Dispensational Changes
by Rick Combs
Are there dispensations in the Bible? More specifically, is there the dispensation of the grace of God? Well, I guess so. The Apostle Paul mentions it in Ephesians 3:2.
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.”
There it is. In black and white. Words that declare that indeed there is the “dispensation of the grace of God” that was given to Paul to us.
There are 3 other verses as well:
Ephesians 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.
In this verse, notice another dispensation called the “dispensation of the fulness of times” which is in the future.
1Cor. 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
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.
The word dispensation simply means the way God deals with man throughout history. It is a particular program that God administers, or dispenses; a particular set of instructions.
Let’s look at a few of the changes that took place in the scriptures.
- There was a great change that took place at the fall in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve had enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God. They were walking and talking with the LORD in perfect innocence in the beautiful garden of Eden.
Then everything changed. As a result of sin entering into the world, a separation took place between God and the couple. An entirely different program came in. Now ashamed, they had to be clothed in order to appear before God. Adam had to toil by the sweat of his brow. Worst of all, death was now the result of sin.
A huge change!
- 2. Noah presents another change. Genesis 9 tells the tale of the utter wickedness of man over hundreds of years. God flooded the earth while preserving Noah and his family in the ark. Human government was then instituted. Another change in God’s dealings with man.
- 3. Abram was chosen by God to institute the dispensation of promise when an entire nation would be birthed to fulfill the call for the nations of the earth to be blessed. Now, a nation is dispensed into history working toward the fulfillment of this most wonderful promise.
- 4. Moses introduces the Law specific to Israel. They are the chosen people through whom salvation would come to the world. Another major change in the way God administers his dealings with man. With the wall of partition (Eph. 2:14), a distinction between Israel and Gentiles was enforced to separate them.
- 5. After 2000 years since the promise, the Messiah arrives to Israel to bring in the Kingdom of God. To enter the Kingdom, certain requirements were commanded – “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mk. 1:4, Acts 2:38). Another change.
- 6. Today, we live in the most significant change called the dispensation of the grace of God. No longer is adherence to the Law required to become righteous. There is also no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Rom. 3:20-22). Because of the work of the cross, all can be made righteous by grace and through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ with no works.
The character of God and His principles never change. But His dispensations and dealings with man do change over time. God does not change, but man does. This is a manifestation of His longsuffering, goodness, and patience. This includes even the terms of acceptance with God.
To sum up:
At first blood sacrifices were required (Gen. 4:3-5, Heb. 11:4), then later, circumcision was added (Gen. 17:14), then obedience to the whole Mosaic Law was demanded (Ex. 19:5-6, Rom. 10:5), then “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mk. 1:4, Acts 2:38) and today it is “to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly; his faith is counted for righteousness” – Rom. 4:5.