| Original Message |
Lo-Ammi (Login Lo-Ammi)
Posted Apr 16, 2006 1:43 PM
Dispensationalism is not a denomination. It is a theological view of Scripture based on a literal interpretation with distictions for differenct administrations of God in directing the affairs of the world.
C. I. Scofield (1843-1921) was an early proponent of dispensationalism. There are Scofield Study Bibles available that contain his notes. Scofield's definition of a dispensation: A dispensation is a period of time during which a man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Scofield identifies seven dispensations (aka administrations, stewardships, or economies) 1. Innocence 2. Conscience 3. Human Government 4. Promise 5. Law 6. Church 7. Kingdom. There is wide disagreement amongst dispensationalist in defining dispensation. I am not a Scofield proponent but he is a widely known dispensationalist due to his study bible.
I became a believer at 47 after reading the Bible. I was raised in the church but I wasn't able to generate any faith to it's truth. Romans 10:17 spoke to me "Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word." I was being drawn near as I progressed through the Scripture. I considered my early years in the church as spiritual abuse so I was reluctant to return. I studied the Scripture on my own and watched all the Charismatic preachers on TV. I was first drawn to Pentecostalism as I was open to believing anything quoted from the Bible. I prayed for a healing of a hearing impairment but I didn't receive one even though I considered myself to have great faith. I also struggled with a couple of verses that haunted me. (Mark 16:17-18). I knew I was a believer but I didn't have any of the sign gifts described in these verses.
I was talking with a Christian business associate long distance that I had never met but I asked him about the verses bothering me. He told me I wasn't rightly dividing the word of truth. He instructed me on right division and I realized all the scripture is the truth but not necessarily truth for today. After I realized the signs and wonder gifts were a part of the New Covenant reoffering of the Kingdom to Israel, I could understand why it is not a part of the ministry today. Since I have viewed the Scripture as a progressive revelation from a dispensational view it falls into place and makes sense. The Book of Matthew has numerous verses that don't mesh with Christian teachings. I understand that Matthew was written to the Jews and Christ (in the flesh) said he came only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. That doesn't bother me because I know he was a minister of the circumcision offering Israel the King and the Kingdom.
I attend a covenant theologically based church whose pastor prefers the teachings of the ministers of the circumcision and loves to preach out of Matthew. I am always griting my teeth as numerous teachings are not for today. Recently we had a sermon on Matt 6:15 which says God will not forgive you if you do not forgive your fellow man. I know this is scriptural and a good teaching but I also know this goes against God's (after the cross)view of a heathen's sin debt. After the cross, nobody is required to forgive others before than can become a believer. Also, a believer's sins past, present, and future are forgiven. If Matt 6:15 was true today then the bar of salvation would be raised for some. My dispesational view helps me understand the Book of Matthew and allows it to be disgestible.
I think you will find a dispensational view of scripture allows you to have a better understanding of scripture and appears more appropriate than the grab bag mishmash approach of covenant theology. |
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