Biblical Tools



Posted: Wednesday, March 03, 2010

by Robert Greyeagle

There are many study tools a person can use when seriously studying the Bible. One of the best tools for me has been the Dispensations, or biblical ages. The Dispensations are the keys that unlocks the pages of Scripture. They open the door to understanding prophecy, and focuses our attention on God's Plan for Mankind. For me, they tie everything together.

There are three principles to consider. The first is that the Bible should be understood by the literal meaning of the words, unless otherwise indicated. The second principle is that God has a plan for national Israel that is distinct from that of the New Testament Church, or, if you prefer, all true believers. The third principle is that human history is the outworking of God's plan that ends in bringing maximum glory to Himself.

A dispensation is a specific time period in God's design for human history. God seems to manage human history somewhat like a household moving humanity through different stages. Each stage, or age, or dispensation is determined by the level of revelation God has provided up to that time in history. Each Dispensation, or age, has different characteristics. But the truths of God's plan for redemption never changes. Salvation is by grace through faith in the Messiah alone.

In reading and studying the Bible, to me it's important to place what I'm reading in its proper time period. Much confusion, I feel, comes from folks not doing that, not knowing the beginning and ending of the time period in which they're reading and what God is revealing during that age or Dispensation.

Here are the dispensation that I use. There are others.

1. The Age of Innocence - from Adam to the fall.

2. The Age of Conscience - from the Fall to the Flood.

3, The Age of Human Government - from the flood to Abraham.

4. The Age of Promise - from Abraham to Moses.

5. The Age of The Law - from Moses to the Cross.

6. The Church Age - from the Day of Pentecost to the Rapture.

7. The Age of the Millennial Kingdom of God - the literal 1,000 year reign of Christ after His Second Coming.

Understanding God's prophetic timetable is important to understanding the Bible. Understanding the Bible leads to understanding of God's Plan for Humanity. Understanding God's Plan brings peace of mind and appreciation of God's genius. The Church Age ends at the Rapture. The Tribulation follows the Rapture. It is sad, but this is when God deals with national Israel. After the Tribulation Christ sets up His 1,000 year Kingdom. This Kingdom of God was the message Christ taught. All of His parables spoke of this. Some understood His parables, most didn't. Today is no different. Some understand, many don't.

My prayer today is that many will come to understand.

Greyeagle.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Linda DeWitt
 2 years 69 days ago.
Great article Greyeagle. Simplification personified. Thanks for sharing. Linda D
» left by Anonymous 2 years 69 days ago.

Thank you, Linda!  And thank you for reading and commenting on this blog.  You are appreciated.  Walk in peace.

» left by Michelle Mackin
 2 years 68 days ago.
Bravo Greyeagle,
 
I have a dream not so long ago that I posted at another site. Nonetheless, it was so vivid and it reassured me that Agape Love is love we strive for. I am sure that your desire to hear the words, "good and faithful servant". Have a blessed day! I have to go get ready for praise and woship practice.
 
Blessings,
 
Michelle
» left by Anonymous 2 years 68 days ago.

Thank you, Michelle.    Would like to know about your dream.  Pershaps you will post it sometime.  Blessings, my friend.

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