; 33:8,10,15; 34:11; 39:4; 47:25,29; 50:4; Exo. 33:12,13,16,17; 34:9; Num. 32:5; Jdg. 6:17; Ruth 2:2,10; 1Sa. 1:18; 20:3; 27:5; 2Sa. 14:22; 16:4; Ezra 9:8; Est. 2:17; Psa. 45:2; 84:11; Pro. 1:9; 3:22,34; 4:9; 22:11; Jer. 14:21; 31:2; Zec. 4:7; 12:10;