What are Dispensations?

In theology, a dispensation is the divine administration of a period of time; each dispensation is a divinely appointed age. Dispensationalists hold to a literal interpretation of the Bible as the best hermeneutic. Literalism is the best way to view Scripture. Dispensationalism is a theological system that emphasizes the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy, recognizes a distinction between Israel and the Church, and organizes the Bible into different dispensations or administrations. A specific manner in which God governs or administers during a particular period of time with particular section of humanity under distinct varying dispensations. God lays down a new rule for mankind to follow, to live in a manner pleasing to Him, mankind (or at least part of mankind) fails to do so, God releases judgment on the group that fails to obey His rule, extends an offer of grace in some manner, institutes a new rule, and it's on to a new dispensation. The word Dispensation appears in 1 Cor 9:17; Eph 1:10;  Eph 3:1-5;  Col 1:25. (KJV).

There are 7 Dispensations.

1. The Dispensation of Innocence (Genesis 1:28-30 and 2:15-17). This dispensation covered the period of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

2. The Dispensation of Conscience, and it lasted about 1,656 years from the time of Adam and Eve’s eviction from the garden until the flood (Genesis 3:8–8:22).

3. The Dispensation of Human Government, which began in Genesis 8. God had destroyed life on earth with a flood, saving just one family to restart the human race.

4. The Dispensation of Promise, started with the call of Abraham, continued through the lives of the patriarchs, and ended with the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, a period of about 430 years.

5. The Dispensation of Law. It lasted almost 1,500 years, from the Exodus until it was suspended after Jesus Christ’s death. This dispensation will continue during the Millennium, with some modifications.

6. The sixth dispensation, the one in which we now live, is the Dispensation of Grace. It began with the New Covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). This “Age of Grace” or “Church Age” occurs between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel 9:24. It starts with the coming of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and ends with the Rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4).

Today, The Church is in complete Apostasy. Prosperity Gospel; Fake miracles; Money grabbing Teachers and Sensationalism. (2 Timothy 4:3). A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats. (Charles Spurgeon).

7. The seventh dispensation is called the Millennial Kingdom of Christ and will last for 1,000 years as Christ Himself rules on earth.