Understanding the dispensation of the mystery of the Church-age.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

6. The Divine Provision of the Different Dispensations.

A dispensation is a period of time in human history expressed in terms of divine revelation for that period. The term dispensation is a technical theological term used primarily by the apostle Paul in the presentation of the mystery doctrine of this Church-age.

Dispensations are divine categories of human history; therefore, both the divine outline and the divine interpretation of human history.

The term “revelation” indicates in what manner the dispensation of the mystery of the Church-age is to be studied and searched out.

First, you must have a strong foundation with a basic understanding of the dispensation (period of time) of the mystery of the Church-age which will not be fully understood until we get to heaven.

The dispensation of the mystery of the Church-age as taught in the word of God is something that we all need to grow in on a continual basis through the communication of Bible doctrine.

We need to grasp the mystery of the dispensation of the Church-age, and then we will have the foundation to obtain even a deeper understanding of this mystery dispensation through the process of diligently seeking the mysteries God has hidden in His word.

Apokalupsis - “revelation” no longer refers so much to the uncovering of something previously concealed, but rather, to the “opening up” of realities and spiritual truths in even more detail which have been hidden in the word of God which has never and will never fail.

EPH 3:9 and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things;
- ASV

“See” - aor-act-inf - photizo = to illuminate or to bring to light, to make clear; to clarify. It means to teach until something is very clear.

The doctrine of dispensations emphasizes what God wants you to do after salvation and also answers the question, “After salvation, what?”

Active voice - photizo = the apostle Paul produced the action of the verb; however here it is the pastor who in2TI 2:15, studies to present himself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Infinite - infinitive of purpose = indicates the aim or the objective of the pastor i.e., to communicate the dispensation of the mystery.

In the dispensation of the hypostatic union one individual is emphasized, and He is TLJC. In the dispensation of the Church-age every believer is emphasized as a part of the body of Christ.

COL 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the confidence of the glory.

The power and the assets which were given to the humanity of Christ are now given to each one of us.

Regardless of their background, color, handicaps, every believer has been given greater assets, power, and blessings than anyone ever before.

Administration - predicate nominative singular - oikonomia = dispensation.

“Mystery” - musterion or the mystery dispensation = the Church-age; the true meaning and purpose and definition for your life depends on you understanding the doctrine of dispensational truth.