Dispensational Truth

A Study on God's Purpose Throughout the Ages divided in 7 Parts. Investigating the question, "What is God’s eternal purpose?"

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SECOND YEAR


TEXTBOOK




DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH



A Study on God's Purpose Throughout the Ages divided in 7 Parts

DELIVERANCE BIBLE INSTITUTE

DELIVERANCE BIBLE INSTITUTE

Arundel, Maine, USA

Introduction to Dispensational Truth

[REVIEW THIS SECTION OF NOTES AS SOME OF THE WORDING MAY NOT BE BIBLICALLY CONSISTENT. Particulary the concents around 'recreation' --- editor's note 9/7/2022]

What is a Dispensation?

"Dispensation" is a word that appears in the Bible four times, all in the N.T.

(I Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25)


But its Greek word “oikonomia” has also been translated as:

Dispensationalism is the interpreting of history as a series of Divine dispensations.

A dispensation is a period of time during which man’s obedience is tested in respect to some specific revelation of the will of God.

It is the mercy of God to reveal His will to man gradually. God did not require of humanity in its infancy what he requires now. After the fall, humanity had the experience with sin to benefit his conscience. He first tested man according to his conscience before he tested him according to the written law. This is both great wisdom and great mercy.

That God might be just in eternal judgment, God has provided man with every opportunity and scenario to serve God: Paradise in the Garden, conscience with the experience of what sin does, and even in the millennial reign Christ will literally rule on earth in righteousness. At the end of time, if man still rebels after every opportunity to succeed has been provided, God will be justified in eternal judgment.

Throughout time God has and will deal with man in different ways. The subject of this class “Dispensational Truth” is a study of God’s eternal purpose. Discovery of God’s eternal purpose in all things for humanity and especially His people is the lofty goal of this investigation. We will search out HOW God has dealt with humanity throughout all history and WHY He has chosen to do so.

It is God’s will that man sees things from God’s point of view, but man cannot do this without the Holy Ghost. Each dispensation has a new test that ends in judgment—exposing man’s utter failure in every dispensation. These periods are marked off in Scripture by dealing with man's responsibility to not sin.

I. There Are Seven Dispensations – (Seven Periods of History)

1. Dispensation of Innocence

From the creation of man - to the fall of man

Adam walked with God in the cool of the day and knew God’s will was it was given to him directly from God’s own mouth. He was to hear and obey only God’s very voice. Adam had no firsthand knowledge of what sin does, but had only the Word of God as spoken to him. This was Adam’s one and only test. Then one bite of the forbidden fruit destroyed all such innocence.

Genesis 3:8—And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

2. Dispensation of Conscience (Knowledge)

From the fall of man - to the flood

Genesis 6:5—And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

3. Dispensation of Human Government (Self - will)

From the flood - to the call of Abram

4. Dispensation of Promise

From the call of Abram - to Moses

5. Dispensation of Law

From Moses - to the cross

6. Dispensation of Grace

From the cross - to the return of Christ

7. Dispensation of Righteousness (Millennium)

From the return of Christ - to the New Heavens and Earth

II. There Are Three Main Periods of History - (or Ages)

An age is the period of time from one marked or violent change in the earth to another marked change involving the earth’s inhabitants.

  1. Antediluvian Age - A period of time before the Flood
  2. Present Age - From the Flood to the Millennial reign of Christ
  3. Age to Come - From the Millennial reign to New Heavens and New Earth

III. There Are Seven Phases of The one Earth

  1. Original Earth

Genesis 1:1 — In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

  1. Chaotic Earth

Gen. 1:2 — And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

Hebrew - "Bohuw" - empty, ruin, void

  1. Edenic Earth

Gen. 1:3 - 2:25 The Recreated Earth to the Fall of Man. Gen. 3

  1. Antediluvian Earth

Gen. 1:3 The Recreated Earth to the Flood. Gen. 6-7

  1. Present Earth

Gen. 8 From the Flood to the Second Advent of Christ.

  1. Millennial Earth

From the Second Advent of Christ to the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ. Rev. 20:1-6

  1. New Heaven and New Earth

Rev. 21:1 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;

Prophecy reveals the plan of God for the overcoming life of the Church but the whole church won’t listen, some will be changed through obeying the Word as revealed and rewarded or through His providential care without the same rewards.

I Cor. 15:26, 38,42-58; II Cor. 5:17; Mat. 16:16-19; Heb.2:10; 7:25; Eph. 4:24;Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:10

IV. There are Three Features of the Earth

  1. The Original Earth - Gen. 1:1

(1) No time element

(2) Created by His Word

(Psa. 33:6-9; 148:5; Jn. 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2-3)

(3) Geologists explore and speculate on fossil remains, but we have God’s sure Word. (Psa. 27:14; Heb. 11:3)

(4) Created after the Heavens (Gen. 1:1; Job 38:1-4,6,7; Col. 1:16)

  1. The Chaotic Earth - Gen. 1:2

(1) Scripture speaks of angels and authorities

Eph. 1:21; 3:10 I Peter 3:22

(2) In Judging Lucifer God judged his kingdom

Gen. 1:2 The Earth was <Hyah “became”> formless and void <“Tohu and Bohu”> (Jer 4:23)

  1. The Recreated Earth - Gen. 1:3-25

It covered six days. Six is the number of man

  1. First day - Light (Gen. 1:3-5)
  2. Second day - Firmament formed (Gen. 1:6-8)
  3. Third day - Dry land, Vegetation (Gen. 1:9-13)
  4. Fourth day - Solar light (Gen. 1:14-19)
  5. Fifth day - Fish, Fowl (Gen. 1:20-23)
  6. Sixth day - Animals, Man (Gen. 1:26-31)

There is an Eternal God with a Purpose

From Eternity to Eternity

  1. The Eternal God

Psa. 90:2 Psa. 93:2 Micah 5:2 Rev. 1:11

  1. Three Divine

Three Persons and yet one God - I John 5:7

The Father testified of the Son - Matt 3:17 The Son testified of the Father - John 5:19 The Son testified of the Spirit - John 14:26 The Spirit testified of the Son - John 15:26

  1. Proofs from Creation -

(1) The Universe- a single spoken sentence.

The Universe: Space, Matter, Time

(2) Water is one, known in three forms - Liquid, Ice, Steam

(3) Sun is one - Light, Heat, Fire

(4) Light has three rays

  1. The Eternal Purpose Originated From God

He is the Source of all that exists outside of Himself. Everything arose through His will and lives by reason of His creative energies. Acts 17:24,28

  1. The One Eternal Purpose

Eph. 3:11. It is imperative for us to see how all that the Eternal God has desired, purposed, and intended becomes the key of understanding what He ultimately intends. Rom. 8:29

  1. Three Ultimate Themes to His Eternal Purpose

(1) Revelation -

Revelation of the Father - who He is - what He desires - what He intends.

(2) Redemption -

Of all things to God’s ultimate desire. The whole of God’s purpose rather than a part.

(3) Realization -

Of all that God originally purposed and bringing to pass His eternal purpose.

  1. Three Ultimate Ministries of the Son

(1) From the Fall to the Cross

We see an altar. He holds the office of Prophet

(2) From the Cross to the Second Coming

We see a table. He holds the office of Priest

(3) From the Second Coming to Eternity

We see a throne. He holds the office of King

Dispensation of Innocence

The Dispensation of Innocence or Edenic Dispensation extends from the creation of Man to the expulsion from the Garden. Its duration is unknown.

  1. Man was created by God. Gen. 2:7; Isa. 42:5; Isa. 45:12
  2. Man was created in Innocence. Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:25
  3. Man was blessed and commanded by God to do something. 1:28
  4. Man was placed in a perfect environment. Eden in the Hebrew means “a delight” Gen. 2:8-15
  5. God planted the Garden. Gen. 2:8 God commanded man to “dress it and keep it.” Gen. 2:15
  6. Man was given one test of obedience. Gen. 2:16-17

The meaning of the term “free moral agent”: the right to choose. Created in the image of God, Adam had gone against his own nature when he sinned and lost his liberty in choosing sin. Choosing righteousness brings liberty, but choosing sin brings bondage. Under sin, even the free moral agency of man is taken hostage for in sin man is a slave to sin. (Romans 7:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:26) Man’s free moral agency is only completely intact when he chooses to serve Christ. 8. The Temptation, Test Gen. 3:1-5 (1) Satan was the source of the temptation. Gen. 3:1 James 1:12-15 God allowed the temptation but did not bring it. (2) Satan has the power to tempt, but he cannot force to fail. Gen. 3:6 (3) Satan who is the father of lies uses lies to deceive. Gen. 3:4

(4) There were three areas of temptation. a. “The lust of the flesh;” “The tree was good for food.” Gen. 3:6 b. “The lust of the eye;” “It was pleasant to the eyes.” “Delight” c. “The pride of life;” “Desired to make one wise.” Jesus was tempted in all points without sin. Matt. 4:1-11 How did Jesus overcome the temptation? -By the written Word - vs. 4,7,10 How does the believer overcome? –

Rev. 12:11—And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 2Cor. 6:7—By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

(5) Satan’s purpose in the temptation was to spoil God’s purpose in the creation of man to repopulate the earth with a holy race. (6) In yielding to the temptation and to disobedience it destroyed their innocence and put fear in their heart and broke fellowship with God. This took them from the state of innocence to self-consciousness. Now man knows what sin is and he hides from the presence of the Lord 9. Innocence is one step from righteousness but it cannot become righteousness until tested. Adam and Eve failed the test and the one step from innocence became the one step to sin, and self-consciousness. 10. There was no opportunity for justification for the serpent. vs. 14

  1. The First Dispensation (Innocence) ended in judgment and expulsion. The Edenic Dispensation was unique. Characterized by the absence of sin - the presence of God.

Men claim that innocence and a perfect environment are enough of a safe-guard to prevent sin but Eden proves this is not true. Man sinned while enjoying a state of utter innocence and a perfect environment. Man can only overcome sin through the grace of God.

Dispensation of Conscience

II. Dispensation of Conscience



      1. From the expulsion from Eden to the Flood.



Man, as a result of the Fall, lost his “God-consciousness” and was now to be governed by his own “self-consciousness” the results of his “eyes being opened”. Conscience produces fear and remorse, but it cannot keep men from doing wrong, for conscience imparts no power.



      1. Man had a most favorable beginning in this age.



He had the promise of the curse being lifted. However 1536 years later according to Gen. 6:11-13 the earth was corrupt and filled with violence.



      1. Adam and Eve had no children before the fall.



The number of their family must have been large. Gen. 5:3,4


        1. The three sons that are recorded -

          1. Cain - means acquired or getting
          2. Abel - means - vapor or vanity
          3. Seth - means - appointed or replacing


        1. Cain and Abel are representatives of the two opposing forces in the world today.

    1. Faith - Abel, being the righteous. Heb. 11:4

    2. Religious - Cain, being the evil. I John 3:12


        1. Cain and Abel offered sacrifices -

          1. Cain brought a sacrifice of fruit (Gen. 4:3) From the cursed ground
          1. Abel brought a sacrifice of blood - vs 4

“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Heb. 9:22; 11:4, 6)


4. The First-Fruits of the Fall -

          1. There is a fixed principle in Gal. 6:7-8; 5:19-21 fulfilled in Gen. 4:8
          1. Cain becomes the first murderer as well as the first son.
          2. The principle of sin and Satan’s kingdom at work from the beginning. Pride - Jealousy - Division – Death
          3. Satan’s desire to destroy Abel was to destroy the Promised Seed. Gen. 3:15
          4. The Way of Cain - Gen. 4:11-16 Jude 11. The way of Cain was his own way. Today they have a group called “The Way”.
          5. Cain in going his own way went to the Land of Nod. Gen. 4:16 Means wandering - fugitive - the results of going your own way.


5. The Product of Sin - Gen. 4:16-24


These were signs of the times. Solomon wrote, “there is no new thing under the sun” Ecc. 1:9 Knowledge without God can only produce a “god-less” civilization.


(1) vs. 17 “Enoch” means dedicated

“He builded a city and called the name of the city”

Enoch - “dedicated” to sin. / A sign - “City building”


(2) vs. 18 “Irad” means “fugitive” (Dan. 12:4)

Sin produces wanderers. / Another sign - “Wanderers, travelers”

(3) vs. 18 “Mehujael” means grief of God (Heb. 10:22)

Sin is a grief to God. / Another sign -This generation is a grief.

Sin ALWAYS is a grief to God. Hebrews 10:22 expresses the importance of being clean before God. Because of their sin, this generation was a grief to God.


(4) vs. 18 “Methusael” means “death from God”

Sin when it is finished brings death. (James 1:15)

Another sign - Infirmity and death.

“As it was, so shall it be.” (Matt. 24:37) Our hospitals and jails are always overflowing and constantly in need of expansion. We find cots in hospital corridors and jail houses over populated. We cannot expect God to bless when we are disobedient. (i.e., withholding tithes, Mal. 3:8)


(5) vs. 18,19 “Lamech” means “wild man” overthrower

Sin makes psychopaths (Mark 5) - First Polygamist

ANOTHER SIGN-The Number one sickness is mental illness.

Mental illnesses, in general, are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in every 4 people, or 25% per cent of individuals, develops one or more mental disorders at some stage in life. Today, 450 million people globally suffer from mental disorders. Of these, 154 million suffer from depression and 25 million from schizophrenia.1

“Psychopathy’s symptoms include a lack of conscience, a disregard for social norms, and a disturbing absence of empathy. They appear to be "wearing a mask," or simply "going through the motions," copying what they observe because they have no real feelings of their own to draw upon.”2 A report by the American Psychiatric Association in 2000 suggested 3% of men are psychopathic while 1% of woman are. That is 18 million men world-wide and 6 million woman! We do not know exactly how many individuals are psychopathic; however, most experts testify to a rise in the prevalence of psychopathy and that is why some claim that numbers are higher. Dr. Ronald Black claims that psychopathy leads in commonality right behind depression, along with schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder.



ALSO—The Breakdown of marriage.

Marriage appears to have lost its sacredness to the majority of people including Christians. Actor Clint Eastwood epitomized a common feeling toward marriage when he said, “They say marriages are made in Heaven, but so is thunder and lightning.” There is in fact no “perfect marriage”, but it said that so many people do not make things work. God hates putting away (Malachi 2:16) and the ones that suffer most are the children. Andre Maurois spoke more tenderly about marriage, “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.”

50% of marriages end in divorce. One of the leading cause of divorce is adultery. A poll3 of 150,000 women was conducted and the result was that –

A poll of 8,495 women was executed and this resulted as under –


The family as God ordained it is heavily under attack—one man, one woman. Even though the majority of people polled4 strongly oppose same-sex marriage, the trend has been that the number of people in favor of same-sex marriage has increased at least 1% annually the last 20 years. If this trend holds true, the majority of Americans will be in favor of same-sex marriage by 2012-14.


(6) vs. 20 “Jabal” means “wanderer”

Nomad “such as dwell in tents”; Rancher “and of such as have cattle”; Another sign - Agriculture, Cattle, Farming


(7) vs. 21 “Jubal” means “Music” constant stream

“The father of all such as handle the harp and organ.”

Another sign - A constant stream of music.

Music is called the universal language. The more universally corrupt mankind becomes, the more corrupt his music becomes. Popular artists sell albums by the millions singing about violence, suicide, hate, nudity and perversion. Backmasking and subliminal messaging declare messages like “my sweet lord satan” (Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven) as people dance to the rhythms.


(8) vs. 22 “Tubal-cain” means “Flowing forth in Cain”

“An instructor of every artificer in brass and iron;”

A metal worker, weapons

Another sign - The most deadly weapons.

(9) vs. 23 Lamech became a murderer.

Unborn - New Born - Homicide - Suicide - Genocide - Matricide - Patricide


6. Gen. 5 deals with the genealogy of the patriarchs from Adam until Noah.

          1. Reveals also the confirmation of the curse. “And he died”
          1. Enoch was the one exception to the rule. Gen. 5:21-24; Heb. 11:5
          2. Enoch means dedicated, instructed, disciplined, initiated, acquainted with mystery or secrets.
          3. Enoch was the seventh from Adam. He was translated during the time of his father Jared. Enoch walked with God after the Revelation.
          4. Enoch is a type of the Bride – Overcomer; Translated before the Judgment.
          5. Methuselah is a type of the Church - His name is a compound Hebrew word - “When he is gone it will come”; He lived until the time of the Flood. vs. 25 187 years vs. 28 182 Chpt. 7:6 600; From Methuselah’s birth to the Flood was 969 years; Methuselah lived 969 years - Chpt. 5:27 He was a sign.
          6. Noah is a type of the saved, preserved through the Judgment.


7. Gen. 6 reveals the rapid increase of evil.


(1) vs. 2 reveals a cause for this condition.

“Sons of God saw” “the daughters of men” “that they were fair” “they took them wives”“of all which they chose” Deut. 7:1-4 I Kings 11:1-4 Ezra 9:1-3 II Cor. 6:14


(2) Who are the Sons of God referred to in vs. 2 -

  1. Some believe “sons of Seth” - Chpt. 4:26

This seems to place the reference in chapter 4 in a completely different light than its context does. As we read 4:26, we know a ‘positive’ change took place after Seth begat Enos—then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.. The “Sons of God” were not a positive influence, but a negative one.


  1. Some believe fallen angels - Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7

The problem with this interpretation is that Angels have no seed with which to reproduce. They are a spiritual creation.


  1. Some believe Demon Possessed Men

It is most probable that Demons could have possessed men who had relations with the “daughters of men” who conceived giants.

Because of the evil spiritual influence of the fallen angels upon these men, they could have caused the woman to conceive an offspring of grotesque or even exceptional qualities such as the Nephilim in Genesis 6:4. The Nephilim were giants and the word nephilim comes from the root Naphol feller; tyrant; bully; cause to fall. (Num. 13:33)


(3) The results of this union- Gen. 6:4-6


(4) God’s reaction to this godless civilization.

vs. 6 “repented” “grieved”

vs. 7 “I will destroy”

8. The Flood -


(1) God warned the people of judgment.

Gen. 6:7 II Peter 2:5 Jude 14,15; Matt. 24:38-39 Luke 17:27


(2) Noah was six hundred years old when the flood came. Gen. 7:6


(3) Those that entered the ark with Noah. Gen. 7:2; 7:13


(4) God shut the door of the ark - Gen. 7:16


(5) There was a period of grace seven days after Noah entered the ark before God closed the door. Gen. 7:7-10


(6) It rained for forty days and forty nights - Gen. 7:12


(7) The waters prevailed upon the earth for a period of an

hundred and fifty days. Gen. 7:24


(8) God dried up the waters with a wind - Gen. 8:1


(9) Noah knew the waters were abated from the earth when

the dove returned with an olive leaf. Gen. 8:11


9. The Dispensation of Conscience ended in judgment -

Jesus said - As it was, so shall it be Matt. 24:37


(1) Enoch translated before the flood


(2) Methuselah removed just before the flood


(3) Noah preserved through the flood


(4) Judgment on the ungodly


Study Questions 3: Conscience


  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Conscience cover?

The Dispensation of Conscience covered from the expulsion from Eden to the Flood.

  1. What did man lose as a result of his fall?

Man, lost as a result of his fall, his “God-consciousness”.


  1. Why could not the conscience keep man from doing wrong?

The conscience could not keep man from doing wrong because the conscience imparts no power.

  1. What kind of a beginning did man have?

Man had a most favorable beginning in this age.


  1. What happened to the earth in Gen. 6:11-13?

The earth became corrupt and filled with violence.


  1. Who were the sons of Adam and Eve that were recorded?

The sons of Adam and Eve that were recorded were Cain, Abel, and Seth.


  1. What is the meaning of their names?

Cain – means acquired or getting

Abel – means vapor or vanity

Seth – means appointed or replacing


  1. What were the sacrifices that Cain and Abel offered?

Cain offered a sacrifice of fruit and Abel offered a sacrifice of blood.


  1. Why did Satan want to destroy Abel?

Satan wanted to destroy the Promised Seed.


  1. What does knowledge without God produce?

Knowledge without God can only produce a “god-less” civilization.


  1. What does Gen. 5 deal with?

Gen. 5 deals with the genealogy of the patriots from Adam until Noah.


  1. What rule was Enoch an exception to?

Enoch was an exception to the rule of death.


  1. What does Enoch mean?

Enoch means dedicated, instructed, disciplined, initiated, acquainted with mystery or secrets.


  1. How far was Enoch from Adam?

Enoch was the seventh from Adam.


Study Questions 3: Conscience, continued

  1. What is Enoch a type of?

Enoch is a type of the Bride – Overcomer.


  1. What is Methuselah a type of?

Methuselah is a type of the Church.


  1. What is Noah a type of?

Noah is a type of the saved, preserved through Judgment.


  1. What does Gen. 6 reveal?

Gen. 6 reveal the rapid increase of evil.


  1. Who are the Sons of God referred to in Gen. 6:2?

The “sons of Seth”, possibly possessed by demons.


  1. What was God’s reaction to this godless civilization?

God’s reaction to this godless civilization was repented, grieved, and I will destroy.


  1. How old was Noah when the flood came?

Noah was six hundred years old when the flood came.


  1. Who entered the ark with Noah?

Seven of every clean beast, male and female, and two of every unclean beast, male and female, and Shem, Ham, Japheth, their wives, and Noah’s wife.


  1. Who shut the door of the ark? God shut the door of the ark.


  1. How long did it rain? It rained for forty days and forty nights.


  1. How long did the waters prevail?

The waters prevailed upon the earth for a hundred and fifty days.


  1. How did God dry up the waters? God dried up the waters with a wind.


  1. How did Noah know the waters were abated from the earth?

God knew the waters were abated from the earth when the dove returned with an olive leaf.

  1. Where did the ark come to rest?

The ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat.


  1. What did Noah send forth from the ark first?

Noah sent forth from the ark first a raven.


  1. What did the Dispensation of Conscience end in?

The Dispensation of Conscience ended in judgment.

1http://www.myasha.org/node/12, Startling Statistics About Mental Illness.

2Hare, Robert D., PHD. Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopath Among Us. New York, NY: Guilford Press,1999.ISBN 157230 451 0.

3www.edivorcepapers.com, statistics via World Nations Fertility Report 2003.

4Pew Research Center, October 2010.

Dispensation of Human Government

III. Dispensation of Human Government



      1. The Beginning of Human Government Gen. 8:15-11:9


The Deluge lasted 1 year and 10 days, Noah was 601 years old when the dispensation of Human Government began. God gave them a new start.


        1. God commanded Noah after the Flood to “Go forth from the ark” - “Be fruitful and multiply.” Gen. 8:16-17



        1. Noah’s first act upon leaving the ark -“builded an altar unto the Lord.” vs. 20



        1. God made a covenant with Noah - That He would not destroy the earth again with a flood. vs. 21-22 Chp. 9:8-11



        1. God gave the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the Covenant. vs. 12-17


      1. God’s Commands Under Human Government

        1. “Replenish the earth” Gen. 9:1

        1. Everything to fear Noah Vs. 2

        2. Could not eat meat Vs. 3

        3. Blood was forbidden to be eaten Vs. 4

        4. Capital punishment required Vs. 5,6


      1. Noah’s Action Under Self-Government

        1. Became a farmer & Planted a Vineyard Vs. 20

        1. Became drunk Vs. 21

        2. “Uncovered” from his drunkenness Vs. 21

        3. This proves that man cannot govern himself. Gen. 6:9 & 9:21.

The best of men have evil in their heart. Human frailty needs the grace of God.

        1. Sin influences sin Vs. 22

        2. Ham’s sin was two-fold

        3. What he did to his father - vs. 24

        4. Told his brothers - vs. 22

        5. Indication of God’s Grace Vs. 24

“Noah awoke” No record that Noah ever got drunk again. Eze. 14:14

      1. Noah’s Prophecy – Genesis 9


This prophecy was not in anger but history reveals that Noah was God inspired.


        1. A curse on Canaan - vs. 25


          1. Canaan was Ham’s son - upon which the curse was placed.


          1. The curse was that Canaan was to be a servant.


          1. Canaan means - subjection, the greatest abasement.


          1. “Ham - “Niger” - black, crafty


          1. The sons of Ham. Gen. 10:6
            1. Cush - Ethiopians
Also father of Nimrod - Gen. 10:8-10. His name means “Rebel”
            1. Mizraim - Egypt
            2. Phut - Libyans
            3. Canaan - Canaanites


        1. The prophecy on Japheth – v. 27


          1. Japheth means “beautiful”


          1. Japheth was the father of the Gentiles


          1. “God shall enlarge Japheth”


          1. They, as a people, spread out everywhere.


          1. “He shall dwell in the tents of Shem”
This is a prophecy for the Gentiles that they shall receive Christ.

“And Canaan shall be his servant.” It was the Gentile nations that traded in slaves.


The Sons of Japheth - Gen. 10:2:


Son Nations Settled

Gomer Russians Russia (North)

Magog Seythians Europe (Southern)

Madai Media Iran

Taram Greeks Greece

Tubal Iberians Europe

Meshech Iberians Europe

Tiras Asiatic Italy, Spain, Egypt



        1. The Prophecy on Shem Gen. 9:26



          1. The blessing of Shem


          1. “Shem” means eminency, renown, fame Psa. 144:15


          1. The Father of the Jews


          1. The Sons of Shem - Gen. 10:21-22:


Son Nations Settled

Elam Persians East of the Tigris

Asshur Assyrians Syria

Arphaxad Cheldians Persia

Lud Lydians Lydia

Aram Aramaenians Mesopotamia


      1. The Rebellion at Babel


        1. In Gen. 9:1 God told Noah and his sons to replenish the earth.

        1. In Gen. 10:32 the earth was divided into nations after the flood.



        1. In Gen. 11:1 they were in rebellion to God’s plan.



        1. In Gen. 11:7-9 the Lord brought judgment upon them.

“Confounded their language.” “Scattered them abroad.”



        1. The dispensation of Human Government, as the dispensations before, end in judgment.


Study Questions 4: Human Government


  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Human Government cover?

The Dispensation of Human Government covered from the flood to the dispersion of Babel.


  1. Name the four Dispensations that the Post Diluvian Age covers.

The Post Diluvian Age covers the Human Government, Promise, Law, and Grace Dispensations.


  1. How long did the Deluge last?

The Deluge lasted 1 year and 10 days.


  1. What was God’s command after the flood?

God’s command after the flood was to “Go forth from the ark” and “Be fruitful and multiply”.


  1. What was Noah’s first act upon leaving the Ark?

Noah’s first act upon leaving the Ark was that he “built an alter unto the Lord”.


  1. What was the covenant that God made with Noah?

The covenant that God made with Noah was – That He would not destroy the earth again with a flood.


  1. What was the sign of the covenant?

The sign of the covenant was a rainbow.


  1. Under Human Government what could man now eat?

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you” was what man could now eat.


  1. What was man forbidden to eat?

Blood was forbidden to be eaten.


  1. What was Noah’s vocation after the flood?

Noah’s vocation after the flood was a farmer.


  1. What did Noah do after he planted a vineyard?

Noah became drunken after he planted a vineyard.


  1. What does this prove concerning man governing himself?

This proves that man cannot govern himself.


  1. What does human frailty need?

Human frailty need the Grace of God.



Study Questions 4: Human Government, continued


  1. What was the two-fold nature of Ham’s sin?

The two-fold nature of Ham’s sin was what he did to his father and that he told his brothers.


  1. What was the curse put upon Canaan?

The curse was that Canaan was to be a servant.


  1. Who were the sons of Ham?

The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan.


  1. Who was Japheth the father of?

Japheth was the father of the Gentiles.


  1. What was the prophecy concerning Japheth?

The prophecy concerning Japheth was that, “God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant”.


  1. Who was Shem the father of?

Shem was the father of Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.


  1. What was God’s command to Noah after the flood?

God’s command to Noah after the flood was to replenish the earth.


  1. What happened to the earth after the flood?

After the flood the earth was divided into nations.


  1. What was the rebellion at Babel?

The rebellion at Babel was that they were trying to build a tower to reach the heaven, so that they could basically take over God position.


  1. What were they in rebellion to?

They were in rebellion to God’s plan.


  1. What was the judgment brought upon them?

The judgment brought upon them was that the Lord “Confounded their language” and “Scattered them abroad”.


  1. What did the Dispensation of Human Government end in?

The Dispensation of Human Government ended in judgment.





Dispensation of Promise

Dispensation of Promise

Overview

In our last study, Nimrod had introduced idolatry at Babel. This resulted in God confusing the languages of the people. This was the beginning of Pagan religion. Nimrod, it is believed, worshipped his mother as queen of heaven.

The Apostle Paul, speaks of the pagan world in Romans, Chapter one. They “changed the incorruptible God knot an image made like man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.” Vs. 23

Deities of human form were worshipped in Greece, those of bestial form in Egypt; and both methods of worship were practiced in Rome. Serpent worship was common in Chaldea and also in Egypt.

The people of Abram’s day, had became so evil minded God singled out one man through which He could bring forth the promised seed.

The History of Abraham’s Life - Gen. 11:10-25:11

(1) God referred to Himself as the God of Abraham. Gen. 26:24

(2) God also referred to Abraham as His friend. Isa. 41:8; James 2:23

(3) Abraham is considered the father of three religions of today, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

(a) Through Isaac - the Jewish religion

(b) Through Ishmael - The Islamic religion

(c) Through Christ ( the seed of Abraham) the Christian religion. Rom. 4:11 Gal. 3:7

(4) Abraham lived in genealogy “halfway” between Adam and Christ.

The Call of Abraham

Gen. 12:1-3 Acts 7:1-8

(1) Where did Abraham live? Gen. 11:31

(2) What do we know of the city and the religious background? Joshua 24:2 Heathen country - they worshipped the moon god.

(3) What was God’s command? Gen. 12:1 “Get thee out”

(4) What was God’s promise to obedience? Vs. 2 “I will bless thee”

(5) What two symbols was Abraham recognized by?

(a) An altar - Gen. 12:7, 8 Gen. 13:4,18 Gen. 22:9 (b) A tent -; Heb. 11:9 A temporary dwelling – Looking for a city.

The Land

Gen. 12:1 “Get thee out...unto a land”

For God’s peculiar people there was a peculiar place. It has been said that the Jew is the miracle of history and Canaan is marvel of geography.

(1) It is located between the Euphrates and Nile river valleys. It was on the international trade routes between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

It is known as a land bridge between the north and the south.

(2) It’s size - Dan to Beersheba - 155 miles long, 55 miles wide.

(3) It’s climate - has two seasons, wet and dry Early or former rains in November and the Latter rains in April.

(4) It’s production - Deut. 8:7-9 Deut. 32:13

The Dead Sea area contains a tremendous wealth of minerals. It has been estimated that the chemical wealth of this area is worth $1.27 Trillion. Russia’s ambition through the centuries has been to conquer this land. Does obedience to the will of God mean that there are no trials? Gen. 13:14-18

The Abrahamic Covenant

Gen. 13:14-17 Gen. 15:5 Gen. 17:4-8

(1) Seed shall be as dust of the earth

(2) Stars of the sky

(3) Father of many nations

The Promised Son - Isaac

(1) Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born. Gen.17:17

(2) What was Abraham’s reaction to the promise of a son? Gen. 17:17

(3) What was Sarah’s reaction to the promise of a son? Gen. 18:12-15

(4) What does Isaac mean? Laughter

Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac.

Gen. 24:4

(1) Who was the girl? Gen. 24:24

(2) What did her name mean? To ensnare by beauty.

(3) How old was Isaac when he married Rebecca? Gen. 25:20

(4) What was unusual about Rebecca being with child? Gen. 25:23

(5) What are the meanings of the son’s names? Esau - hairy, rough Jacob - heel holder, supplanter, trickster

Jacob’s sons

(1) Reuben Son of a Vision (2) Simeon Gracious hearing (3) Levi Joined (4) Judah Praising (5) Dan A Judge (6) Naphtali Wrestling (7) Gad A Troop (8) Asher Blessed (9) Issachar A Reward (10) Zebulun Desired (11) Joseph Added (12) Benjamin Son of the Right Hand

The rest of Genesis is concerned with Joseph who is a type of Christ.

(1) The object of his father’s love Gen. 37:3

(2) The object of his brother’s hatred Gen. 37:4

(3) Dreams of exaltation Gen. 37:5-10

(4) Sold into Egypt Gen. 37:12-28

(5) Life in Egypt Gen. 39:1-6

(6) Steps to the throne Resistance of evil - Gen. 39:7-9 Divinely favored - Gen. 39:21 Providential circumstances - Gen. 40:5-8 Honored God - Gen. 41:16 Divine revelation - Gen. 41:25-36 Exalted to the throne - Gen. 41:39-44

(7) A Christ-like spirit In forgiving his brothers - Gen. 45:15 In returning good for evil - Gen. 50:19-21

Dispensation of Law

V. Dispensation of Law

INTRODUCTION

A. Duration of the Dispensation of Law

The duration of the fifth dispensation was the period of time from the Exodus to the Crucifixion. The Dispensation of Law covered a period of 1,718 years.

Galatians 3:24—Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Romans 10:4; Matt. 5:17; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:28,31; 8:3,4)

A. Divisions of the Dispensation of Law

This Dispensation is divided into four studies:

  1. First Division – from the Exodus to the Reign of Solomon
  2. Second Division – from the Division of the Kingdom to the Captivity
  3. Third Division – from the Restoration to the end of the Old Testament
  4. Fourth Division – the beginning of the New Testament to the Crucifixion

A. Description of the Law of God

  1. The 613 commandments of the Torah are divided into three major categories:

a. Spiritual Law – codified in the Ten Commandments which tell a person how to conduct their spiritual lives and how to deal with our fellow man. b. Civil Law - deals with the running of civil society with God as head of that society. c. Ceremonial law –Includes animal sacrifices, the priesthood, and other rules concerning the temple and worship.

  1. The Law of God was a Covenant Israel Agreed to Keep The law was a covenant between God and Israel. Israel committed themselves to do ALL that God commanded. This was the covenant which the children of Israel readily agreed to observe when they said to Moses, “You tell the Lord that all He hath said, we will do.” Ex 19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD. (Ex. 24:3,7; Deut. 5:27; Josh. 1:16; 2 Kings 10:5; Jer. 18:12; 42:20) Jas 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (2 Thess. 3:4)

  2. The Law of God is Often Understood as the “Mosaic Covenant” since the initial instruction from God was given to Moses on Mount Sinai in the book of Exodus. (Ex. 19:1-Matt. 1:1-25)

  3. The Dispensation of Law is clearly as vital to the perfect plan of God as the others, and yet the law is most often despised. The Law is rigid and unbending, and this is the narrow picture most have of God.

  4. The law though was not the full plan of God, but was as a Tutor “School Master” (Galatians 3:24) to teach man what God is expecting of man. Before in the Law we have the “What” (to know) but in the dispensation of Grace, God gives man the “How”(the enablement). (Romans 8:3)

A. Disappointment of Israel Under the Dispensation of Law

Israel’s vows were well intentioned but were broken over and over. They were about as unacquainted with the wickedness of their sinful hearts as men are today who declare that they can keep the Ten Commandments without any problem whatsoever. Jer 18:12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. Jer 42:20 For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

The people of Israel failed the test of the fifth dispensation as well as the previous four dispensations. They broke the Mosaic Law repeatedly. (Jer. 31:32; Eze. 16) God told them that they had a heart of stone. (Ezekiel 36:26 Zechariah 7:12) Their failure brought God’s judgment upon Israel. The nation suffered many judgments during the fifth dispensation. Among the worst were: The Assyrian Captivity The Babylonian captivities, The Greek oppressions The Roman oppressions, Israel’s temporary removal from its place of blessing (Romans 11), and its worldwide dispersion as the result of its rejection of Christ.

Ex 19:1-8; 2K 17:1-18; 25:1-11; Ac 2:22-23;7:51-52; Ro3:19-20;10:5; Gal3:10

I. The First Division of Law: From the Exodus to the Reign of Solomon

A. A Period of Bondage

  1. The oppression in Egypt Exodus 1:7-22
  2. The events in the early life of Moses a. The birth, adoption, failure, and flight of the Levite Moses 2:1-15 a. Moses life was divided into three periods of forty years.
  3. The first forty years was in Pharaoh’s Palace Acts 7:20-24
  4. The second forty years was in Midian Acts 7:29-30
  5. The third forty years was leading Israel in the wilderness Deut. 34:7

A. A Period of Deliverance

  1. The Call of Moses at the Burning Bush 3:1-10
  2. His Divine Commission 3:12-22; 4:1-9
  3. Aaron and Moses demands Pharaoh to let the people go. 4:27-31; 5:1-3
  4. The infliction of the Ten Plagues 7-11
  5. The Last Plague 11:5
  6. The Last Passover 12:1-13
  7. The Exodus 12:30-33

A. A Period of Discipline

  1. The Number that went out of Egypt 12:37-38
  2. The reason God led the people through the wilderness 13:17-18
  3. The Lord led by a Pillar of Cloud and a Pillar of Fire 13:21-22
  4. The lessons: At the Red Sea (14:15-18) At Marah (15:23-25) Of Manna (16:15) Of the Water out of the Rock (17:5-6; 20:8-13)Of the Brazen Serpent (21:8-9).

A. A Period of Legislation

  1. The Arrival at Sinai 19:1-2
  2. The Laws of God and the Tables of Stone 20:1 - 31:18
  3. The Preparation and assembly of the Tabernacle 35:1 - 40:38

A. The Wilderness Wanderings

  1. The Sending of the Spies Numbers 13:1-2
  2. The Report of Joshua and Caleb 14:6-9
  3. The Rebellion of the People 14:10-12
  4. The Death of Moses Deuteronomy 34:1-7

A. The Conquest of Canaan

  1. The Invasion of the Land Joshua 1:1 - 5:15
  2. The Fall of Jericho 6 The ark represents the fullness of the spirit.The walls of Jericho came down because the Israelites followed the ark (inside contained the commandments of God), they were obeying the word. People’s shout will have some meaning if they live right and follow the word.
  3. The Battle of Ai 7-8 7:11 Defeat will always come when sin is in the mix. As soon as corrected the problem, Achan, than victory was restored to Israel.
  4. The Conquest of the South 10 v. 9 Joshua knew what God had said, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” Joshua told the sun to stand still, and they lost a day 10:13
  5. The Conquest of the North 11-12 They crossed over Jordan somewhere 1420 B.C.The land rested somewhere in 1460 B.C. 5 speaks to us of grace and faith, - We need a lot of grace and faith to conquer the land in our life. In Israel’s conquest of the land, you find out they never did totally conquer the land, unless all is conquered, it will come back to destroy you. Nahum 1:3 – the Lord is slow to anger. Not everyone will go in, not everyone is going to enter in.
  6. The Division of the land 13-22
  7. The Death of Joshua 23-24

A. Israel Demands a King

After the death of Joshua, Israel demands a king. Judges never produced what they should have, because of the weakness of the flesh. In I Samuel 8, Samuel makes his sons judges, but they were wicked, and took money and bribes for certain judgments.

  1. King Saul (40 years) I Samuel 10:20-24; Acts 13:21 Saul was Israel’s first King. I Samuel 10:1- This is one of the saddest accounts written, Saul died as one having never been anointed. Acts 13:21 At the beginning of Saul’s reign he was a good man, but after a while, you find him doubting the prophet’s words, and performing his own sacrifices, I Samuel 16:13 16:23 – Does God send evil spirit? In this sense when men go their own way, God takes his hand off and lets them go ahead, and even that, they have to get permission to attack someone. God does not give permission unless we are breaking his commandments, and also to test us, to see what is in us. Saul reigned for a long period of time, with an evil spirit.

  2. David Anointed King I Samuel 16:13 David was chosen to be the King of Israel by the Lord which marked the Brightest Era in Israel’s History. 16:6 – Samuel thought that Eliab was the one God had chosen, he had all the outward appearance of being the one, Man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart David was sought out because he had the power of God, There is no coincidence in our life, God has a plan. David was a man after God’s own heart, loved God more than anything else. In a time when kings were to go out to battle, David said to Joab you go, ill stay here. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 If we rest in the time when we should be fighting, you cannot be successful not doing what God requires. Lust will cloud your mind, and deceive to do the so called pleasure of sin, to only leave you empty. David’s Death and Burial I Kings 2:10-11

  3. King Solomon (40 years) 2:12;11:42-43 God said to Solomon, serve you with all your heart like you father David did. For one whole year though David was sorrowful, he never repented, until Nathan came to him and said that you are the man, When David repented of his sin, God forgave him, and put his sin in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered of him again. That is why David could say what he said. You know David was a man of like passions as we are. Even when David was fleeing for his life, he lost everything, in the midst of that all, he turned to the Lord, and he brought back all. II Samuel 17:3 The Temple was built under Solomon’s Reign. 5:1-6 I Kings 2:10-11 - They called Jerusalem the city of David. David promised Bathsheba, that her son would be the king of Israel. All the wealthy and finery of this life should have no attraction to the little bride. One interest and one interest only that being Jesus, our lord. David desired to build the temple, but God said no, because he was a man that had blood on his hand. Now even though he was not allowed to build it, he gathered the material, so that when Solomon put the temple together, not a hammer was heard. It was said that the beauty of that temple was never to be comparable by any other temple that was built after it was destroyed. His wives turned his heart, Solomon, Solomon had been raised and tutored under his father of David. I Kings 11:42, 43 He said you be faithful in a few things he will make you ruler over many.

Study Questions 6: Law: Division I

  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Law cover? The Dispensation of Law covered from the Exodus to the Crucifixion.

  2. How many years did the Dispensation of Law cover? The Dispensation of Law covered 1,718 years.

  3. What is the meaning of Exodus? The meaning of Exodus is – going out

  4. Explain the four divisions of this Dispensation?

  5. First – From the Exodus to the Reign of Solomon

  6. Second – From the Division of the Kingdom to the Captivity

  7. Third – From the Restoration to the end of the Old Testament

  8. Fourth – From the beginning of the New Testament to the Crucifixion

  9. What was the bondage that Israel experienced? The bondage that Israel experienced was bondage to Egypt.

  10. Why did Moses flee to Midian? Moses fled to Midian because he feared for his life.

  11. Explain the divisions of Moses’ life.

  12. The first 40 years in Pharaoh’s Palace

  13. The Second 40 years in Midian

  14. The third 40 years in leading the people in the wilderness

  15. What was the outstanding event of Moses’ Call? The outstanding event of Moses’ call was the burning bush.

  16. What was demanded of Pharaoh? Pharaoh was demanded to “let my people go”.

  17. How many plagues were there and what were they? There were 10 plagues:

  18. Water made blood

  19. Frogs

  20. Lice

  21. Flies

  22. Murrain

  23. Boils and blains

  24. Thunder and hail

  25. Locust

  26. Darkness

  27. First born slain Study Questions 6: Law: Division I, page 2

  28. What was the last plague, and who did it effect? The last plague was the slaying of the first born, and it effected every house in Egypt.

  29. What was God’s command to Israel because of this plague? The blood on the lintels and doorposts of their homes.

  30. How many went out of Egypt with Moses? Somewhere around 2 – 2½ million people.

  31. Why did God lead them through the wilderness? To teach them discipline.

  32. How did God lead them through the wilderness? God lead them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

  33. What happened at the Red Sea? The Lord open the Red Sea and dried the ground so that the Israelites could cross in safety and escape the Egyptians who were coming after them to destroy them, and the Egyptians were destroyed in the Red Sea.

  34. What happened at Marah? The bitter water was made sweat.

  35. How did God feed them in the wilderness? Manna from heaven was feed them in the wilderness.

  36. How did they get water in the wilderness? The Lord provided water out of the rock, a rock that followed them.

  37. What happened at Sinai? Moses received the Laws of God on the tables of stone.

  38. What else did Moses receive at Sinai? Moses also received the pattern for the tabernacle.

  39. What kind of a report did the ten spies bring? The ten spies brought an evil report.

  40. What kind of a report did Joshua and Caleb bring? Joshua and Caleb brought a good report that we are able to go up and take the country.

  41. What happened at Jericho? The walls of Jericho fell down flat

  42. Who was Israel’s first King? Saul was Israel’s first King. I. The Second Division of Law: From the Division of the Kingdom to the Captivity

“Experiences of hard trying and testing is what taught me If I am going to preach this then I am going to believe this. The test is to cause us to overcome…You don’t start believing God for a million dollars, you start believing God with a dime. We are more than conquerors, so there is something to overcome.”—Rev. James R. Reynolds, Sr.

A. Solomon in his old age

  1. Solomon’s Action – I Kings 11:1-8 a. Multiplied women (700 Wives and 300 Concubines) a. Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. b. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

A man like Solomon (like Oral Roberts) had it but lost it. Don’t leave with that thought that a man who once had it cannot be restored. Peter who walked with God for three years and than denied Him but Peter was restored and became the spokesman for God. Would Peter have cursed and swore had he really known him? → AFTER ALL THIS – (after they had been such with God, and than lose all) II Chronicles 35:20; I Kings 11:2 He wasn’t just taking wives but he was doing it in direct disobedience.

  1. God’s Reaction 11:9-28 a. The LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: a. God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah b. Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda… even he lifted up his hand against the king.

The Lord hates backsliding. Hebrews 10:31 – It is one thing to have man angry at you, but it’s another when it is God who is made at you. David had a problem, but he got it to the Lord, and got it taken care of, and it was like it never happened to the Lord. Totally restored – God because of Solomon’s disobedience God is going to rend the tribes, but not in his days, because of David…God had a lot of feeling towards David, because David had a lot of feeling toward God. David loved

  1. The Prophecy of Ahijah 11:29-38 Over and over and over again speaking of David – Shows you the grace of God, When David knew that he did wrong, he repented.

  2. Solomon’s Reaction to the Prophecy 11:40-43 When Solomon knew that he did wrong, he didn’t repent, but sought to kill the prophet of God, to fight God in essence. Not because of Solomon but because of David A. The Division of the Kingdom

  3. The Reason why the Kingdom was Divided 12:1-16 Sometimes young folks mean well, but sometimes there counsel isn’t good. And the word was fulfilled just as God had spoken, and the tribes were divided… Illus: Assembly of God, meeting, young preachers, decided to disban any other ungodly activaties, and in that meeting they sold more pornography to those preachers than to the sinners in their hotels. If you let a little slide, soon before you know it the whole hills gonna come down. They rejected the counsel of the old men

  4. Rehoboam’s action to Israel’s decision 12:18-19 …rebelled against the house of David unto this day…

  5. Jereboam was made king over the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel 12:20 …only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David…

  6. Samaria became the Capitol of the Northern kingdom :25 Jeroboam established two more places to worship.

  7. Jereboam established Bethel and Dan as the places to worship 12:26-31 Convenience, not wanting them to go back to Jerusalem, the designated place that God had told them to worship, He established two other places to worship and puts idol in them to worship, other Gods, “One lesson you ought to learn for today, take counsel but take good counsel. Some will give you counsel but it may not be good. Don’t despise the old gray hairs.”The scripture says, take heed what you hear and take heed how you hear. REVIEW: Why did Rehoboam establish those other places? For the purpose that they would not go back to the Jerusalem and reestablish their allegiance to David’s kingdom. The kingdom was troubled from without and within because of their sin Hebrews 12:1 – lay aside every weight and sin God allowed the enemy to attack them because of the sin that was within them. We have a lot of trouble admitting that we are wrong and we are the ones with the sin in our life. Be careful of using continual the I, I did such and such and such and such.

A. The Northern Kingdom lasted a little over 200 years

  1. The Kingdom was continually troubled from within and frequently attacked from without.

  2. The most known King and Queen of the northern Kingdom were Ahab and Jezebel. I Kings 16:30-31 Judah means praise. A Revelation of Pentecost, Out of Judah came Bana. Bana means worshiper of God. Imrai means polished (speakers). Imrai prodced omri. Omri means half heartedness – One of the saddest things, Jezebel is seducing our servants. Revelation 2:20; II Kings 17:17

  3. Not one of its nineteen kings were godly men. Take a stand for truth, you will be persecuted. They attacked the ministry, they attacked God’s prophet. Out of the 19 kings that ruled that northern kingdom, not one of them was godly.

  4. Israel was carried away captive to Assyria in 724-722 B.C. – II Kings 17:1-6 They came in to lay siege, but it took 3 years to overtake Israel. II Kings 17:2

  5. Their downfall and captivity was because of their rebellion and idol worship. God hates idolatry, can we get by worshiping idols, Idolatry, is putting anything before God, letting that become a source to you that takes the place of God. You can make an idol out of most anything. You can make an idol out of himself. Whatever that we do, we need to do in the glory of God. What are we basically? Isaiah 41:14, thou worm JacobThings never satisfy. John Rockefeller, “How much more money would you need to be satisfied? And he said just one more dollar”

A. Judah was reigned over by 19 Kings and 1 Queen

  1. All were descendents of David. God told Solomon he was going to stripe him and give them to an enemy of his. But he was going to preserve one tribe not for Solomon, but for David.
  2. Many of Judah’s Kings were Godly men.
  3. Many great revivals and reforms were accomplished.
  4. Eventually did evil in the sight of the Lord. 1Kings 14:22

“Judah also did evil in the sight of the Lord” We don’t have to go through life sacred to death of the devil, but we at the same time need to be on guard against the devil who is doing anything to lure you away. The devil tries to make you think that it is so hard to be a Christian, but the Bible says and do you remember, how hard it is to be a sinner. But if you’re really living a Christian life, there is no life like the Christian life.

A. Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem

Besieged the city and caused them to pay tribute. God gave them a time that they could repent, but they did not, so God let them to be taken into bondage. For a while God warns you, but then he sends you into judgment. I don’t mind getting in trouble with people, but if I am in trouble with God, dear God. If you fail in one point, you will fail in all. Israel never knew defeat, only when there was trouble within.

  1. Judah and Jerusalem fell in the year 587-586

  2. 470 years after the dedication of Solomon’s Temple –II Kings 25:1-11

  3. The Judean captives were carried away captive to Babylon.

  4. In Babylon the exiled Hebrews repented and turned to God. Study Questions 7: Law: Division II

  5. What period of time did the second division of the Dispensation of Law cover? From the division of the Kingdom to the Captivity.

  6. What was Solomon’s action in his old age? Solomon married many carnal wives who turned his heart from God and to other gods.

  7. What was God’s reaction to what Solomon did? God was very displeased with what Solomon had done.

  8. What was the prophecy of Ahijah? Ten tribes taken from Rehoboam given to Jeroboam, because of Solomon’s action and God’s reaction to that.

  9. What was Solomon’s reaction to this prophecy? Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam.

  10. What was the cause for division of the kingdom? Rehoboam rebelled against the older men advice, and listened to the younger men, and made the yoke heavier and taxed them more and etc…

  11. Who was made king over the ten northern tribes? Jeroboam was made king over the ten northern tribes, by God’s choice.

  12. What was the capital of the ten northern tribes? Samaria was the capital of the ten northern tribes.

  13. What did Jeroboam do at Bethel and Dan? Jeroboam set up both in Bethel and Dan golden calves, to worship another God.

  14. How long did the Northern Kingdom last? The Northern Kingdom lasted over 200 hundred years.

  15. Where did the trouble that came to the kingdom come from? The trouble came both from without and within.

  16. Who were the most outstanding characters of the Northern Kingdom? Ahab and Jezebel were the most outstanding characters of the Northern Kingdom?

  17. How many of the kings of the Northern Kingdom were godly men? Not one out of the nineteen kings of the Northern Kingdom was godly men.

  18. When was Israel carried away captive in Assyria? Israel was carried away captive to Assyria in 724 – 722 B.C. Study Questions 7: Law: Division II, page 2

  19. What caused their downfall and captivity? They refused to submit to the will of God is what caused their downfall and captivity.

  20. How many kings reigned over Judah? There were nineteen kings and one queen over Judah.

  21. Who were they all descendants of? They were all descendants of David.

  22. What was the character of many of Judah’s kings? They were Godly men.

  23. What was accomplished during this time? Many great revivals and reforms were accomplished.

  24. What eventually did Judah do? Eventually Judah did evil.

  25. Who laid siege to Jerusalem? Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem.

  26. What year did Judah and Jerusalem fall? Judah and Jerusalem fell in the year of 587 – 586.

  27. How many years after the dedication of the temple did Judah and Jerusalem fall? Judah and Jerusalem fell 470 after the dedication of the temple.

  28. Where were the captives of Judah carried away to? They were carried away to Babylon.

  29. What did the exiled Hebrews do in Babylon? The exiled Hebrews in Babylon repented and turned to God.

I. The Third Division of Law: From the Restoration to the End of the Old Testament

A. Babylon fell to Cyrus, King of the Medes and the Persians

  1. The Proclamation of Cyrus – Ezra 1:1-6 Daniel 2:39. 100 years before Cyrus was there was a proclamation to him, to take over. – Isaiah 45:1

  2. Cyrus gave the Jews the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem - Ezra 1:7-11 Ezra 8:24-This is a tremendous lesson about the vessels. Each man was responsible for what was given to him when he arrives. Don’t lose what God gives to you. Remember the man who hid his talent. Not only were they responsible for the weight but also for the number, by number and by weight. They didn’t travel by trains and plains but they traveled by foot. And along the way there were thieves and robbers, and they had to guard against that.

  3. The Reaction of the Jews to this Proclamation. - Psalm 126:1-3 We need to rejoice over our freedom from sin! But, also be cautioned concerning repeating the cycle. The cycle never seems to cease for the Jews, they rejoice because of being free and then they go back into bondage serving other gods. Aimee Semple McPherson when she started was a good person, but popularity got to her, Jimmy Swaggert had a tremendous impact on the Pentecostal churches, he could preach, you couldn’t fault him for his preaching, but it was for his living. He said himself; the devil came upon him and anointed him to play the piano. No step can be taken forward unless all your steps are pure. You have to be living right. Everything must be taken care of, God will not invest in a filthy vessel. God is looking for availability not ability. Comparatively so it is only a few people that are serving the Lord. <50,000 compared to 2 million> Try the best you can to pronounce the names; you have to know how to pronounce before your congregation, you lose something if you don’t.

  4. The number of the Jews that returned 49,697 - Ezra 2:64-65 As far as we can figure there was about 2 million that were taken away into captivity in Babylon. And they were there for 70 years. Out of those millions who were in bondage only 49, 697 went back. Where are the multitudes? That is the path that the world follows, but there are few that will go down the straight and narrow way. In actuality only 42,000 Jews actually went back.

A. The Return of the Jews was Accomplished in Three Expeditions

  1. The First Expedition Under the Leadership of Zerubbabel -Ezra 2:1-2 Zerubbabel was God’s choice to bring the people back. NOTE: Learn how to pronounce names; it will help in the ministry.

a. In Returning to the land they built an Altar - Ezra 3:1-3 The first thing that they did was building that alter showing the change in their heart. That alter had been left barren in all that time that they were in bondage. Our first choice should be Jesus. Not only do you offer to him but he also offers to you. God has a plan for every life, but not every life finds that plan. Why did they build an alter? Even though they got permission to return by the king, still they were surrounded by enemies. We need to maintain that alter. Should we have a certain amount of fear/respect? We Must Maintain An Alter. Realize we have an enemy continually perusing us. One time in, it speaks of an alter that is overgrown. It had not been used. At other times the alter was broken down; Elijah took the stones that were laid down, desolate and reared them up. There was one good prophet; Elijah; and 850 false prophets, and 400 that sat at Jezebel’s table. Don’t expect to be in the majority. Not everyone is going to love truth. Paul spoke of this last day, (I Timothy 4). There are a lot of people saying just pray and God will answer. Why did God answer? I Kings 18:36 Elijah did all these things at thy word. Raised up those stones, God ready to put on the sacrifice, there was wood, cut the bullock up and laid it upon the alter, and then he washed the bullock. A lot will say Elijah didn’t want any funny business, but Elijah was obeying the word. The sacrifice has to be washed, it says in Leviticus. What will cleanse us; it is the washing of the word. “Availability is what you’re willing to do, Ability is what you can do, and Attitude is how you will do it.” We will not see a great moving of God with a cleansing.

b. Shouting and weeping after the foundation of the Temple was laid Ezra 3:10-13 Great provision was made long before the first temple was built. David made great provision. The young men shouted but the old men wept. The new temple was of no comparison to the old temple. Nothing compared to the old temple. This only says this to us. Sometimes we lose and never regain. We deserve nothing of the Lord, so we are to be happy and excited for what God is doing. The church is not mortar and bricks, but we are the temple of the Lord, the people are the church. The latter house shall be greater than the former house. II Peter 1:4 – by his great and precious promises we become partakers of his divine nature. Gold represent the nature of God. Silver represents the redemption of God. You can’t love sin and God at the same time; you can’t love error and truth at the same time.

c. The building operation ceased for nine years until the second year of the reign of Darius -Haggai 1:1-15 We see a problem here. We can not take vacations spiritually. After God had been so good to them they were taken out of bondage and started the temple, but now they had ceased for 9 years. They had taken care of their houses but not the house of God. What is more important, your house or the house of God? What did Jesus say, don’t even take two coats. Matthew 10:10. They were putting money into bags with holes in it. They were working and laboring hard, sowed much, and reaped little. Remember the principal of tithing. → Consider Your Ways. Get to building my house, and you will be blessed. 9 years and they were doing their own thing, and not the thing that the Lord had commanded them to do. Sometimes we get detoured from the vision that God has given to us. We need to be putting on the nature of Christ. What really is the heart of God? Reaching the lost; We need the heart of God, his nature to really produce a love for the lost souls. They say Portland is considered one of the most evil cities in America. But we are going to make a difference. We might not stop it all, but we are going to do our part. They were so excited, and than all the sudden it stops. Isn’t it so true with Christians, they are on fire, and than all of the sudden it stops. Illus: Bernard S., was on fire for God for one solid year and than all at once he stopped; I was going to work, doing a lot of odd jobs and stuff, as a preacher, Bernard saved at 19 and left at 20 and than 7 years later, saw him again and talked with him for more than an hour, thought for sure he would come back to Christ, crying and miserable in his sin, one week later, he died crashing into a tree drunk. That liar of a preacher, who preached his funeral, said he went to heaven. This is something we should be excited of. Even if we don’t have feeling of jubilant, just think of where I am going, just the knowledge, and that should keep us excited, lets build, we need to build this house and build it strong, so it can stand the wind and stand the hurricane and get attached to the rock; rooted and grounded and stand against any storm. Israel neglected building the building. Please don’t take any vacations. They said that original foundation was overgrown. What did Jesus say, come apart and rest. There are some times we need to rest our mind and body. A day now and than is good for me; this is my life and it is not something I just do. Building on the temple, make it strong, make it stand. Is it possible to have the Bible as an idol? The paper and letter, the book itself can. But the truth of the word of God cannot, there can be no limit of devotion to the Bible. Swaggert had problems with demons, Branham had problems with demons, after a nervous breakdown twice, he pushed himself too much. God exalted his word above his name. d. The Temple was completed in 516 B.C. e. The Promise of God for His House - Haggai 2:1-9

  1. The Second Expedition a. Under the Leadership of Ezra - b. Seventy three years later with about 6000 people. c. The Jews being in favor with the kings the temple was restored. d. In the years that followed the Jews sank to a low spiritual level. e. The Temple was burned, the land laid waste, the Jews taken captive.

  2. The Third Expedition a. Under the leadership of Nehemiah b. Nehemiah found favor with the king c. Nehemiah and his men rebuilt the walls in fifty two days d. The walls were built under bitter opposition

Nehemiah 2:1-6. The walls were built in 52 days under bitter opposition. They were called the silent years because there was no prophet or preacher at that time. Alexander the Great died at the age of 32. He sat down and wept, and than drank himself to death, because he had conquered the than known world, he had conquered it all, that is why he wept. The beginning of the New Testament, in 63A.D. The Golden head : Babylon, Neb The Silver: Medo Persia The Four centuries between the Old and the New Testament constituted an important period in the history of Palestine. At the close of the Old Testament the Persians were its masters and with the beginning of the New Testament the Romans had become the rulers of the then known world. These are sometimes called the four hundred silent years. The names of the Maccabees became well known during this time.

I. The Fourth Division of this Dispensatio: From the Beginning of the New Testament to the Crucifixion

A. Christ’s Birth The New Testament begins with God announcing Christ’s Birth And that a Jewish maid would bring forth a son in her virginity.Isaiah 7:14 prophesied of it – fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-23 What happened that caused Christ to be born in Bethlehem? Prophesied in Micah 5:2 – fulfilled in Luke 2:1-7 Little is recorded of the life of Jesus until the 30th year. Luke 3:2. John the Baptist was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah by a sign from heaven. John 1:29-34

A. Christ’s Earthly Ministry Jesus gave Testimony of His Ministry Luke 4:16-21 His Ministry was a fulfillment of Prophecy. Isaiah 53:4 confirmed in Mat. 8:17. He fulfilled completely the prophecies concerning the Ministry of the “Servant of Jehovah” A. Christ offers Himself as King The Triumphant Entry. Prophesied in Zech. 9:9 – fulfilled in Mat.21:1-11 Cleanses the Temple Mat. 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-46; John 2:14-17 Heals in the Temple Matthew 21:14

A. Christ Betrayed and Arrested Christ was found guilty by Chief Priests and Elders Matthew 27:1-2 He was brought to Pilate because they could not crucify Him under Roman law. Luke 23:1. The Testimony of Pilate and Herod - Luke 23:12-15 Pilate desired to release Jesus but the Chief Priests and people cried out crucify Him. John 19:12-16

A. Christ Crucified Between the Dispensation of Law and Grace stands the Cross of Christ. The Cross is the place in which all the Prophecies of scripture concerning the redemption of man are centered. The Results of the Cross:

  1. There God’s Justice was satisfied. Rom. 3:24-26

  2. God’s Holiness was vindicated. Heb. 7:26-28

  3. Our Redemption was accomplished. Heb. 9:12; Rev.5:9

  4. Redeemed from the curse of the law. Gal. 3:13

  5. The Promise of Everlasting life. John 3:14-16; Titus 3:7 It was on the cross that the seed of the woman bruised the serpents head Gen. 3:15 The cross was neither a mistake nor a tragedy it was God’s plan before the foundation of the world. I Peter 1:18-20; Rev. 13:8 Study Questions 8: Law: Division III & IV

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Dispensation of Grace

VI. Dispensation of Grace

From Pentecost to the Second Coming of Christ

Romans 6:14—For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 2Cor. 6:1—We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2—(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

From the Sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (the Crucifixion) to the work of Righteousness in the Day of the Lord. From The indwelling of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost To The Second Coming Of Christ (the literal coming not the Secret coming in the air)

The Sixth Dispensation is The Dispensation of Grace- The New Testament Covenant Matt. 28:1-10 Eph:2:8; 4:13; I John 3:2; Rev. 4:1-4

I. The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ

  1. Having tasted death for every man. Heb. 2:9

  2. On the third day rose again. Acts 10:40

  3. God sent an Angel to roll away the stone to reveal the empty tomb.

  4. During the forty days after His Resurrection He showed himself alive. Acts 1:3

The Day of Grace began the day Jesus Christ arose from the dead and He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is well documented for the entire world to know. (Acts 1:3; 2:30; Matt. 28:2,6; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1-3; Acts 2:30; Romans 1:3; 1Cor. 15:3:1Peter 1:3) The ultimate sin of Israel was the crucifixion of their Messiah and King under the leadership of the religious leaders of that day and yet His death wrought their salvation. The Dispensation of Law ended in Judgment. God’s Judgment fell upon the nation in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies under Titus A.D.70. History records that over a million Jews perished at this time and the nation was scattered among the kingdoms of the earth in fulfillment of the warning given through Moses.

Deuteronomy 28:25—The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

I. The Influence of God’s Grace

A. The Saving of the Lost Luke 19:10

  1. Grace is God’s “Kindness toward us through Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 2:7)
  2. GOD”S GRACE deserves all Glorious Praise. (Eph 1:6)
  3. By the giving of the LAW, God's justice and holiness were rendered Glorious;
  4. By the giving of the GOSPEL, His Grace and Mercy are abundantly Glorious. Titus 3:3-6—For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

A. The Building of God’s Church Mat.16:18 The Day of Grace includes the Day of Pentecost. Joel 2:23-32; Acts 2:17-21;Acts 4:8,10; 10:40,44,45. Also, included is God’s work through the Apostles. Eph.3:2-12; Matthew 10:2-4; Romans 1:1,5

A. The Bride of Christ Justified→Sanctified→Glorified. A promise left for the dispensation of the fullness of time. We are Responsible for the truth and are to walk in the light that we have. The Absolute Greatest Test of all is the process to becoming the Bride of Christ.

Rev. 19:7,8—Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Luke 12:36—… men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; … Gen. 24:58—… Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. Ruth 3:3,4—… he will tell thee what thou shalt do. Esther 2:15—… she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. Song 1:4—Draw me, we will run after thee… (5:7;7:10) Psalm 45:9,11,13,14—… upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir… 1Peter 1: 3-5—…To an inheritance …ready to be revealed in the last time.

Man is incapable of equaling the balances with the character and nature of Christ without the Holy Ghost. Eph. 3:11; It is God’s Eternal Purpose to have a people that would see from God’s point of view and act, think and be like God’s Son. Gal.4:7; Eph.4:13; Rom.8:17; Heb.2:10; 2 Cor. 3:18. I Pt. 5:10; God has given man Grace—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense—to do the work in man. God is working the change in man by his grace, and if man should fall, by God’s grace he can have peace with God restored through faith. (Romans 5:1)

A. The Rapture Luke 12:35-38 Oil constitutes having a burning light, light is type of the Spirit. The church will be caught away in the middle of the week, when christ returns secretly in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

A. The Tribulation After the Church is taken out… 2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (the Holy Spirit will only leave in the manner that he came in the New Testament, but he will be as he was in the Old Testament, he will come upon them but not in them). Tribulation is necessary for the Church becausethe church has become worldly and rich but spiritually poor and lukewarm (sickening to the Lord).

The first three and a half years of the Tribulation will be persecution. The first three and half years of tribulation. Mt 24:15 Dan. 12:11; Rev. 12:6; Dan. 12:7 Jer 30:7; Micah 5:3,4;1Thess. 4:16;17

In the last three and a half years of the tribulation hour the judgment and wrath of God will be poured out.The testing under grace will be with Judgment Luke 17:26-30—v. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (2Thess. 2:7 – 12; Rev. 3:15, 16) "the great tribulation." Zeph. 1:15-18; Mat.24:21-22; Rev.7:14

I. The Right Response to God’s Grace

A. Grace is to be continued in. Acts 13:43—… continue in the grace of God. (Romans 6:1)

A. Grace is to be Testified Acts 20:24—…to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

A. Grace IS TO GROW UP IN Acts 20:32—… his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance… 2Peter 3:18—But grow in grace, … (Ephesians 4:15; 1Cor. 15:49; 3:18; 4:11; Php. 3:21)

A. The Day of God's Grace and Longsuffering continues with faith and Love. Rom.2:4; 9:23; 2Cor. 8:7; Eph.2:4; 3:2; I Tim. 1:14; 2Peter 3:9,15

A. The Day of God's Grace and Longsuffering does not last forever Rom.1:18; 2:2-16; 9:22; 14:12; 2Cor. 5:10; 2Peter 3:10

I. The Spirit of Grace

Zech. 12:10-14—v.10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

A. A Great Blessing - vs. 10 "I will pour upon the house of David...the Spirit of grace and of supplications"

  1. An Act of God - "I will pour" Implies abundance - Joel 2:28 2. Results of The Outpouring - (1) To the sinner - John 16:8-11 a. "The Spirit of grace" Leads to salvation – b. "The Spirit of supplications" Leads to repentance and prayer– (2) To the Believer - John 16:13-15

A. A Great Revelation - vs. 10 "they shall look upon me whom they have pierced" Almost 2,000 years ago, they despised and rejected Him - they said, "we will not have this man to reign over us." They cried for His crucifixion.

  1. They shall look to Him - "In that day" - The day He returns. Acts 1:11 "This same Jesus." He shall appear bearing the marks of the Cross in His hands. Zech.13:6 "And one shall say unto Him, What are these wounds in thine hands." These wounds are the marks of His identity -He still bears those wounds - John 20:20 The wounds will remain through all eternity - as a witness to His triumphant resurrection over death.
  2. To look implies three things: (1) Revelation - Psa. 34:5 (2) Salvation - Isa. 45:22 (3) Faith - Heb. 12:2.

A. A Great Revival - vs. 10-12

  1. Their mourning compared to two things –(1) The loss of an only son (2) The loss of a firstborn son. Their blindness and unbelief have been great; now they have discovered their awful guilt in crucifying their long looked for Messiah.

  2. The mourning will be universal - "Every family apart" (1) First the royal family - "The family of the house of David" Nathan - the son of David (2) Next the Priest-hood - "The family of the house of Levi" Shimei - son of a Levite (3) Next the rest of the people - vs. 14 "All the families that remain" No one is exempted. The royal - the peasant - the rich - the poor - the great - the small. They must all repent.In every house there will be tears of repentance and confession. Also in every house there will be a well of new-found joy springing up in their hearts. Their long looked for Messiah has come, and brought salvation and deliverance.

Dispensation of Righteousness

VII. Dispensation of Righteousness

From the Second Coming of Christ

  1. Dispensation of Righteousness - Kingdom Covenant Rev. 22:1-21

The final purpose in the plan of God is fulfilled, where righteousness reigns in man and not sin. God is going to work a complete work in us. The New Heaven and New Earth is only the backdrop to the goal and heart of God—fellowship completely restored. God is a holy God and cannot and will not fellowship with sin, but God in his infinite love and knowledge has made a way for us to enter into a place of unrestricted communion with Him separate from sin.

Description of the Dispensation of Righteousness Revelation 20:1-21

a. God’s Intent b. God’s Timeline Christ reigns through Righteousness After the Seven Years of the Tribulation hour when the wrath of God is poured out in judgment to bring men to repentance, Christ will return to the earth, He will reign in Righteousness over the earth for one thousand years. This is the millennium reign of Christ. The seat of His power will be New Jerusalem, and the saints, will be associated with Him in His glory. (See Isa. 2:1-4; Isa. 11; Acts 15:14-17; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 20:1-6. Re 20:3, 7-8 Satan is loosed a little season, he finds the heart is easily deceived and effortlessly gathers the nations to battle against the Lord and His saints, known as the battle armengedomn and this last dispensation closes, like all the others, in judgment. The great white throne is set, the wicked dead are raised and finally judged, and then come the "new heaven and a new earth." Eternity is begun. (See Rev. 20:3,7-15; Rev. 21 and 22.)" Study Questions 9: Grace & Righteousness

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Extras

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Syllabus 2008

Teacher Stephen G

Deliverance Bible Institute 2008-09

DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH

Syllabus


IMPACT ON FINAL GRADE

Attendance 20%

Assignments 10%

Study Questions 30%

Quizzes 30%

Final Exam 10%

Active Participation 5% bonus (maximum)

Course Calendar


Oct 15 Week 1 Pages 1-3

22 Week 2 Pages 1-3

29 Week 3 Pages 4, 5

Nov 5 Week 4 SQ1 due

12 Week 5 Q1 due

19 Week 6

<<<NOVEMBER 22 thru December 1 – THANKSGIVNG VACATION>>>

Dec 3 Week 7

10 Week 8 SQ2 due

17 Week 9 Q2 due

<<<DECEMBER 20 THRU JANUARY 5 – CHRISTMAS VACATION>>>

Jan 7 Week 10

14 Week 11

21 Week 12 SQ3 due

28 Week 13 Q3 due

Feb 4 Week 14

11 Week 15 SQ4 due

<<<FEBRUARY 14 thru 23 VACATION>>>

25 Week 16 Q4 due

Mar 4 Week 17

11 Week 18 SQ5 due

18 Week 19 Q5 due

Mar 25 Week 20

April 1 Week 21

<<<April 4 thru 13 VACATION>>>

15 Week 21 SQ6 due

22 Week 22 Q6 due

29 Week 23


May 6 Week 24

13 Week 25

20 Week 26 SQ7 due & Q7

27 Week 27 FINAL EXAM / ALL ASSIGNMENTS DUE

Extras

SQ: Introduction

Study Questions 1: Introduction

  1. What is a dispensation? A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God.

  2. How many dispensations are there? There are seven dispensations.

  3. Name the dispensations.

  4. Dispensation of Innocence

  5. Dispensation of Conscience

  6. Dispensation of Human Government (Self-will)

  7. Dispensation of Promise

  8. Dispensation of Law

  9. Dispensation of Grace

  10. Dispensation of Righteousness)

  11. What are the three main periods of history?

  12. Antediluvian Age

  13. Present Age

  14. Age to Come

  15. What is an age? An age is the period of time from one marked or violent change in the earth to another marked change involving the earth’s inhabitants.

  16. Name the seven phases of the earth.

  17. Original Earth

  18. Chaotic Earth

  19. Edenic Earth

  20. Antediluvian Earth

  21. Present Earth

  22. Millennial Earth

  23. New Heaven and New Earth

  24. What does the Hebrew word “tohuw” mean? to lie waste; a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain:--confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness.

  25. What does the Hebrew word “bohuw” mean? (meaning to be empty); a vacuity, i.e. (superficially) an ndistinguishable ruin:--emptiness, void

  26. Give scripture to prove the triunity of God. I John 5:7; Matthew 3:17; John 5:19; John 14:26; John 15:26

  27. Using something from creation, illustrate the triunity of God? i.e., The Universe – Space, Matter, Time

  28. What are the three themes to God’s eternal purpose?

  29. Revelation

  30. Redemption

  31. Realization

  32. What are the three ministries of the Son?

  33. The ministry of Prophet

  34. The ministry of Priest

  35. The ministry of King

  36. Tell what God did on the first day of Re-Creation. God created light – Genesis 1:3-5

  37. Tell what God did on the third day of Re-Creation. God created Dry land, Vegetation

  38. Tell What God did on the sixth day of Re-Creation. Created the Animals and Man.

Extras

SQ: Promise

Study Questions 5: Promise

  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Promise cover? The Dispensation of Promise covered from the call of Abraham to the Exodus.

  2. How long a period of time did this Dispensation of Promise cover? The Dispensation of Promise was 430 years long.

  3. From where did this dispensation get its name? The Dispensation of Promise got its name from the promise made to Abraham and his seed.

  4. What did God do to the people at Babel? God confused the people at Babel with different languages that they could not understand.

  5. Into what did the people change the incorruptible God? They changed the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

  6. What kind of worship was common in Chaldea and Egypt? Serpent worship was common in Chaldea and Egypt.

  7. What is another name for this dispensation? Another name for this dispensation is the Patriarchal Dispensation.

  8. What did God refer to Abraham as? God referred to Abraham as His friend.

  9. What are the three religions that Abraham is considered to be the father of? The Jewish Religion – Isaac The Mohammed Religion – Ishmael The Christian Religion – through Christ (through the seed of Abraham)

  10. Where did Abraham live when God called him? Abraham lived in Haran.

  11. What do we know of the city and their religious background? We know that it was a heathen background and that they worshipped the moon god.

  12. What was God’s command to Abraham? God’s command to Abraham was “Get you out of your father’s country”.

  13. What did God promise if Abraham would obey? “I will bless thee”

  14. What were the two symbols that Abraham was known for? An alter A tent

  15. What is said of the Jew in regards to history? It is said of the Jew that they are the miracle of history.

  16. What is the land of Canaan known as? The land of Canaan is known as a land bridge between the north and the south.

Study Questions 5: Promise, continued 17. What is the size of Canaan? Canaan is from Dan to Beersheba – 155 miles long, 55 miles wide.

  1. What were the two seasons? The two seasons were a wet and dry season (early and the latter rains).

  2. What were the three promises of the Abrahamic Covenant? A. Seed shall be as dust of the earth B. Stars of the sky C. Father of many nations

  3. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born.

  4. What was Sarah’s reaction to the promise of a son? Sarah laughed.

  5. What does Isaac mean? Isaac means laughter.

  6. Who did Abraham send to get a wife for his son? Abraham sent his servant

  7. What was the girl’s name? Rebecca

  8. What did her name mean? To ensnare by beauty

  9. How old was Isaac when he married Rebecca? Isaac was forty years old.

  10. What was unusual about Rebecca being with child? That she was with twins; which were in essence two nations in her womb.

  11. What are the meanings of her son’s names? Esau – means hairy, rough, red Jacob – means heal holder, supplanter, trickster

  12. Who is Joseph a type of? Joseph is a type of Christ.

  13. What are the 6 steps to the Throne for Joseph and, spiritually speaking, for us? A. Resistance of evil B. Divinely favored C. Providential circumstances D. Honored God E. Divine revelation F. Exalted to the throne

  14. What did the Dispensation of Promise end in? The Dispensation of Promise ended in Judgment.

Extras

SQ: Innocence

Study Questions 2: Innocence

  1. What was the first Dispensations? The Dispensation of Innocence was the first dispensation.

  2. What period of time does the Antediluvian Age cover? The Antediluvian Age covers from the Re-creation of the earth to the flood.

  3. What period of time does the first Dispensation cover? The Dispensation of Innocence covers from the creation of Man to the expulsion from the Garden.

  4. What state was man created in? Man was created in Innocence.

  5. What was man commanded to do in Genesis 1:28? Man was commanded to …Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth… in Genesis 1:28.

  6. What was the environment the man was in? It was a perfect environment.

  7. What does Eden mean in Hebrew? pleasure:--delicate, delight, pleasure. See also 1040.

  8. What was man commanded to do to the garden? Man was commanded …to dress it and to keep it…

  9. What was man tested on? Man was tested on obedience to not eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil as the Lord commaned.

  10. What is the meaning of Free Moral Agent? The meaning of the term “free moral agent” is the right to choose.

  11. What was the source of the temptation? Satan was the source of the temptation.

  12. What does Satan use lies to do? Satan uses lies to deceive us.

  13. What were the three areas of temptation? A. “The lust of the flesh” B. “The lust of the eye” C. “The pride of life” Study Questions 2: Innocence, continued

  14. How did Jesus overcome the temptation? Jesus overcame the temptation by the written word.

  15. What was Satan’s purpose in the temptation? Satan’s purpose in the temptation was to spoil God’s purpose in the creation of man to repopulate the earth with a holy race.

  16. What was destroyed in man in yielding to the temptation? Their innocence was destroyed in yielding to the temptation.

  17. What makes innocence righteousness? The test makes innocence righteousness.

  18. What did man become conscious of when he failed the test? When man failed the test he became self-conscious, and aware of his sin.

  19. What did the first Dispensation end in? The First Dispensation (Innocence) ended in judgment and expulsion.

  20. What was the Edonic Dispensation characterized by? The Edenic Dispensation was characterized by the absence of sin & the presence of God.

BONUS: What can we conclude after man sinned while enjoying a state of utter innocence and a perfect environment? Innocence and a perfect environment are not enough of a safe-guard to prevent sin. Man’s needs the grace of God to overcome sin.

Extras

Quizzes

Quiz 1: Introduction

  1. What is a dispensation? A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God.

  2. How many dispensations are there? There are seven dispensations.

  3. Name the dispensations.

  4. Dispensation of Innocence

  5. Dispensation of Conscience

  6. Dispensation of Human Government (Self-will)

  7. Dispensation of Promise

  8. Dispensation of Law

  9. Dispensation of Grace

  10. Dispensation of Righteousness)

  11. What are the three main periods of history?

  12. Antediluvian Age

  13. Present Age

  14. Age to Come

  15. What is an age? An age is the period of time from one marked or violent change in the earth to another marked change involving the earth’s inhabitants.

  16. Name the seven phases of the earth.

  17. Original Earth

  18. Chaotic Earth

  19. Edenic Earth

  20. Antediluvian Earth

  21. Present Earth

  22. Millennial Earth

  23. New Heaven and New Earth

  24. Give scripture to prove the triunity of God. I John 5:7; Matthew 3:17; John 5:19; John 14:26; John 15:26

  25. Using something from creation, illustrate the triunity of God? i.e., The Universe – Space, Matter, Time

  26. What are the three themes to God’s eternal purpose?

  27. Revelation

  28. Redemption

  29. Realization

  30. What are the three ministries of the Son?

  31. The ministry of Prophet

  32. The ministry of Priest The ministry Quiz 2: Innocence

  33. What period of time does the Antediluvian Age cover? The Antediluvian Age covers from the Re-creation of the earth to the flood.

  34. What period of time does the first Dispensation cover? The Dispensation of Innocence covers from the creation of Man to the expulsion from the Garden.

  35. What state was man created in? Man was created in Innocence.

  36. What does Eden mean in Hebrew? pleasure:--delicate, delight, pleasure. See also 1040.

  37. What was man tested on? Man was tested on obedience to not eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil as the Lord commaned.

  38. What is the meaning of Free Moral Agent? The meaning of the term “free moral agent” is the right to choose.

  39. What was the source of the temptation? Satan was the source of the temptation.

  40. What were the three areas of temptation?

A. Lust of the flesh”

B. Lust of the eyes

C. Pride of life

  1. What was destroyed in man in yielding to the temptation? Their innocence was destroyed in yielding to the temptation.

  2. What did the first Dispensation end in? The First Dispensation (Innocence) ended in judgment and expulsion.

  3. What was the Edonic Dispensation characterized by? The Edenic Dispensation was characterized by the absence of sin & the presence of God.

Quiz 3: Conscience

  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Conscience cover? The Dispensation of Conscience covered from the expulsion from Eden to the Flood.

  2. What did man lose as a result of his fall? Man, lost as a result of his fall, his “God-consciousness”.

  3. Why could not the conscience keep man from doing wrong? The conscience could not keep man from doing wrong because the conscience imparts no power.

  4. What is the meaning of the names Cain, Abel and Seth? Cain – means acquired or getting Abel – means vapor or vanity Seth – means appointed or replacing

  5. What were the sacrifices that Cain and Abel offered? Cain offered a sacrifice of fruit and Abel offered a sacrifice of blood.

  6. Why did Satan want to destroy Abel? Satan wanted to destroy the Promised Seed.

  7. What does knowledge without God produce? Knowledge without God can only produce a “god-less” civilization.

  8. What rule was Enoch an exception to? Enoch was an exception to the rule of death.

  9. What does Enoch mean? Enoch means dedicated, instructed, disciplined, initiated, acquainted with mystery or secrets.

  10. What is Enoch a type of? Enoch is a type of the Bride – Overcomer.

  11. What is Methuselah a type of? Methuselah is a type of the Church.

  12. What is Noah a type of? Noah is a type of the saved, preserved through Judgment.

  13. Who are the Sons of God referred to in Gen. 6:2? The “sons of Seth”, possibly possessed by demons.

  14. What was God’s reaction to this godless civilization? God’s reaction to this godless civilization was repented, grieved, and I will destroy.

  15. What did the Dispensation of Conscience end in? The Dispensation of Conscience ended in judgment. Quiz 4: Human Government

  16. What period of time did the Dispensation of Human Government cover? The Dispensation of Human Government covered from the flood to the dispersion of Babel.

  17. What was God’s command after the Flood? God’s command after the flood was to “Go forth from the ark” and “Be fruitful and multiply”.

  18. What was Noah’s first act upon leaving the Ark? Noah’s first act upon leaving the Ark was that he “built an alter unto the Lord”.

  19. What was the covenant that God made with Noah? The covenant that God made with Noah was – That He would not destroy the earth again with a flood.

  20. What was the sign of the covenant? The sign of the covenant was a rainbow.

  21. Under Human Government what could man now eat? “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you” was what man could now eat.

  22. What was man forbidden to eat? Blood was forbidden to be eaten.

  23. What did Noah do after he planted a vineyard? Noah became drunken after he planted a vineyard.

  24. What does this prove concerning man governing himself? This proves that man cannot govern himself.

  25. What was the curse put upon Canaan? The curse was that Canaan was to be a servant.

  26. Who were the sons of Ham? The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan.

  27. Who was Japheth the father of? Japheth was the father of the Gentiles.

  28. Who was Shem the father of? Shem was the father of Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.

  29. What happened to the earth after the flood? After the flood the earth was divided into nations.

  30. What did the Dispensation of Human Government end in? The Dispensation of Human Government ended in judgment.

Quiz 5: Promise

  1. What period of time did the Dispensation of Promise cover & how long was it? The Dispensation of Promise covered from the call of Abraham to the Exodus.

  2. Into what did the people change the incorruptible God? They changed the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

  3. What is another name for this dispensation? Another name for this dispensation is the Patriarchal Dispensation.

  4. What are the three religions that Abraham is considered to be the father of? The Jewish Religion – Isaac The Mohammed Religion – Ishmael The Christian Religion – through Christ (through the seed of Abraham)

  5. What do we know of Haran and its religious background? We know that it was a heathen background and that they worshipped the moon god.

  6. What was God’s command to Abraham? God’s command to Abraham was “Get you out of your father’s country”.

  7. What is said of the Jew in regards to history? It is said of the Jew that they are the miracle of history.

  8. What were the three promises of the Abrahamic Covenant? A. Seed shall be as dust of the earth B. Stars of the sky C. Father of many nations

  9. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born.

  10. What does Isaac mean? Isaac means laughter.

  11. What was unusual about Rebecca being with child? That she was with twins; which were in essence two nations in her womb.

  12. What are the meanings of Rebecca’s sons’ names (Jacob & Esau? Esau – means hairy, rough, red Jacob – means heal holder, supplanter, trickster

  13. Who is Joseph a type of? Joseph is a type of Christ.

  14. What are the 6 steps to the Throne for Joseph and, spiritually speaking, for us? A. Resistance of evil B. Divinely favored C. Providential circumstances D. Honored God E. Divine revelation F. Exalted to the throne

  15. What did the Dispensation of Promise end in? The Dispensation of Promise ended in Judgment.

Quiz 6: Law: Division I

Quiz 7: Law: Division II

Quiz 8: Law: Divsions III & IV

Quiz 9: Grace & Righteousness FINAL EXAM What is a dispensation? Name the dispensations. What are the three themes to God’s eternal purpose? What period of time did the Dispensation of Conscience cover? Why did Satan want to destroy Abel? What is Enoch a type of? What was Noah’s a type of?

Extras

Notes for Reference

Addendum

Original Creation to Recreation

Original Creation to Recreation

Gen. 1:1—In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Most Young Earth creationist organizations reject the gap theory, and say it is unscriptural, unscientific, and not necessary, in its various forms. YECs assert that the entire universe is only 6-10 thousand years old.

Neh. 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

  1. The Chaotic Earth - Gen. 1:2

(1) Scripture speaks of angels and authorities Rom. 8:38-39; Eph.1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:15; I Peter 3:22 Original creation was inhabited

Lucifer was its ruler Isa. 14:12-16 Eze. 28:11-17

He was created - vs. 15 He was anointed - vs. 14 He was perfect - vs. 15 His sin - Pride Eze. 28:17 Isa. 14:12-13 The effects of Lucifer’s sin - Rev. 12:4-9

(2) In Judging Lucifer God judged his kingdom Gen. 1:2 The Word “was” “Hyah” “became” “Tohu and Bohu” Jer 4:23

Refutations to Ruin and Reconstruction Theory

Refutations of ‘The Gap Theory’ or ‘Ruin & Reconstruction Theory’

  1. Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:”

ARGUMENT: “RE-plenish means to fill AGAIN. This suggests it WAS full, then emptied and now needing to be filled AGAIN.”

Refutation: The Hebrew word here is male’. It is found in 240 verses. In all of these uses the emphasis of the word is to relay the thought of ‘making full’ or ‘wholly (completely)’ and not necessarily to make full again. (That is to say, it is not the ONLY way to translate the word.) EXAMPLES: Gen. 42:25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.

Gen. 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Ex. 1:7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Job 15:2 Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?

GODHEAD

THEIOS - Acts 17:29; 2 Pt. 1:3,4 The Godhead; THE ONE TRUE GOD Used instead of Theos purposely---(general: a god, or diety; not as strong a term)

THEIOTES - Romans 1:20 → the attributes of God; His Divine Nature and Properties

How much of God can be known from the revelation of Himself which may be known from the revelation of Himself which men may everywhere trace in the world around them. It is not the ‘personal God’ which men may know by these aids. He can be known only by the revelation of Himself in His Son. Hence:

THEOTES Col. 2:9 → The Divine Essence of God; personality of God

In the Son dwells the fullness of absolute Godhead (not temporally, not FILLED with, but was, is and always will be GOD

Characteristics of The Devil Gen. 3:1-5

  1. Subtle- Vs. 1 Cunning -Crafty -Artful -Sly Treacherous -Operating secretly - Tricky -Slippery -II Cor. 11:3 Concealed himself ~ used a serpent

  2. Tempter -Vs. 1

"Said unto the woman" Tempted the woman when alone. Matt.4:3 I Thess. 3:5

  1. Seducer -Vs. 1

"Yea, hath God said, he shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" I Chron. 21:1 Acts 5:3

  1. Deceiver -Vs. 1

"Ye shall not eat of every tree" II Cor. 11:3 E hp. 4:14 Rev. 12:9

  1. Liar -Vs. 4

"Ye shall not surely die" John 8:44

  1. Slanderer -Vs. 5

"For God doth know" Job 1:9-11 Rev. 12:10

  1. Thief -Vs. 6

"And when the woman saw" Matt. 13:19 John 10:10

The Ancient View of Early Antiquity

Early literate civilizations generally looked back to antiquity as the "golden Age," and thought of their own era as decadent.

  1. The ancient Egyptians mention their first historical epoch as the time: the gods ruled upon the earth.

  2. The Chinese refer to the years before their great flood as when man reached his greatest perfection.

  3. The sages of India thought of history in terms of four ages: the first of these, the Krita age, was the most glorious—when man knew no disease and lived for 400 years; the next two ages showed a steady degeneration from this time; then came the flood and after it this present age of Kali, the darkest time of human existence.

  4. The Greeks, too, perceived human history in terms of four ages: the best of these, the "Golden Age," ended when the: first woman, Pandora, opened the forbidden box; the following, ages of Silver and Bronze showed a steady worsening of the human condition; then came the flood and this present era.

FIND PLACE F OR NOTES:

  1. Dispensation of Innocence - Edenic Covenant Gen. 1:1-3:24 God created man perfect and in His own image. God deals with man as a perfect infant—untested, but perfect still the same. Sin had not entered the world and so man for the first and last time was initially innocent.
  2. Dispensation of Conscience - Adamaic Covenant Gen. 4:1-8:19 God deals with man in the Dispensation of Conscience by his conscience. Everyone is born with a conscience which is not a curse but the providence of God at work. God has placed within man the awareness of what is right or wrong, of acts and motives then God holds man responsible to his conscience.
  3. Dispensation of Human Government-Noahaic Covenant Gen.8:20-11:32 Man left to himself will self destruct, because of his carnal nature he is very heavily driven by his flesh and emotions, and so for a guiding force, God instituted human government. This did not replace man’s responsibility to God, but was to serve as a lower court of sorts. Man is ultimately responsible to God.
  4. Dispensation of Promise- Abrahamic Covenant Gen. 12:1-Ex. 12:10 In God’s dealing with man we see a new method, not replacing any before this point, but a step higher and closer to an intimate relationship being restored between God and man. God, Who owes no one anything, but in Him all things have their existence and by Him ALL things are made, The Lord is the One making covenants and promises with believers.
  5. Dispensation of Law- Mosaic Covenant Ex. 19:1-Matt. 1:1-25 The Dispensation of Law is clearly as vital to the perfect plan of God as the others, and yet the law is most often despised. The Law is rigid and unbending, and this is the narrow picture most have of God. The law though was not the full plan of God, but was as a Tutor “School Master” (Galatians 3:24) to teach man what God is expecting of man. Before we have the “What” (to know) but in the dispensation of Grace, God gives man the “How”(the enablement). (Romans 8:3)
  6. Dispensation of Grace- New Testament Covenant Matt. 28:1-10 Eph:2:8; 4:13; I John 3:2; Rev. 4:1-4 Man is incapable of equaling the balances with the character and nature of Christ without the Holy Ghost. Eph. 3:11; It is God’s Eternal Purpose to have a people that would see from God’s point of view and act, think and be like God’s Son. Gal.4:7; Eph.4:13; Rom.8:17; Heb.2:10; 2Cor. 3:18 “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” I Pt. 5:10; God has given man Grace—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense—to do the work in man. God is working the change in man by his grace, and if man should fall, by God’s grace he can have peace with God restored through faith. (Romans 5:1)
  7. Dispensation of Righteousness - Kingdom Covenant Rev. 22:1-21 Here is where the final purpose in the plan of God is fulfilled, where righteousness reigns in man and not sin. God is going to work a complete work in us. The New Heaven and New Earth is only the backdrop to the goal and heart of God—fellowship completely restored. God is a holy God and cannot and will not fellowship with sin, but God in his infinite love and knowledge has made a way for us to enter into a place of unrestricted communion with Him separate from sin.

The Seven Tests of the Dispensations Test - Failure - Judgment

  1. The First dispensation,( Gen.1:1-3:24) of innocence was with one specific test; do not touch the tree of knowledge of good and evil. a. 1:28- Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion--- Rule over all creatures and the earth. b. 1:29 “every herb bearing seed… to you it shall be for meat”. c. 2:15 God put Adam in the “garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it”. d. 2:16 Man may eat of all trees in the Garden - (but one). e. 2:17 Man MUST NOT eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. f. 2:24-25 Man and wife must work together as one.

  2. The Second dispensation,( Gen. 4:1-8:19) of Conscience was with the added test to obey your conscience. The specific test which all had to pass was two-fold. a. Must obey your conscience of right and wrong, good and evil. b. Acceptable blood sacrifices offered by faith for true worship.

  3. The Third Dispensation, ( Gen. 8:20-11:32) of Human Government was with the test be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and he failed. God’s rule demonstrated that mankind would not obey God on a threefold basis a. The human conscience b. Restraint of lawlessness by the Holy Ghost striving against sin.

  4. Abraham’s prayer and witnessing

  5. God’s Judgment on sinful people and cities c. Human government, man would not be able to judge himself properly..

  6. The fourth dispensation, (Gen. 12:1- 18:27) of Promise is with a test to believe for the Promised Son. God’s special dealing with Abraham is made evident in Gal.3:15-22; Heb.6:13-15 A principle is a ruling factor if it makes a difference in the way people live. God intended His promises to Abraham and his seed to make a difference in the way that they would live. Hebrews 11:8-30 demonstrates the fact that God’s promises did make a difference in the lives of Abraham and his seed. a. The human conscience b. The restraint of lawlessness through the Holy Ghost striving once again against sin. c. Human government d. Plus the Promises of God to Abraham The fourth dispensation is distinct from the third by adding the promises to Abraham’s conscience. I. The special revelation God gave to Abraham and his seed in the fourth dispensation is in Genesis 12:2-3; 13:14-17; 15; 17:1-22; 22:16-18.

  7. God made personal promises to Abraham. He would bless him, make his name great, give him many physical descendants, make him the father of many nations, give him the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and bless those who would bless him and curse those who would curse him .

  8. God made national promises concerning Israel. He would bring Israel into existence as a nation and make it great, give Israel the land of Canaan forever, and establish the Abrahamic Covenant with the nation as an everlasting covenant. 3.`God also made a universal promise. He would give blessing to all the families of the earth through Abraham’s seed. (Messiah-Redeemer-The Promised Seed)

II. The responsibility of Abraham and his seed in the fourth dispensation was a test to obey God on a fourfold basis of the human conscience, Abram and his descendants failed the test; they disobeyed God as the result of lapses of faith concerning the fulfillment of His promises. Abram fathered Ishmael through Hagar, because he failed to believe God’s promise to give him a son through Sarah, his wife. Twice he lied concerning his wife. Isaac lied concerning Rebekah, his wife. Jacob was a great deceiver. The Jews did not return from Egypt to Canaan after the famine of Joseph’s time ended. They forgot their destiny was related to the promised land of Canaan rather than Egypt. This failure brought divine judgment to the Jews they have continued to have problems with Ishmael’s descendants. Through time they were subjected to slavery and threatened with extinction in Egypt.

  1. The fifth dispensation of Law Ex19:1;Mt.27:56;Mk15:4;Lk.23:49;Jn.19:30 Extended from the giving of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Mount Calvary and rent veil. The fifth dispensation had five ruling factors which God used to governed Israel: a. The Human conscience b. The restraint of lawlessness by the Holy Spirit, c. Human government, d. The Promises of God e. plus the Mosaic Law. The central core of the Mosaic Law (the ten commandments) was written on tables of stone. The Law inflicted external penalties upon those who broke its precepts. The Mosaic Law was a totally external way of God administering His rule over Israel (it should be noted that God gave the Mosaic Law exclusively to Israel, not to the Gentiles—see Romans 2:14 and 9:4). Thus, the Apostle Paul declared that the Mosaic Law functioned as (an external moral restrainer, Galatians 3:23-25).

The special revelation that God gave to Israel for the fifth dispensation is recorded in Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy. It consisted of the Mosaic Law with its 613 commandments. These gave in detail God’s will for the moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects of Israel’s life. The test would be for them to obey God on a fivefold basis. The people of Israel failed the test of the fifth dispensation. They broke the Mosaic Law repeatedly Jer. 31:32; Ez 16. God told them that they had a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26; Zechariah 7:12). This failure brought God’s judgment upon Israel. The nation suffered many judgments during the fifth dispensation. Among the worst were the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, the Greek and Roman oppressions, Israel’s temporary removal from its place of blessing (Romans 11), and its worldwide dispersion as the result of its rejection of Christ. Ex 19:1-8; 2K 17:1-18; 25:1-11; Ac 2:22-23;7:51-52; Ro3:19-20;10:5; Gal3:10

The Usage Of The Word For Dispensation In The New Testament The word oikonomia appears nine times in the New Testament. In six of these appearances (Luke 16:2-4; 1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25) it is translated stewardship or dispensation and refers to a responsible office or ministry entrusted to one’s care by a higher authority. In the other three appearances (Ephesians 1:10; 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:4) it is translated dispensation, fellowship, and edifying in the King James Version and administration in the New American Standard Bible. In these three passages it refers to a particular way of God administering His rule over the world. Ephesians 1:10 is of special interest, because it appears to refer to the particular way that God will administer His rule over the world in the future Millennium (the Millennial Dispensation). Ephesians 3:9 and 1 Timothy 1:4 refer to the particular way that God administers His rule now (the present dispensation). A Definition Of The Term Dispensation As It Relates To Dispensational Theology In light of the usage of the word for dispensation in the New Testament, the term dispensation as it relates to Dispensational Theology could be defined as follows: a dispensation is a particular way of God administering His rule over the world as He progressively works out His purpose for world history. Essential Characteristics Of Each Dispensation In order for each dispensation to be distinct from all other dispensations, it must have three essential characteristics. First, it must have a particular way of God administering His rule. Each dispensation is characterized by a unique ruling factor or combination of ruling factors. Second, it must involve a particular responsibility for man. Each dispensation makes mankind responsible to obey God in accordance with the dispensation’s unique ruling factor or combination of factors. Third, it must be characterized by divine revelation which had not been given before. In order for mankind to know God’s new way of ruling and the new responsibility, mankind must have these things revealed to it. Thus, each new dispensation requires new revelation from God The Apostle Paul indicated that the present dispensation is definitely related to new revelation which God gave to the apostles and New Testament prophets (Ephesians 3:2-10). Secondary Characteristics Of Each Dispensation The fact that each new dispensation involves a newly revealed responsibility for mankind indicates that each dispensation also has three secondary characteristics. First, each dispensation applies a test to mankind. The nature of the test is whether or not mankind will perfectly obey God’s rule by fulfilling the responsibility which is characteristic of that dispensation. Second, each dispensation demonstrates the failure of mankind to obey the particular rule of God which characterizes that dispensation. Third, each dispensation involves divine judgment because of mankind’s failure

DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY (Lewis S. Chafer, John Walvoord, Tim LaHaye, John Nelson Darby, C.I. Scofield) COVENANT THEOLOGY (Charles Hodge, Loraine Boettner, Louis Berkhof, John Murray, B.B. Warfield)

  1. May be Arminian or modified Calvinist.   Usually 5-point. . 2.Accepts 'normal' interpretation of the Bible text (allows both literal and figurative)

  2. Almost always accepts the idea of The "Analogy of Faith."  

  3. "Israel" may mean either literal, physical descendants of Jacob or the figurative, spiritual Israel, depending on context.

5.  "Israel of God" in Gal. 6:16 means spiritual Israel, parallel to Gal. 3:29; Rom. 2:28-29 , 9:6; Phil. 3:3.

6.  God has gradually developed His people. . 7.  The Church was born at Pentecost The Church began in prophecy O. T. (Acts 7:38) and reached fulfillment in the N. T.

8.  There are many O. T. prophecies of the N. T. Church.

9.  Some O. T. prophecies are for the literal nation of Israel, others are for spiritual Israel.

10.  God's main purpose in history is Christ and secondarily the Church.

11.  The Church is the culmination of God"s saving purpose for the ages.

12.  The main heir to Abraham"s covenant was Christ and spiritual Israel.

13.  The eternal Covenant of Redemption was within the Trinity to effect election.

14.  God made a conditional Covenant of Works* with Adam as representative forall his posterity.

15.  God made a Covenant of Grace with Christ and His people, including Adam.

16.  Israel was right to accept the Covenant Mt.  Sinai.

17.  The "New Covenant" of Jer. 31 is the same as in Lk. 22; both are for spiritual Israel according to Heb. 8.

18.  God"s program in history is mainly through related covenants. 

19.  No man has ever been saved by works, but only by grace. . 20.  All men who have ever been saved have been saved by faith in Christ as their sin-bearer, which has been progressively revealed in every age.

21.  O. T. believers believed in the Gospel of Messiah as sin-bearer mainly by the sacrifices as types and prophecies. 22. The Holy Spirit indwells only believers in the dispensation of Grace, not O.T. and not after the Rapture.  

23.  Jesus made only an offer of the spiritual Kingdom, which was rejected by literal Israel but has gradually been accepted by spiritual Israel. 24. O.T. believers were not in Christ, not part of the Body or Bride of Christ.  

. 25.  The Law has 3 uses: to restrain sin in society, to lead to Christ, and to instruct  Christians in godliness.  The ceremonial Laws have been abolished; the civil laws have been abolished except for their general equity; the moral laws continue.

26.  O. T. laws are still in effect unless abrogated in the N.T.

27.  The Church is the Kingdom of God.  Covenanters are usually AMillennial, sometimes Pre-Millennial or Post-Millennial, rarely Pre-Tribulational.

Original Creation to Recreation

Gen. 1:1—In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Most Young Earth creationist organizations reject the gap theory, and say it is unscriptural, unscientific, and not necessary, in its various forms. YECs assert that the entire universe is only 6-10 thousand years old.

Neh. 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

  1. The Chaotic Earth - Gen. 1:2

(1) Scripture speaks of angels and authorities Rom. 8:38-39; Eph.1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:15; I Peter 3:22 Original creation was inhabited

Lucifer was its ruler Isa. 14:12-16 Eze. 28:11-17

He was created - vs. 15 He was anointed - vs. 14 He was perfect - vs. 15 His sin - Pride Eze. 28:17 Isa. 14:12-13 The effects of Lucifer’s sin - Rev. 12:4-9

(2) In Judging Lucifer God judged his kingdom Gen. 1:2 The Word “was” “Hyah” “became” “Tohu and Bohu” Jer 4:23

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Editor Notes

Dispensational Truth

Page 36 retype Dispensation of Law Starting with DIVISION 1. DONE

Retype Law DIVISION II

Retype Law DIVISION III

Retype Law Dispensation of GRace

Retype Law Dispensation of Righteousness

Extras

Class Notes

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Extras

Article: THEME OF THE BIBLE by Tom L. Ballinger

PLAINER WORDS ONLINE …

THEME OF THE BIBLE - THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 by Tom L. Ballinger

The theme of the Bible, without question, is the Kingdom of God. This is said in the full acknowledgment of the fact that Jesus Christ is the Chief Person of the Book. It is true that all Scripture points to the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the references are very subtle, and others are very obvious. He is the principal Person, the leading Character, if you please. He is the LORD (Yahweh) of the Old Testament and the Lord Jesus Christ of the New. Despite these facts, the main theme of the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, is the Kingdom of God.  

Any book that makes sense that transmits an idea must have a principal idea, a vision, a premise, a story-line, or plot. For those, like so many church-going, pew-sitting Christians, who don’t have a clue—they think the Bible is a confusing Book. And they must have a preacher to tell them what is relevant and what they should believe. The problem, if not of laziness, is that they, themselves, have failed to find the central theme of the Bible—the Kingdom of God. 

The actual term, the “Kingdom of God,” is not found in the Old Testament, but that doesn’t mean the truth concerning it is absent. The fact is that a thousand and one prophetic declarations are found in the Old Testament which are, later, summed-up in the New Testament under the designation: the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven (these two terms are synonymous). 

The New Testament opens and begins with the announcement that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” These terms are indicative that they have been a previously, well-known doctrine. The simple announcement, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand,” is made without explaining its meaning to the Jewish audience to whom this announcement was made. This fact clearly presupposes that the subject matter contained in the expression—the Kingdom of God, needed no defining, or explaining. So, it can safely be said that in the opening pages of the New Testament, it is taken for granted that the Kingdom was something well-known by the Jewish audience and was already the object of their faith and hope.  

The meaning which the Lord Jesus attached to the phrase, the Kingdom of God, can only have the meaning given to it in the Old Testament. If another concept were intended by the “Kingdom of God,” some explanation would have been necessary at the beginning of the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth in order to avoid any misunderstanding. The facts are that John and Jesus made the announcement of the Kingdom on the presumption that their audience knew what the Kingdom was. The people reacted by coming to John and Jesus for baptism, signifying they were to be identified as being submissive to the new order of things which were at hand. They would not have done this without understanding what the Kingdom meant. 

The announcement about the “Kingdom of God” was not a new concept. However, the added ingredient, “at hand,” was new. The “at hand” phrase has caused a great deal of difficulty to Bible students because two-thousand years later, the Kingdom still has not come. “At hand” simply means to draw near, to approach, or soon to come-to-pass. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ clearly stated, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Since the Kingdom has not yet become a reality, were they wrong? No! The solution is simple. The Kingdom, when announced, was indeed “at hand.” It was the next PROPHETIC EVENT TO TAKE PLACE. But, God surprised the saints, the world, and the devil by suspending all prophecy and ushering in a secret dispensation—the Mystery. That cancelled-out the “at hand” position of the Kingdom. 

When I think of an event in the Bible as being “at hand,” that means to me that the event mentioned, is the next scheduled prophetic event which is to take place. What would change the “at hand” position would be if God had a hidden purpose which He chose to insert into time.  

Parenthetically, I believe with every fiber of my being that the “Blessed Hope” of Titus 2:13 is “at hand!”  It is the next prophetic event to take place in God’s design of the ages. 

 The prophets had already set forth a period of time when this earth and all of the nations upon it would be governed by God; “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for Thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah” (Psalm 67:4). “The Kingdom of God” was an ancient body of truth set forth under this very descriptive term. God spoke about the coming Kingdom of God “by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began”         (Acts 3:21). All of the prophets foretold and wrote about the time when the Heavens would rule over mankind. The Kingdom of God plays a major role as the Bible’s theme, but far too many Christians fail to “give it the time of day.” 

The wise man finds out as many of the facts as possible about a matter, and he listens to the evidence and weighs it in the balances before passing judgment. The wise man is not hasty in making his decision on an important matter. 

He isn’t quick to decide. He should consider the evidence set forth in this study. There are twenty headings, as well as, nine sub-headings listed which are of paramount importance to understanding the scope of the Kingdom of God:

 

1. The disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ were encouraged to give the Kingdom of God first place in their lives: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). 

2. It was the Kingdom of God that Christ proclaimed when He began His public ministry:  “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14). 

3. Its proclamation was the work God had commissioned Him to do: “And he said unto them, I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent” (Luke 4:43). 

4. It was the Kingdom of God that He proclaimed and demonstrated in every city: “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him” (Luke 8:1). 

5. It was the message the twelve were sent to herald: “And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:2). 

6. The seventy were also sent forth to preach the Kingdom of God: “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come” (Luke 10:1). “And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:9). 

7. Christ’s disciples were taught to pray for it to come: “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). 

8. The Kingdom was the hope and ultimate destination of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all of the prophets: “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28). 

9. The Kingdom of God was the hope of Joseph of Arimathaea who arranged for the entombment of the Lord Jesus Christ: “And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 23:50-51). 

10. The Kingdom of God was the subject of the following parables as spoken by the Lord Jesus: the sower (Matt. 13:19), the tares among the wheat (Matt. 13:24), the mustard seed (Matt.13: 31), the leaven (Matt. 13:33), the hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44), the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45-46),  the net cast into the sea (Matt. 13:47), the laborers in the vineyard (Matt.20:1), the marriage of the king’s son (Matt. 22:2), the wise and foolish virgins      (Matt: 25:1), the seed growing secretly (Mark 4:26). 

11. The Kingdom of God was the subject of Jesus Christ’s teachings for forty days between His resurrection and ascension: “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). 

12. It was the theme of some of His most important dissertations which He made while upon the earth:

    1. Matthew 12:28: “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God is come unto you.”
    2. Luke 17:20: “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the Kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:”
    3. Luke 17:21: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” This means the Kingdom is spiritually perceived, or discerned, within the heart or mind.
    4. John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Seeing in the sense of, “Oh, I see.” Meaning, I comprehend.

13. The Kingdom of God was the theme of the Apostle Paul’s ministry from the beginning to the end—Acts 9 through 2 Timothy, including the Prison Epistles. 

14. It was the hope of believers under Paul’s Acts ministry: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). 

15. The Kingdom was the subject of Paul’s reasoning out of the Scriptures in the synagogue in Ephesus: “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). 

16. Paul’s three years, spent in Ephesus, is summed up as proclaiming the Kingdom of God: “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day,  that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:25-27). Declaring “all [the whole] counsel of God” is intimately linked to the proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God; having done so made it possible for him to be pure from the blood of all men. 

17. The Kingdom of God was Paul’s message throughout the day-long meeting with the chief Jews of Rome: “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening” (Acts 28:23). 

18. It was at the close of that day that Paul was inspired to make the momentous pronouncement: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28). Thereby, officially ending the Acts (or Pentecostal) Dispensation. 

19. Nevertheless, the Kingdom of God continued to be part of Paul’s message for the two whole years he dwelt in his own hired house after Acts 28:28: “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31). 

20. Even after the Apostle Paul received the revelation of the Mystery (Eph. 3:1-6, Col. 1:25-27) and made it known, Kingdom truth was not set aside; only another application of it was made known. The Kingdom of God is part of Present Truth as evidenced by references to it in the Prison Epistles.

 

a. Ephesians 5:5: “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.” Here, are enumerated sins which will bar the practitioners of them from the Kingdom of God. This is one Kingdom, not two.

 

b. Colossians 1:12-13: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son:” This is another name for the Kingdom of God.

 

c. Colossians 4:11: “And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the Kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.” Here, in the context, Paul mentioned several men of the circumcision who were his fellow-workers, laboring in the ministry for the Kingdom of God. If Kingdom truth was left behind at Acts 28, then, Paul and his fellow-laborers were laboring in vain. I don’t believe Paul was confused at all.

 

d. Timothy 4:1: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his Appearing and his Kingdom.”  Here, Paul in no uncertain terms, tells Timothy that the Dispensation of Grace will end with Christ’s appearing (i.e. epiphany) and His Kingdom becoming manifest in the earth.

 

e. Timothy 4:18: “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” According to the Apostle Paul, himself, his hope after Acts 28 was the Heavenly Kingdom. He had the assurance from the Lord Jesus Christ that he would be preserved (or saved) from every evil work thrown at him. This would result in Paul’s realization of his hope—the “Heavenly Kingdom” of Christ.   

The Kingdom of God (i.e., Christ) is such an integral part of the Bible it is astounding that most teachers and students of the Word have so little knowledge of the Kingdom of God. No matter how many bits and pieces of the Word a person has digested, if he knows very little about the Kingdom of God, he has no real knowledge of the Bible. In order to make sense, these bits and pieces must sooner, or later, be related to a central theme. If they are related to Christ, this is still not the end. If the glories of Christ Jesus are considered, we will always come to the Kingdom of God of which He will be the Divine King. 

Those who are not instructed in the Kingdom of God will never understand the parables, for this is what most of the parables are about. Those who fail to declare the truth about it are not declaring the whole counsel of God. They will accept such unscriptural things, such as: God offered the Kingdom to Israel, or Israel rejected the offer of the Kingdom.

 In view of the important place that the Kingdom of God has in the Bible, one would think that this term would be on their lips, or the tips of their pens, or the click of their word processors of all whose lives have been shaped by the Bible. To those teachers who claim to be expounding the Word of God, while leaving out the central theme of the Book, I would have to say, along with our Lord Jesus Christ, that the Kingdom has suffered violence (Matt. 11:12). The phrase concerning the Kingdom of God has suffered great violence at the hands of men all throughout the Christian era. It has been incorrectly defined, erroneously interpreted, and hopelessly confused.

 In closing, it should be said in an encouraging way that we all should get into God’s Book and find the real truth concerning the coming Kingdom of God and all of the concurrent events encapsulated with its manifestation.

 

Tom L. Ballinger

 

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Article: THE FOUNDATIONS OF DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH. by E.W. Bullinger

THE FOUNDATIONS OF DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH.

BY THE LATE DR E.W. BULLINGER

The Three Spheres of Future Glory.

THERE is still something more to learn concerning the dispensations before we can rightly understand the unique

 position and wonderful teaching of the later Pauline Epistles written from the prison in Rome.

These dispensations are commonly spoken of as: two, the old and the new, but we must bring them, as all else, to the

 bar of the written Word to see whether we have learned from man. or from God, from tradition or from revelation.

To some extent we shall all agree.

1. We shall all be agreed that the great subject of the Old Testament prophecies is a restored Israel and a regenerated

 earth (Matt. 19. 281. It is surely unnecessary to quote the many prophecies which tell of the time when the earth shall

 be full of the knowledge and glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Num. 14:21,. Ps. 72:9, Isa. 6: 3 ; 11:9,. 

Hab. 2.:14).

We are at one with all our readers in taking these prophecies in their literal meaning ; and in not attempting to explain 

them,  or rather fritter them away by any spiritualizing interpretation which deprives them of all their truth and power.

We all look forward also to the time when " He that scattered Israel will gather him" (Jer. 31:10).; when they " shall 

all be  taught of God " (John 6. :45, Isa.51:13); when "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our

LORD, and of His Christ" (Rev. 11: 15) ; and when the earthly Jerusalem shall be restored in more than all its ancient

 glory.

That kingdom and sphere of blessing and glory will be on the EARTH ; and the new Israel with a heart of stone

changed  to a heart of flesh and with a new spirit, will bring forth "the fruits of righteousness " (Ezek. 36.2.1-36, Matt.

 21. 23). This will be the regeneration (or Palingenesia) when the apostles will be seated " on twelve thrones judging 

the tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19. 28).

This will be the first and lowest sphere of blessing. I twill be on EARTH, and under the whole heaven. These are

the people  of the saints of the Most High " Dan. 7: 27)

All the nations of the earth will share in this blessing according to God's original promise to Abraham.

2. But Abraham and his spiritual seed are "the saints of the Most High " as distinct from "the people " (of these saints)

on the earth (Dan. 7: 18, 22, 25), and occupying a distinct place in the HEAVENLY SPHERE of this same kingdom. 

 These, according to the Lord's words in Luke, are " equal to the angels," " sons of the resurrection " (Luke 20:34

-36) raised  in the " first resurrection " before the thousand years of earthly blessing for Israel and for the nations " under 

the whole heaven "  (Deut. 4:19, Rev. 20:4-6). These belong to " that great city the holy Jerusalem," which John saw " 

descending down from heaven,  having the glory of God ; and her light like unto a stone most precious." This "holy 

Jerusalem" is fully described in Rev. 21: 9-27. It  is the" city which hath THE foundations" for which Abraham had

been taught to look (Heb. 11:10) when he "saw Christ's day and was glad " (John 8: 56) : for, as " faith cometh by 

hearing," Abraham must have heard : and this " hearing " must have come "from the spoken word of God" (Rom. 

10. 17).

This is the " inheritance " of those who, as Peter declares to the believers of the Dispersion, "have obtained like

precious faith with us." That inheritance" is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and fadeth not away, reserved in HEAVEN

for you." The Greek, by the figure  Homoioteleutos, emphasizes this " inheritance " as being not earthly, but

aphtharton, amianton, amaranton (1 Pet. 1:4).

The inhabitants of that heavenly city are declared to be " the bride, the. Lamb's wife " (Rev. 21:9).

From the call of Abraham there have ever been these two seeds, the earthly and the heavenly.

The one was likened by Jehovah to " the dust of the earth " or "the sand of the sea " (Gen. 13. 16 ; 22. 17); and

the other was likened to " the stars of heaven " (Heb. 11:12 ; Gen., 15: 5).

Both expressions suggest multitude, but the former is specially associated with earthly blessing, while the latter

points to " the partakers of a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).

These latter, like their father Abraham, looked for a heavenly portion and a heavenly blessing, for the city "

which hath the foundations."

"These all died in. faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar,

and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things make it 

manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. And if indeed they had been mindful of that country 

from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But now they desire a better country,

that is a HEAVENLY; wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God; for He hath prepared for

them a city" (Heb. 11:13-16, R.V.)

Where, and what could that city lave been if it was not the city which John was shown " descending out of 

heaven from God," the foundations of which are specially described in Rev. 21:19 20.

All through the ages, from Abraham's day to the present, these " partakers of a heavenly calling " may be traced.
They formed `'the congregation of the Lord," and are continually spoken of as such.

Not all Israel, were Tabernacle and Temple frequenters and worshippers. Not all carried out the laws given by 

Moses, or offered the prescribed sacrifices, attended "the feasts of Jehovah," or carried out the ordered ritual.

Those (probably the few, as we see it to-day) who gathered to the stated worship of Jehovah are called the

"assembly " or the "congregation."

The Hebrew word for " congregation " is from kahal (from which doubtless we have our English word "call ").

The verb means to call, assemble, gather together : and the noun is used of any assembly thus called. Seventy 

times in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament it is rendered ekklesia (the word for ` church " in the view 

Testament).*

I t is actually used in the expression ' the ekklesia ('or church) of the LORD " in Deut. 23: 1, 2, 3, 8, 1 Chron. 28: 8

Micah 2:5. In Neh. 13. 1 it is ` the ekklesia (or church) of God."

It is this ekklesia (or church) that is referred to as " the congregation " in Ps. 22: 22: 26:12: 35:18 ; 40: 9 ,10 ;

68.26.** In Ps. 22: 25 it is spoken of as "the great ekklesia or congregation," and in Ps. 149:1 as "the ekk lesia 

of the saints."

This is what David means in Psalm 22: 22, when he says :

" In the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee " (v. 22), and -

" My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation " (v. 25.)

This is the usage of the same word in the Gospels when the Lord said

" Upon this rock will -I build My ekklesia" (Matt.16:1 8).

He did not, when addressing Israelites, use the word in the new, exclusive and special sense in which it was

 afterward to be used in the revelation of "the secret " in the Prison Epistles ;but in the larger and wider Old 

Testament sense which His hearers would  understand as embracing the whole assembly of Jehovah's believing 

and worshipping people who were " partakers of a heavenly  calling" (Heb. 3: ).

When the Spirit by Stephen speaks of " the ekklesia in the wilderness (Acts 7. 38) He means this congregation

of pious worshippers.

Those who were kept secure  under the shadow of the Almighty" during the 38 years of penal wanderings in 

the Wilderness, see Ps. 90 and 91.

When the Lord added to the ekklesia such as were being saved (Acts 2.:47) after Pentecost, He added them

 to the 120 who before Pentecost assemble ( together in the upper room, and who "continued daily in the Temple

(no longer offering sacrifices and partaking of the food furnishes thereby), but , breaking bread (or eating; as in

Luke 24: 30, 35 and Acts 27: 35) at home, with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour

with all the people.

"And the Lord added to the church (ekklesia) daily such as were being saved " (Acts 2. 46, 47).

It is true that the words "the church" (Gr. ekklesia) in vs. 47, are omitted by all the Textual Critics (even the most 

conservative and least "  modern ") Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Alford, Westcott and Hort, and the Revised 

version; but we lay no stress on the omission here, because even as it stands, it is used in the Old Testament sense 

of  the congregation of the LORD,"  and not in the later sense as found in the Epistle to the Ephesians : for, they

would not have understood it (neither should we to-day,  if we had never seen that later Epistle).

When Paul says he " persecuted the ekklesia of God " (1 Cor. 15: 9: Gal. 1:13), he does not use the word in a 

sense which he had  at that time never heard of, or had even the remotest idea of. His words must be understood

in the same sense in which he then used  them; and we must not read into any passage of Scripture that which was

the subject of a subsequent revelation;  especially, when the  sense is perfectly plain and clear as it stands.

The word ekklesia in the Gospels, Acts and the earlier Pauline Epistles must be taken by us in the sense of its Old 

Testament (Septuagint)  usage as meaning simply the congregation or assembly, or company of Jehovah's worshipping

people, " partakers of a heavenly calling," having a heavenly hope, a heavenly sphere of  blessing, and looking for

their part in the ''resurrection unto life."

It had been revealed of old that there would be a resurrection, (see job. 19. 25-27; Hosea 13: 14; John 11. 24) ;

but it was subsequently  revealed also that there would be two resurrections, one to life, and one to judgement. 

Paul testified of the former as being the hope of  those who were worshippers of God (Acts 24. 14, 15; David 

hoped for it (Psalm 16:9-11;*** 49: 14, 15). So did Daniel (Dan. 12. 1-3).

The Lord plainly spoke of the former as the resurrection of the just " (Luke 14: 14) ; and, as "the resurrection of

life " (John 5: 29). " By the word of the Lord " was revealed a further hope, or rather, an expression of the hope 

in John 11: 25, 26.

There was not only the hope for those who should have part in the " first resurrection," but for those who should

be " alive and remain" when that event should take place.

The " word of the Lord" first mentioned it, and the Holy Spirit by Paul expands it in 1 Thess. 4: 16, 17

It concerns the Lord, not only as to His being "the Resurrection," but as to His being " the Life" also. He says:

c  | I am the Resurrection
     d  | I and the life.

c | He that believeth in Me, though he die, he shall live (again). [To him] I will be °' the resurrection "

     d  | and everyone who [is- alive, and believing in Me shall to nowise die, for ever." [To him  I will be the "Life."

This was (and still is) the hope for all who are " partakers of a heavenly calling " (Heb. 3:1).

Many of these were to be found when Messiah came. They were those who waited for the consolation of Israel 

(Luke 2:25)

who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38),

who " trusted that the Lord was He who should have redeemed Israel " (Luke 24:21),

who " waited for the kingdom of God " (Mark 15:43,; Luke 23: 51),

who were " as many as received Him " (John 1:12),

who gladly received Peter's or Paul's word " on the day of Pentecost and after (Acts 2:41, 8:14, 11:1, 17:11,

who received the word in much affliction "(1 Thess. 1: 6) : and

who " when they received the word, accepted it not as man's word, but even as it is truly God's word which worketh 

effectually in you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:13).

 

who "received not what was promised," (Heb. 11:39) but who believed and embraced it by faith.

Which of us has not been in difficulties as to those we speak of as " the Old Testament saints"?

Well, here they are seen all through the Old Testament as being " the church or assembly of God," " partakers of a 

heavenly  calling," possessing a heavenly hope, and looking for a heavenly sphere of blessing.

3. This brings us to the third sphere, which is the greatest blessing of all, and the highest in glory.

It had been kept secret "  from ages and from generations." It is the eternal " purpose " of God, made " before the

foundation of the world," and was not " made manifest " by being committed to prophetic writings. 

It was a secret not relating to Israel on the earth ; nor to the " partakers of a heavenly calling " ; but to Christ and

the elect members of His body.

Even in the ministry of Christ it was among the things He could not then reveal even to the twelve apostles in the

privacy of the upper room after the last supper. Not only could He not say these things then, but the apostles

themselves would not have been able to bare  them if He had.

And, if the Lord did not mention these things in the Gospels then, certainly the apostles could not have " confirmed " 

them in the Acts of the Apostles, afterward.

They were" the things of Christ," i.e., those things which stand in a special relation to Him, the things that relate to the

whole of the truth.  " the truth " which would not be complete without them.

They were, of necessity, reserved for " the Spirit of truth " to reveal. " HE will guide you into the whole of the truth."

These precious  " riches of grace," and of glory these were the doctrines which had for their foundation the facts of 

Christ's mission, which had not at that time taken place: though they were all then near at hand.

Those events in Christ's life on earth were the foundation of the doctrines built upon them; and without them the

doctrines could not  have been known.

Until He had suffered, died. risen. and ascended, how could the doctrines of Eph. 2: 5, 6 based on them be revealed 

and taught.

But this special coming, ministry and guidance of " the Spirit of truth " must be held over for our next Editorial: for we

must of necessity  include that last phase of what " Jehovah hath spoken "before we commence our consideration of 

the Prison Epistles : for therein and only therein, do we find the " riches " of grace and glory into which the Holy Spirit

was to guide: them, the good news of which was destined to fill the long era of Israel's blindness and the nation's dark

(spiritual,) night (Isa. 60:1-3).

The Prison Epistles, following immediately after the proclamation of Israel's judicial blindness and hardening (recorded

 in Acts 28: 25, 26), have for their one great subject the revelation of the third of the three spheres of blessing and glory

which stands in special relation to Christ and His church.

This sphere is not on the earth.

It is not over the earth.

It is in the highest heavens.

Hence, it has nothing to do with earthly " signs and wonders "that would follow those who in happy obedience believe

what is there written.

Such surpassingly exalted language has never before, or since been spoken of human believers.

The very glory of that sphere is inconsistent with any earthly signs or manifestations however wonderful. or, ordinances 

however once significant. 

Those Epistles view the believer of them, not with " signs following," but they view him as " dead " to this world and

all earthly associations and connections, and as having jointly suffered, jointly died, jointly risen, and being jointly 

seated with Christ in the highest heavens.

Even the "affections" and "thoughts" are not to be concerned with the things on earth ; they are to be centred on "

 the things above "where Christ is already seated at the right hand of God.

Hence, we do not read in those Epistles about the coming of Christ to the earth, but rather about our being removed 

to be with Him where pie is, not about His parousia, or presence on earth, or " in the air " ; but about our presence 

and manifestation with Him in His own glory; not about anastasis or resurrection (which is the subject of the earlier 

Pauline Epistles), but about an "ex-anastasis," (Phil. 3: 11) and "the calling on high" (Phil. 3: 14) which is the subject 

of the later Epistles; not about any personal happiness which we may have, but about Christ's personal glory, in which

 we have the wondrous privilege of sharing.

In this connection we would call attention to one word, which, in our judgment, is the real key-word of the Prison

Epistles, and of this third and highest sphere. It is a remarkable word, found. in this form, only here, in the New 

Testament. It occurs once before in Rom. 13:9, but there it is in the present passive voice (anakephalaioutai), and 

means " is summed up." But in Eph. 1:10  it is the Aorist Infinitive of the middle voice, (anakephalaiosasthai). This

difference is ignored both by the Authorised and the Revised Versions, which read the middle voice of Eph. 1. to

as though it were the Active. This is an almost unpardonable oversight, in the interest of the ordinary Bible reader,

who has an undoubted right to a correct grammatical rendering from such a quarter.

Translated correctly, the word and the entire passage emphasize the underlying fact that in all things there revealed,

 our Heavenly Father has, FOR HIMSELF, purposed what is here stated, viz., that

according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself, in order to a dispensation of the fulness of 

the seasons, TO-SUM-UP-FOR-HIMSELF, every thing in Christ: things in heaven and things on earth, 

even in Him, in whom we were taken as an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him

 who worketh all things according to the counsel of His own will, that we should be to the praise of His glory

 who have before hoped in Christ.

This will be enough to show us that the Cosmos, as shown in Col. 1: 15, 16, is a larger, higher, and greater sphere than

 (1) that of earthly glory, or (a) that of the glory reserved for those who are " partakers of a heavenly calling."

The Old Testament, the Acts and the earlier Pauline Epistles deal with these two lower spheres of glory, but the

 later Epistles reveal a third sphere of Headship and Heirship above the earth or the heavens.

1 Cor. 15:40  tells of " terrestrial " glory and of "celestial's glory, which differ the one from the other.

But there is a third sphere; a sphere of cosimical glory (if we may use the word in this connection) high above all 

created beings, whether principalities, or powers, or, might, or thrones, or dominions, which are mentioned (though

 not defined or explained) in Eph. 1:21, Col. 1: 16 in relation to Christ, who shall be "Head over all."

This includes the putting down of all enemies, and the final crushing of the head of " the old serpent" the devil.

This is why the enemy's great endeavour, now, is to blind the minds of men so that the light of this " good news (or

 gospel) of the glory of Christ" should be hidden from them (2 Cor. 4: 3, 1).

And this is why we, who obey God by believing Him as to this, His greatest and most glorious revelation, should 

cherish it as our earnest hope and constant theme; and, not being  ignorant of Satan's devices," since we are thus

 told against what his assault is being made, therefore know where our defence is to be directed.

In other words, we are to labour to make known : the riches of glory " which are connected with this third and

Highest sphere of blessing and glory and honour for " Christ and His Church."

 ==================================================================================================

*'The Hebrew word is rendered _ congregation " 86 times; "assembly," 17 times; "company," 17 times; multitude," 3 times.

** In Num. 16. 3 and 20.4 the Hebrew kahal is rendered in the Sept. sunagoge = synagogue.  In the R.V. this is rendered "the assembly of the Lord."

 

Extras

Article: SUMMARY OF THE DIVINE PLAN by S. Van Mierlo

SUMMARY OF

"THE DIVINE PLAN"

By S. Van Mierlo

 

We believe that it will be helpful to first present a summary of our work, "The Divine Plan;" which provides

 an overall view of the ages and the role of the people of Israel.

The Word of God accepted simply, as it is given to us, forms a unity without contradictions and makes known to us the Divine Plan.

Before any creation, God is. It is through the Image of God, also called "Son of God," that everything was created. The Son of God is Mediator in all things: creation, redemption, perfection. 

The creature is good but not perfect (since it is not God). God wants to bring it freely to perfection. The creature is thus free and can make good or bad use of its freedom depending on whether it observes or ignores the will of God. 

Creation comprises five ages (or eons). The living conditions and the laws differ completely from one eon to the other, but some correlation exists between the first and the fifth, and between the second and the fourth. 

First eon

 God, through His Son, freely creates free beings, thereby showing His perfection. Some beings draw away from God, thus falling into sin, and some even rise against Him. Satan (the Adversary), a cherub fallen through pride, plays the principal role in this senseless revolt. But God wills that the creature attain its destiny. 

Second eon

 After the chaos comes the reconstruction in six days. Adam is created in the Image of God and thus resembles the Son. He receives the grace necessary to have dominion aver the sea, the sky, and the earth, and to be king. But, above all, he must freely take up his position by accomplishing God's will. He misses his goal because of the seduction of Satan who wants to prevent the realization of the Kingdom on earth (A heavenly Kingdom, however, because it was instituted in heaven). Adam is thus deprived of the glory of God, he is separated from the source of Life (spiritual death). There only remains a remnant of bodily life: he is "dying," as will all those who come from him. 

The earth is cursed. Man has not only become enemy of God, but also enemy of creation. 

The fallen angels (and their progeny) corrupt the earth. The flood partially removes this corruption, Noah and his family remain. 

Third eon

This is the "age" in which we live; it is called "the present evil age" and Satan is its god. 

God intends to accomplish His Plan. He places the earth and the sea in the hands of Noah, then chooses Shem, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to serve as instruments of restoration and bring about the Kingdom. Satan reacts continually. 

Abraham receives the promise of earthly and heavenly blessings: he will have two posterities. 

God chooses a people from among the nations: Israel, elected to serve in bringing about the regeneration of the world, but who first must themselves be regenerated, i.e. enter into spiritual communion with God. 

In order that this people realizes their state of sin and freely turns to God and be regenerated by Him, God indicates what He wishes, and teaches Israel what is good: He gives them the Law. This Law is based on His general Will with regard to all creature, but its special form is applicable only to Israel, particularly in that which concerns the ceremonies. By the Old Covenant, God requires that the Law be executed exactingly. The elected people miss their goal by attempting to do God's will by their own efforts; they should have had recourse to Divine grace. 

All the history of Israel shows how this people have always tended to turn to idols, and demonstrates the patience of God who wants to bring His people, freely, to recognize their sin and repent. The Adversary continuously intervenes in order to prevent the coming of the Kingdom and the regeneration of the world. 

Thus God has created a People, a Land (Canaan), a City (Jerusalem). For the Kingdom to come, it only lacked the repentance of Israel. The prophets remind the people of the Divine promises and foretell the blessings which will come on earth when the Messiah will be King. 

Finally, the Son Himself, divesting Himself of His glory and coming in likeness to men, comes on earth in humility, and is obedient unto death on the cross. He resolves the insoluble problem: to reconcile the love and the justice of God, to enable the sinful creature incapable of doing good to enter into spiritual communion with God. He makes possible forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, and the sanctification of the sinner. He does not establish a new religion, but He enables the realization of the Divine Plan. 

Jesus Christ addresses the chosen people, shows by His actions that He is their King, and calls for their repentance so that the Kingdom may come on earth. Miracles and signs confirm that the Kingdom is near. He chooses 12 Apostles (the Apostles of the circumcision) who will be seated on 12 thrones to guide the 12 tribes of Israel in this Kingdom. The nation of Israel will form a visible Church. 

The Christ establishes the New Covenant with Israel (of which the prophets had spoken), in accordance with which the Law, i.e the Divine Will concerning them, could be accomplished by grace. Through their repentance, men can obtain forgiveness of sins, and through their faith in Jesus Christ, eonian (eternal) life., i.e. life on earth during the coming eon.

 Some turn to Him, but the people as a whole reject Him and cause Him to be crucified. All seems lost, yet the cross is the only means for arriving at the restoration and the final goal: God all in all. 

Through His resurrection out of the dead, Jesus Christ was declared with power to be the Son of God. Grace now abounds. God has condemned and reconciled the world in Him. 

After the cross, Israel is not rejected. The 12 Apostles again insist on the need for repentance and on the coming of the Kingdom. This Kingdom, by which the next eon would begin, is characterized by world-wide regeneration, is still "near," as proven by the external signs: miracles, healings, angelic interventions, etc. The Law and the ceremonies are meticulously observed by the Jews, even those who believe in Christ. (The Jews, in fact, do not cease to be Jews when they believe in Christ, but can then be truly Jews and accomplish the Law through grace). 

At Pentecost, the ancient promises made to Israel begin to be realized. Not until 10 years later does the Divine Word begin to be addressed to the Gentiles who partake of Israel's blessings in conformity with the prophecies. 

Meanwhile Paul, who is not included among the Twelve, is converted. He first addresses himself to the Jews, but because of their hardening-which will prevent the Messiah's coming and the Kingdom on earth, thus also the blessing of the nations through Israel-the Apostle of the Gentiles opens a new Way based upon the heavenly Abrahamic blessings. He thus begins to proclaim a new message: justification by faith. This good news surpasses that of the Apostles of the circumcision (i.e. regeneration) and already aims at the conditions of the fifth eon. This proclamation, in a way anticipated, has the partial objective of provoking Israel, through jealousy, into accepting their privileges. 

The Jews successively reject their Messiah in the great centers, and gradually Paul's message increases in importance. A last attempt is made by Paul at Rome (Acts 28), but here again the people will not listen. Israel is temporarily set aside as God's people, and any possibility of an early coming of the Kingdom disappears; at the same time all external signs (including the special, spiritual, visible gifts) announcing the Kingdom ceased. All that relates to Israel, such as the observation of the Law, the formation of a visible Church, the religious ceremonies instituted by God, also ceases. There is a radical change in dispensation which it is extremely important to reckon with when reading what was written before this date: for example, the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Thessalonians. The parts of personal application in these messages remain, but all that applies to that dispensation now is past and ceases to be applicable today. Pentecostal gifts, in particular, do not apply to us. 

Is this the failure of the Divine Plan? No! Paul, imprisoned, now proclaims a new message, unknown at any previous time and revealed to him only, concerning the great mystery: the Body of Christ of which Christ Himself is the Head. In spirit, we can already, individually reach the perfect position corresponding to the final goal of the Divine Plan: God all in all. The complete way of salvation is now known: natural man must become (small) child of God (new birth), then "son" of God (new creation-justification), and finally become perfect man. The present dispensation is thus that of the Church of the Mystery. It begins after the time of Acts, and will end before the restoration of Israel as the people of God and the coming of "the day of the Lord" which ends the present eon. During all of this period there is a break in the realization of the prophecies, our dispensation having been completely unknown to the prophets. 

Israel passes through the great tribulation, repents, and the Lord comes in glory. This is the moment of the transformation of living believers and the resurrection of the dead. 

All the kingdoms of the world are given to Christ Who only now seizes His great power and takes up His reign. He is King of all the earth. Satan is bound for 1,000 years. 

Fourth eon

 The Son of man is sitting on the throne of His glory, and the 12 Apostles are sitting on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. It is the "renewing" (the regeneration), the time of refreshing of all things, of which God spoke in ancient times through the mouth of His holy prophets. Israel now occupies the promised land, from the Nile to the Euphrates, and all the nations are blessed in Abraham. The Christian Jews form the Church of Christ on earth, a visible unity. Creation is delivered from bondage to sin. The earth has regained its normal fruitfulness; the nature of animals has changed, the duration of life has greatly increased. Satan being bound up, it is an era of justice and peace. The Temple at Jerusalem is the center of worship of Israel who faithfully observe the Law through grace; the New Covenant with this people is accomplished and leads them to the heavenly sphere. 

After the 1,000 years Satan is released for a short time. He seduces the nations and is thrown in the lake of fire and brimstone. Those who have not taken part in one of the previous resurrections appear before the great white throne to be judged; they receive the punishment they deserve All enemies are finally placed under the feet of the Son. 

In summary, we see on earth Israel and the regenerated (children of God) nations, in heaven the justified ones (the sons of God), and in the above-heavens those who have arrived at the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, demonstrating the infinite richness of the grace of God. 

During this eon Christ reigns as King, and at the end gives the Kingdom to the Father and reigns with Him. 

Fifth eon

This is the eon of the new creation. All the conditions are again changed radically, including the physical laws. It is "the day of God:" All that related to Adam, to the old humanity has now passed away, engulfed by the new humanity. All creation is absorbed by the heavenly sphere, except for those who are, so to speak, already outside creation in the above heavenly sphere. 

The new Jerusalem comes down from heaven. Words cannot describe the glory of this age. One can, however, say that there is no sea, no suffering, no night and day, no death, no Temple, no curse, no sin. God dwells with men, Christ reigns with the Father. 

Creation has been brought to the state it was in the first eon, but with this difference: it has learned, through God's infinite grace and the Son's sacrifice, to make good use of its freedom. In this way can creation attain perfection. 

God all in all. God has reached His goal, and in so doing has achieved the impossible: He has increased His glory by creating and perfecting His creature. He is all in all. There is, therefore, no more Mediator, King, Priest. The Son has accomplished His work and possesses the glory which was His before His humiliation. The creature, through its communion with the Son, is raised with Him: it has reached perfect love, absolute freedom, by freely accepting God's will and thus forms a glorious unity.

 

 

                                             

 

 

Extras

Study: How Long was the Dispensation of Promise?

Ge 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall se

 

 

THESIS: THE DISPENSATION OF PROMISE SPANS A TIME OF 645-plus YEARS.

An explanation of the seemingly contradictory records of time of Genesis 3:15 and Exodus 12:40.

Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

Exodus 12:41

Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.

 

 

EXPLANATION:

2 DIFFERENT THINGS:

  1. The Hebrews were in bondage for 400 years.
  2. The Hebrews were in Egypt for 430 years.

 

1). Abraham’s call to Leaving Haran = _??___.

2). Leaving Haran to Isaac’s birth      = 25 years.

3). Isaac’s birth to Jacob’s birth = 60 years.

4). Jacob’s birth to entering Egypt = 130 years.

5). Entering Egypt to Start of Affliction = 30 years.

6). Affliction to Exodus = 400 years.

645+ years

 

 

 

IN RETROSPECT:

Ga 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

 

THIS SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE INTERPETED TO MEAN THAT ONLY 430 YEARS EXPIRED BETWEEN THE CALL OF ABRAHAM AND THE HEBREW EXODUS.

Extras

Article: The Gap Theory by Bert Thompson Ph.D.

 

Apologetics Press :: Reason & Revelation
July 1994 - 14[7]:49-56

 

 

It is rare in the creation/evolution controversy to find issues on which both creationists and evolutionists agree. Generally speaking, the two world views are light-years apart. But there is one thing on which both sides agree: evolution is impossible if the Earth/Universe-system is young—with an age measured in thousands, not billions, of years. R.L. Wysong has commented:

Both evolutionists and creationists believe evolution is an impossibility if the universe is only a few thousand years old. There probably is no statement that could be made on the topic of origins which would meet with so much agreement from both sides. Setting aside the question of whether vast time is competent to propel evolution, we must query if vast time is indeed available (1976, p. 144).

It is interesting to observe how something on which both sides agree has caused so much disagreement. Aside from the basic issue of whether creation or evolution is correct, the most serious area of conflict between the biblical and the evolutionary scenarios is the chronological framework of history—in other words, the age of the Earth. This matter is of importance not only to evolutionists, but to theistic evolutionists, progressive creationists, and other “old-Earth creationists.” While a young Earth presents no problem whatsoever for a creationist, it is the death knell to each and every variety of the evolutionary scenario.

A simple, straightforward reading of the biblical record indicates that the Cosmos was created in six days only a few thousand years ago. Opposed to that view is the idea of evolutionists that the Universe is 15-20 billion years old, and that the Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Further complicating matters is the fact that the biblical record indicates living things were placed on the newly created Earth even before the end of the six-day creative process (e.g., plant life came on day three). The evolutionary scenario, however, postulates that primitive life evolved from nonliving chemicals roughly 3.5-4.0 billion years ago, and that all other life forms developed during the so-called geologic ages, with man arriving on the scene in one form or another 1-2 million years ago.

Even to a casual observer, it is apparent that this is no small problem. Much of the controversy today centers on the age of the Earth. The magnitude of the controversy is multiplied by two factors. First, theistic evolution and progressive creation are impossible if the Earth is young. Thus, if the proponents of these views wish to retain their belief systems, it is imperative that they find a way to place the time for an ancient Earth in the biblical record. Second, there is no middle ground that will permit the old-Earth/young-Earth scenarios to coexist; the gulf separating the biblical and evolutionary views on the topic of the age of the Earth is just too large. As Henry Morris has observed:

Thus the Biblical chronology is about a million times shorter than the evolutionary chronology. A million-fold mistake is no small matter, and Biblical scholars surely need to give primary attention to resolving this tremendous discrepancy right at the very foundation of our entire Biblical cosmology. This is not a peripheral issue that can be dismissed with some exegetical twist, but is central to the very integrity of scriptural theology (1984, p. 115).

If the Earth is ancient, where in the Bible can the time be inserted to ensure that antiquity? The time needed to guarantee an old Earth might be placed: (a) before the creation week; (b) during the creation week; or (c) after the creation week.

The attempt to insert geological time into the biblical text during the creation week is known as the Day-Age Theory—a concept that has fallen on hard times in recent years because it is completely without lexical or exegetical support from the biblical record (see Thompson, 1982, 1994). As a result, it has been rejected by numerous old-Earth creationists, theistic evolutionists, and progressive creationists.

Rarely do those desiring to insert geologic time into the biblical record attempt to place the time after the creation week, for two reasons. First, placing time after the creation has occurred does not help the case of the theistic evolutionist or progressive creationist. Time “after the fact” is a moot issue. Second, the biblical genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5, Genesis 11, Luke 3, etc.) have the text so well protected that it is manifestly impossible to insert the billions of years of time needed to allow for an ancient Earth (see Thompson, 1989).

Thus, the Bible believer intent on accommodating his theology to the uniformitarian dogma of an ancient Earth must find another way to force vast time spans into Genesis 1. The only option remaining is to insert the time before the creation week—a concept known as the Gap Theory.

THE GAP THEORY

Popularity of the Gap Theory (also referred to by such synonyms as the Ruin-and-Reconstruction Theory, the Pre-Adamic Cataclysm Theory, and the Restitution Theory) is generally attributed to the writings of Thomas Chalmers, a nineteenth century Scottish theologian. In recent years, the Gap Theory has undergone an “evolution” of its own, and for that reason is not easily defined. There are several variations, and its defenders do not agree among themselves on strict interpretations. However, a brief summation of its main tenets might be as follows.

The widely held view among gap theorists today is that the original creation of the world by God, as recorded in Genesis 1:1, took place billions of years ago. The creation was despoiled because of Satan’s rebellion against God, resulting in his being cast from heaven with his followers. A cataclysm occurred at the time of Satan’s overthrow, and is said to have left the Earth in darkness (the “waste and void” of Genesis 1:2). [NOTE: It is alleged by some Gap theorists that the cataclysm occurring at Satan’s overthrow terminated the geologic ages, after which God “re-created.” It is alleged by others that the cataclysm occurred first, and then was followed by the geologic ages, after which God “re-created.”] The world as God had created it, with all its inhabitants, was destroyed, which, it is claimed, accounts for the myriad fossils present in the Earth. Many holding to this theory place the fossils of dinosaurs, so-called “ape-men,” and other extinct forms of life in this gap. Then, God “re-created” the Earth in six literal days. By way of summary, then, the “gap” between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 contains the story of an original creation, a judgment, and ruination, while the verses in Genesis 1:3 through the remainder of the chapter record the story of the Earth’s re-creation.

Is the Gap Theory Popular?

The Gap Theory has had, and continues to have, numerous supporters. George H. Pember, in Earth’s Earliest Ages (1876), advocated the Gap Theory. Harry Rimmer, in Modern Science and the Genesis Record (1937), helped popularize the theory. The renowned Canadian anthropologist, Arthur C. Custance, produced Without Form and Void (1970), which many consider the ablest defense of the Gap Theory ever put into print. George DeHoff advocated the theory in Why We Believe the Bible (1944).

J.D. Thomas, former chairman of the Bible Department at Abilene Christian University, has stated that “no man can prove that it is not true, at least in part” (1961, p. 54). The popular Scofield Reference Bible was first published in 1909; by 1917, it contained a reference to the Gap Theory in the footnotes accompanying Genesis 1. In more recent editions, references to the theory may be found as a footnote to Isaiah 45. John Clayton has accepted major portions of the Gap Theory, but has added to and deleted from the theory to produce what has come to be known as the Modified Gap Theory (see Clayton, 1976, pp. 147-148; Thompson, 1977, pp. 192-194; McIver, 1988, 8[3]:1-23; Jackson and Thompson, 1992, pp. 114-130).

Arguments Presented in Support of the Gap Theory

Advocates of the Gap Theory base their beliefs on several arguments, a summary of which is given here; comments and refutation follow.

  1. Gap theorists suggest that the word bara (used in Genesis 1:1, 21, 27) must mean “to create” (i.e.: ex nihilo creation), while the word asah cannot mean “to create,” but rather means “to make.” Therefore, the original creation was “created”; the creation of the six days was “made” (i.e., “made over”).
  2. Gap theorists suggest that the Hebrew verb hayetha (translated “was” in Genesis 1:2) should be rendered “became” or “had become”—a translation required in order to suggest a change of state from the original perfect creation to the chaotic conditions implied in verse 2.
  3. Gap theorists believe that the “without form and void” of Genesis 1:2 (tohu wabohu) can refer only to something once in a state of repair, but now ruined. Pember accepted these words as expressing “an outpouring of the wrath of God.” Gap theorists believe that the cataclysm that occurred was on the Earth, and was the direct result of Satan’s rebellion against God. The cataclysm, of course, is absolutely essential to the Gap Theory. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-17 are used as proof-texts to bolster the theory.
  4. Gap theorists believe that Isaiah 45:18 (“God created the earth not in vain”—tohu; same word translated “without form” in Genesis 1:2) indicates that the Earth was not tohu at the initial creation. Therefore, they suggest, Genesis 1:2 can refer only to a judgment brought upon the Earth by God.
  5. Gap theorists generally believe that there was a pre-Adamic creation of both non-human and human forms—a position adopted to account for the fossils present in the geologic strata.

The Gap Theory—A Refutation

I would like to suggest the following reasons why the Gap Theory should be rejected.

1. The Gap Theory is false because of the mental gymnastics necessary to force its strained argumentation to agree with the actual biblical text.

Bernard Ramm, a progressive creationist, has admitted as much:

It gives one of the grandest passages in the Bible a most peculiar interpretation. From the earliest Bible interpretation this passage has been interpreted by Jews, Catholics, and Protestants as the original creation of the universe. In six majestic days the universe and all of life is brought into being. But according to Rimmer’s view the great first chapter of Genesis, save for the first verse, is not about original creation at all, but about reconstruction. The primary origin of the universe is stated in but one verse. This is not the most telling blow against the theory but it certainly indicates that something has been lost to make the six days of creation anti-climactic. So entrenched has this theory become in hyper-orthodox circles that they feel as if the foundations are removed if this theory is criticized, whereas the majority of commentators feel that the entire theory has a peculiarity to it in that it makes the great creation chapter the second time round! (1954, p. 138, emp. in orig.).

2. The Gap Theory is false because it is based on an incorrect distinction between God’s creating (bara) and making (asah).

According to the standard rendition of the Gap Theory, the word bara must refer to “creating” (i.e., an “original” creation), while asah can refer only to “making” (i.e., not an original creation, but something either “made over” or made from preexisting materials). A survey of these two words in the Old Testament, however, clearly indicates that they are used interchangeably. Morris has observed:

The Hebrew words for “create” (bara) and for “make” (asah) are very often used quite interchangeably in Scripture, at least when God is the one referred to as creating or making. Therefore, the fact that bara is used only three times in Genesis 1 (vv. 1, 21, and 27) certainly does not imply that the other creative acts, in which “made” or some similar expression is used, were really only acts of restoration. For example, in Genesis 1:21, God “created” the fishes and birds; in 1:25, He “made” the animals and creeping things. In verse 26, God speaks of “making” man in His own image. The next verse states that God “created” man in His own image. No scientific or exegetical ground exists for distinction between the two processes, except perhaps a matter of grammatical emphasis... (1966, p. 32).

The insistence by Gap theorists, and those sympathetic with them, that the word bara always must mean “to create something from nothing,” simply is incorrect. In his commentary, The Pentateuch, Old Testament scholar C.F. Keil concluded that when bara appears in its basic form, as it does in Genesis 1,

...it always means to create, and is only applied to a divine creation, the production of that which had no existence before. It is never joined with an accusative of the material, although it does not exclude a pre-existent material unconditionally, but is used for the creation of man (ver. 27, ch. v. 1,2), and of everything new that God creates, whether in the kingdom of nature (Num. xvi.30) or of that of grace (Ex. xxxiv.10; Ps. li.10, etc.) (1980, 1:47, first emp. in orig.; last emp. added).

There are numerous examples where bara and asah are used interchangeably. In Psalm 148:1-5, the writer spoke of the “creation” (bara) of the angels. Yet when Nehemiah addressed the creation of angels (9:6), he employed the word asah to describe it. In Genesis 1:1, the text speaks of God “creating” (bara) the Earth. But when Nehemiah spoke of that same event (9:6), he employed the word asah. When Moses wrote of man’s “creation,” he used bara (Genesis 1:27). But one verse before that (1:26), he spoke of the “making” (asah) of man. Moses also employed the two words in the same verse when he said: “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created [bara], in the day that Jehovah made [asah] earth and heaven” (Genesis 2:4).

Gap theorists teach that the Earth was created (bara) from nothing in Genesis 1:1. However, Moses stated in Genesis 2:4 that the Earth was made (asah). Gap theorists are on record as advocating the view that asah can refer only to that which is made from something already in existence. Do they believe that when Moses spoke of the Earth being “made,” it was formed from something already in existence?

One verse with which proponents of the Gap Theory have never dealt adequately is Nehemiah 9:6.

Thou art Jehovah, even thou alone; thou hast made [asah] heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things that are thereon, the seas, and all that is in them, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

The following quotation from Fields explains why this verse is so extremely critical in a refutation of the Gap Theory.

While the passages in Genesis cited by one of the lexicons...mention only the making of the firmament, sun, moon, stars, and animals, it must be carefully marked by the reader that in Nehemiah 9:6 the objects of God’s making (asa) include the heavens, the host of heavens, and the earth, and everything contained in and on it, and the seas and everything they contain, as well as the hosts of heaven (probably angels).

Now this is a very singular circumstance, for those who argue for the distinctive usage of asa throughout Scripture must, in order to maintain any semblance of consistency, never admit that the same creative acts can be referred to by both the verb bara and the verb asa. Thus, since Genesis 1:1 says that God created (bara) the heavens and the earth, and Exodus 20:11 and Nehemiah 9:6 contend that he made (asa) them, there must be two distinct events in view here....

So that, while asa is quite happily applied to the firmament, sun, moon, stars, and the beasts, its further application to everything else contained in the universe, and, indeed, the universe itself (which the language in both Exodus 20:11 and Nehemiah 9:6 is intended to convey) creates a monstrosity of interpretation which should serve as a reminder to those who try to fit Hebrew words into English molds, that to strait-jacket these words is to destroy the possibility of coherent interpretation completely! (1976, pp. 61-62, emp. in orig.).

3. The Gap Theory is false because, in the context of Genesis 1:2, there is no justification for translating the verb “was” (hayetha) as “became.”

Gap theorists insist that the Earth became “waste and void” after Satan’s rebellion. Yet usage of the verb hayah argues against the translation, “The earth became waste and void” (Genesis 1:2). Ramm has noted:

The effort to make was mean became is just as abortive. The Hebrews did not have a word for became but the verb to be did service for to be and become. The form of the verb was in Genesis 1:2 is the Qal, perfect, third person singular, feminine. A Hebrew concordance will give all the occurrences of that form of the verb. A check in the concordance with reference to the usage of this form of the verb in Genesis reveals that in almost every case the meaning of the verb is simply was. Granted in a case or two was means became but if in the preponderance of instances the word is translated was, any effort to make one instance mean became, especially if that instance is highly debatable, is very insecure exegesis (1954, p. 139, emp. in orig.).

The verb hayetha of Genesis 1:2 is translated “was” in all the standard translations because that is its meaning. Surely it is significant that none of the Old Testament linguists felt compelled to translate hayetha to suggest that the Earth became waste and void, as gap theorists propose.

4. We reject the Gap Theory because tohu wabohudoes not mean only “something once in a state of repair, but now ruined.”

Gap theorists believe that God’s “initial” creation was perfect, but became “waste and void” as a result of Satan’s rebellion. Whitcomb has responded:

“Without form and void” translate the Hebrew expression tohu wabohu, which literally means “empty and formless.” In other words, the Earth was not chaotic, not under a curse of judgment. It was simply empty of living things and without the features that it later possessed, such as oceans and continents, hills and valleys—features that would be essential for man’s well-being. In other words, it was not an appropriate home for man.... [W]hen God created the Earth, this was only the first state of a series of stages leading to its completion (1973, 2:69-70).

5. The Gap Theory is erroneous because there is no evidence for the claim that Satan’s rebellion was on the Earth, or responsible for any great “cataclysm.”

The idea of a cataclysm that destroyed the initial perfect Earth is not supported by an appeal to Scripture, as Morris has explained.

There is, in fact, not a word in Scripture to connect Satan with the earth prior to his rebellion. On the other hand, when he sinned, he was expelled from heaven to the earth.... There is, therefore, no scriptural reason to connect Satan’s fall in heaven with a cataclysm on earth.... That Satan was not on earth, at least not as a wicked rebel against God, prior to Adam’s creation, is quite definite from Genesis 1:31. “And God saw everything that He had made, and...it was very good.” ...Therefore, Satan’s sin must have occurred after man’s creation (1974, pp. 233-234, emp. in orig.).

6. We reject the Gap Theory because its proof-text (Isaiah 45:18) is premised on a removal of the verse from its proper context.

Isaiah 45:18 reads:

For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain [the phrase “in vain” is tohu, the same as “without form” in Genesis 1:2—BT], He formed it to be inhabited.

Gap theorists suggest since Isaiah stated that God did not create the Earth tohu, and since the Earth of Genesis 1:2 was tohu, therefore the latter could not have been the Earth as it was created in Genesis 1:1. The implication is that the Earth became tohu as a result of the cataclysm precipitated by Satan’s rebellion.

The immediate context, however, has to do with Israel and God’s promises to His people. Isaiah reminded his listeners that just as God had a purpose in creating the Earth, so He had a purpose for Israel. Isaiah spoke of God’s immense power and special purpose in creation, noting that God created the Earth “to be inhabited”—something accomplished when the Lord created people in His image. In Isaiah 45, the prophet’s message is that God, through His power, likewise will accomplish His purpose for His chosen people, Israel. Morris has remarked:

There is no conflict between Isaiah 45:18 and the statement of an initial formless aspect to the created earth in Genesis 1:2. The former can properly be understood as follows: “God created it not (to be forever) without form; He formed it to be inhabited.” As described in Genesis 1, He proceeded to bring beauty and structure to the formless elements and then inhabitants to the waiting lands. It should be remembered that Isaiah 45:18 was written many hundreds of years after Genesis 1:2 and that its context deals with Israel, not a pre-Adamic cataclysm (1974, p. 241).

7. The Gap Theory is false because it implies death of humankind on the Earth prior to Adam.

Pember believed that the fossils (which he felt the Gap Theory explained) revealed death, disease, and ferocity—all tokens of sin. He suggested:

Since, then, the fossil remains are those of creatures anterior to Adam, and yet show evident token of disease, death, and mutual destruction, they must have belonged to another world, and have a sin-stained history of their own (1876, p. 35, emp. added).

The idea that the death of humankind occurred prior to Adam’s sin contradicts New Testament teaching which indicates that the death of humankind entered this world as a result of Adam’s sin (1 Corinthians 15:21; Romans 8:20-22; Romans 5:12). Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:45 that Adam was “the first man.” Yet long before Adam—if the Gap Theory is correct—there existed a pre-Adamic race of men with (to quote Pember) “a sin-stained history of their own.” The Gap Theory and Paul cannot both be correct.

CONCLUSION

In 1948, M. Henkel, a graduate student at the Winona Lake School of Theology, wrote a master’s thesis on “Fundamental Christianity and Evolution.” During the course of his research, he polled 20 leading Hebrew scholars in the United States, and asked each of them if there were any exegetical evidence that would allow for a gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. They unanimously replied—No! (Henkel, 1950, p. 49, n. 30). We are unable to see that anything in this regard has changed in over four-and-a-half decades.

REFERENCES

Clayton, John N. (1976), The Source (South Bend, IN: privately published by author).

Custance, Arthur (1970), Without Form and Void (Brockville, Canada: Doorway Papers).

DeHoff, George W. (1944), Why We Believe the Bible (Murfreesboro, TN: DeHoff).

Fields, Weston W. (1976), Unformed and Unfilled (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).

Henkel, M. (1950), “Fundamental Christianity and Evolution,” Modern Science and the Christian Faith, ed. F. Alton Everest (Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen Press).

Jackson, Wayne and Bert Thompson (1992), In the Shadow of Darwin: A Review of the Teachings of John N. Clayton (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).

Keil, C.F. and Franz Delitzsch (1980), Biblical Commentaries on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

McIver, Tom (1988), “Formless and Void: Gap Theory Creationism,” Creation/Evolution, 8[3]:1-24, Fall.

Morris, Henry M. (1966) Studies in the Bble and Science (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).

Morris, Henry M. (1974), Scientific Creationism (San Diego, CA: Creation-Life Publishers).

Morris, Henry M. (1984), The Biblical Basis for Modern Science (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).

Pember, George H. (1876), Earth’s Earliest Ages (New York: Revell).

Ramm, Bernard (1954), The Christian View of Science and Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

Rimmer, Harry (1937), Modern Science and the Genesis Record (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

Thomas, J.D. (1961), Evolution and Antiquity (Abilene, TX: Biblical Research Press).

Thompson, Bert (1977), Theistic Evolution (Shreveport, LA: Lambert).

Thompson, Bert (1982), “The Day-Age Theory: Another False Compromise of the Genesis Account of Creation,” Reason & Revelation, 2:29-32, July.

Thompson, Bert (1989), “Questions and Answers,” Reason & Revelation, 9:17-18, May.

Thompson, Bert (1994), “Popular Compromises of Creation—The Day-Age Theory,” Reason & Revelation, 14:41-44,46-47, June.

Whitcomb, John C. (1973), “The Gap Theory,” And God Created, ed. Kelly L. Segraves (San Diego, CA: Creation-Science Research Center), 2:67-71.

Wysong, R.L. (1976), The Creation-Evolution Controversy (East Lansing, MI: Inquiry Press).

 

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Extras

HW: Explanation of the Seven Dispensations

Church History

Rev. Clayton Alward

November 11, 2003

 

The Seven Dispensations ExplainedBy Stephen G. Reynolds, Jr.

 

Dispensation: the scheme or plan of God's dealings with men

 

  1. Dispensation of Innocence Gen. 1:1-3:24

God created man perfect and in His own image. God deals with man as a perfect baby—untested, but perfect still the same. Sin has not yet entered the world and so man is for the first and last time initially innocent.

 

  1. Dispensation of Conscience Gen. 4:1-10:32

con•science n : consciousness of the moral right and wrong of one's own acts or motives

(c)2000 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  All rights reserved.

God deals with man in the Dispensation of Conscience by his conscience. Everyone is born with a conscience which is not a curse but the providence of God at work. God has placed within man the awareness of what is right or wrong, and God holds man responsible to his conscience.

 

  1. Dispensation of Human Government Gen. 10:33-12:1

Man left to himself will self destruct. Because of his carnal nature he is very heavily driven by his flesh and emotions, and so for a guiding force, God instituted human government. This was not to replace man’s responsibility to God, but was to serve as a lower court of sorts. Man is ultimately responsible to God.

 

  1. Dispensation of Promise Gen. 12:2-Ex. 12:10

In God’s dealing with man we see a new method, not replacing any before this point, but a step higher and closer to an intimate relationship being restored between God and man. God, Who owes no one anything, but in Him all things have their existence and by Him ALL things are made, is the One making covenants with and promises to man.

 

  1. Dispensation of Law Ex. 19:1-Matt. 1:1-25

The Dispensation of Law is clearly as vital to the perfect plan of God as the others, and yet the law is most often despised.  The Law is rigid and unbending, and this is the narrow picture most have of God. The law though was not the full plan of God, but was a “School Master” (Galatians 3:24) to teach man what God is expecting of man. Here in this dispensation we have the “What” but in the next God gives man the “How”. (Romans 8:3)

 

  1. Dispensation of Grace Matt. 28:1-10 Rev. 4:1-4

Man is incapable of equally the balances with the character and nature of Christ. God has given man Grace—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense—to do the work in man. God is working the change in man by his grace, and if man should fall, by God’s grace he can have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)

 

  1. Dispensation of Righteousness Rev. 22:1-21

Here is where the full purpose in the plan of God is fulfilled. Where righteousness reigns in man and not sin. God is going to work a complete work in us. The New Heaven and New Earth are only the backdrop to the goal and heart of God—fellowship completely restored. God is a holy God and cannot and will not fellowship with sin, but God in his infinite love and knowledge has made a way for us to enter into a place of unrestricted communion with Him.

Study Questions

Study Questions

SQ: Chapter 2

Stephen G. Reynolds, Jr.

Dispensational Truth

November 29, 2004

Study Questions

Page 1 of 2

Dispensational Truth

Study Questions

 

  1. What was the first Dispensation?

The first Dispensation was the Dispensation of Innocence.

 

  1. What period of time does the Antediluvian Age cover?

The Antediluvian Age extends from the Re-Creation of the earth to the Flood.

 

  1. What period of time does the first Dispensation cover?

It extends from the creation of Man to the expulsion from the Garden.

 

  1. What state was man created in?

Man was created in innocence.

 

  1. What was man commanded to do in Genesis 1:28?

Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

 

  1. What was the environment the man was placed in?

Man was place in a perfect environment.

 

  1. What does Eden mean in Hebrew?

Eden means “delight” in Hebrew.

 

  1. What was man commanded to do to the garden?

Man was commanded to dress and keep the garden.

 

  1. What was man tested on?

Man was tested on obedience.

 

  1. What is the meaning of Free Moral Agent?

The meaning Free Moral Agent is: one having the right to choose.

 

  1. What was the source of the temptation?

Satan was the source of the temptation.

 

  1. What does Satan use lies to do?

Satan uses lies to deceive.

 

  1. What were the three areas of the temptation?
    1. The lust of the flesh
    2. The lust of the eyes
    3. The pride of life

 

 

Stephen G. Reynolds, Jr.

Dispensational Truth

November 29, 2004

Study Questions

Page 2 of 2

 

  1. How did Jesus overcome the temptation?

Jesus overcame the temptation by the written word.

 

  1. What was Satan’s purpose in the temptation?

Satan’s purpose in the temptation was to spoil God’s purpose in the creation of man to repopulate the earth with a holy race.

 

  1. What was destroyed in man in yielding to the temptation?

In yielding to the temptation, man’s innocence was destroyed.

 

  1. What makes innocence righteousness?

Innocence can be made righteousness was it has been tested and has passed that test.

 

  1. What did man become conscious of when he failed the test?

Man became conscious of sin and came into a state of self-consciousness when he failed the test.

 

  1. What did the first Dispensation end in?

It ended in judgment and expulsion.

 

  1. What was the Edenic Dispensation characterized by?

It was characterized by the absence of sin - the presence of God.

 

BONUS: What do innocence and a perfect environment prove?

Eden proved that innocence and a perfect environment are not enough of a safeguard to prevent sin or trouble.

Study Questions

SQ: Human Government

1
  1. What period of time did the dispensation of Human Government cover?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. Name the four dispensations that the post Deluvian age covers.  

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. How long did the Deluge last?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was God's command after the flood?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was Noah's first act upon leaving the Ark?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the covenant that God made with Noah?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the sign of the covenant?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. Under human Government what could men now eat?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was forbidden to eat?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was Noah's vocation after the flood?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What did Noah do after he planted a vineyard?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What does this prove concerning man governing himself?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What does human frailty need?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the twofold nature of Ham’s sin?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the curse put upon Canaan?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. Who were the sons of Ham?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. Who was Japheth the father of?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the prophecy concerning Japheth?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. Who was Shem the father of?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was God's command to Noah after the flood?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1.  What happened to the earth after the flood?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the rebellion at Babel?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What were they in rebellion to?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What was the judgment brought upon them?

4, 3, 2, 1,

 

  1. What did the dispensation of Human Government end in?

4, 3, 2, 1,