Dispensationalism is a theological framework for understanding the overall story of the Bible. It sees biblical history divided into different periods or “dispensations” where God relates to human beings in different ways under different biblical covenants. The dispensations are usually defined as Innocence (Genesis 1:28), Conscience (Genesis 3:23), Human Government (Genesis 8:15), Promise (Genesis 12:1), Law (Exodus 19:1), Grace (Acts 2:1), and the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:4). Dispensationalists believe the Bible should be interpreted literally and that God has had different purposes and plans for his people under these different covenants.
Dispensationalism was first popularized by John Nelson Darby in the 1800s and was further spread through the Scofield Reference Bible. Some key tenets of classic dispensationalism are:
- A distinction between Israel and the church
- The unconditional faithfulness of God to his promises made to Israel
- A literal interpretation of Old Testament prophecies regarding Israel
- The pretribulation rapture of the church
Advocates of dispensationalism argue that it provides a coherent big picture understanding of the Bible and God’s purposes. Here are some of the key biblical arguments:
1. Clear distinctions between Israel and the church
Dispensationalists point to verses like Romans 9:4-5 and Galatians 6:16 that make a clear distinction between Israel and the church. Though there is overlap, Israel consists of ethnic Jews while the church is made up of believers in Jesus from every nation. God still has purposes to fulfill with ethnic Israel. Passages like Romans 11:25-29 show that God still loves Israel and has promises yet to be fulfilled with them despite their rejection of Jesus.
2. Unconditional covenants with Israel
God made irrevocable covenants with Israel that have not been fulfilled yet. This includes promises to Abraham to give his descendants the land (Genesis 12:7) and that David’s descendants would rule over Israel forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Dispensationalists believe God will literally fulfill these unconditional promises in the millennium.
3. Distinctions between the law and grace
Dispensationalists see a radical break between the dispensation of law (Exodus to Acts 1) and the dispensation of grace (Acts 2 to the rapture). Salvation was through works in the Old Testament but is through faith alone in the church age. The church has a higher position as the body of Christ. The commands of the law do not apply directly to Christians, though we can learn principles from the law.
4. A literal fulfillment of prophecy
A literal interpretation of Old Testament prophecy leads to seeing a restored kingdom for Israel. Prophecies of a new covenant with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34), a restored temple (Ezekiel 40-48), and all nations going to Zion to worship (Micah 4:1-3) have not been fulfilled yet. Dispensationalists believe there will be a literal 1000 year earthly reign when these prophecies are fulfilled.
5. Pretribulation rapture
Classic dispensationalism teaches a pretribulation rapture where all Christians are caught up to heaven before a 7 year tribulation on earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 are used to defend this timing of the rapture. The tribulation judgments have purposes for Israel that do not include the church.
Critiques of Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism has been critiqued by both covenant theologians as well as some revised and progressive dispensationalists. Here are some key critiques:
Blurs Abrahamic covenant
Covenant theologians argue there is more continuity between Israel and the church. The church fulfills the promises to Abraham in a spiritual sense as children of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:6-9). Both Israelites and Gentiles are brought together in the church.
Artificial distinctions
The hard distinctions between Israel and the church and law and grace are said to be artificial impositions on the text rather than legitimate biblical categories. There is much more continuity between the covenants than dispensationalism allows.
Inconsistent literalism
Though claiming to interpret Old Testament prophecy literally, dispensationalists still take some prophecies spiritually like Ezekiel’s temple. This undermines their literalism and opens the door for others to do the same with prophecies about Israel.
Misuse of Revelation 20
Amillennialists argue that Revelation 20 should be interpreted symbolically, not literally. The 1000 years represents the age of the church between Christ’s first and second comings. Ethnic Israel has been superseded by the church.
Negative impacts
Critics argue dispensationalism can promote date-setting regarding the rapture, misunderstandings about salvation in the Old Testament, and lack of social concern based on focusing on otherworldly matters.
Modifications to dispensationalism
Many modern dispensationalists have moved away from the classic dispensationalism of Scofield and Darby. Here are some key modifications:
- More continuity between Israel and church
- Salvation by faith alone in all dispensations
- Kingdom offer was rejected by Israel before the cross
- Law of Moses is a unified covenant
- Possibility of a non-literal fulfillment of prophecy
- Multiple perspectives on timing of rapture
These revisions have opened up dispensationalism for thoughtful dialogue and interaction with covenant theology.
Conclusion
Dispensationalism continues to evolve and be debated among evangelicals committed to the authority of Scripture. It highlights some legitimate biblical distinctions between Israel and the church and between law and grace. However, in its classic form it likely makes too radical of distinctions that should be nuanced. A balanced approach will appreciate God’s unified plan in both continuity and discontinuity between the biblical covenants and people groups. The framework provides helpful perspective but should be held with humility and not exclude other biblical considerations.
