Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, the term "dispenses" is often associated with the concept of "dispensations," which refers to distinct periods or administrations in God's redemptive plan for humanity. The idea of dispensations is rooted in the understanding that God has interacted with humanity in different ways throughout history, revealing His will progressively and administering His covenantal promises in various epochs.Biblical Foundation The concept of dispensations is not explicitly named in Scripture, but it is derived from the Greek word "oikonomia," which is often translated as "stewardship" or "administration." This term appears in several New Testament passages, such as Ephesians 1:10, which states, "as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." Here, the word "plan" is translated from "oikonomia," indicating a divine administration or dispensation. Key Dispensations 1. Innocence: The first dispensation is often identified as the period of innocence in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived in direct fellowship with God before the Fall (Genesis 1-3). 2. Conscience: Following the Fall, humanity entered the dispensation of conscience, where individuals were guided by their moral awareness and the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 4-8). 3. Human Government: After the Flood, God established human government as a means of maintaining order and justice, as seen in His covenant with Noah (Genesis 9). 4. Promise: The dispensation of promise began with God's covenant with Abraham, where He promised to make Abraham a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:1-3). 5. Law: The giving of the Law through Moses marked the dispensation of the Law, where Israel was called to live according to God's commandments (Exodus 19-24). 6. Grace: The current dispensation, often referred to as the dispensation of grace, began with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is characterized by the preaching of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church (Ephesians 3:2). 7. Millennial Kingdom: The final dispensation is the Millennial Kingdom, a future period where Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years, fulfilling God's promises to Israel and establishing His righteous rule (Revelation 20:1-6). Theological Implications The concept of dispensations highlights the progressive nature of God's revelation and His sovereign plan for redemption. It underscores the importance of understanding Scripture within its historical and covenantal context, recognizing that God's dealings with humanity have varied across different periods. This framework also emphasizes the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who is central to all dispensations. Scriptural References · Ephesians 1:10 : "as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." · Genesis 12:1-3 : "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.'" · Ephesians 3:2 : "Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you." The study of dispensations provides a framework for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive history and His ultimate purpose in Christ. Library Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ... Whether Goodness of Life is Required of those who Receive Orders? Whether an Indulgence Avails the Person who Grants It? Whether Dispensing of this Sacrament Belongs to a Priest Alone? Whether this Sacrament Has any Matter? Whether the Matter of this Sacrament Need be Consecrated by a ... You Observe How He Treats Ambrose. First, He Calls Him a Crow and ... The Preface to the Commandments Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... The vicariousness of Prayer Thesaurus Dispenses (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Dispenses (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 15:2 Knowledge is dropping from the tongue of the wise; but from the ... /d/dispenses.htm - 6k Dispense (1 Occurrence) Disperse (13 Occurrences) Intercession (12 Occurrences) Effect (173 Occurrences) Effectual (8 Occurrences) Administrator (8 Occurrences) Covenant (309 Occurrences) Resources What is the relationship between grace and truth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural religion? | GotQuestions.org What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dispenses (2 Occurrences)Proverbs 15:2 Zephaniah 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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