CMI Because You Asked. . .
I am asked by many people; “Can you give me a simple definition of Dispensationalism?
DISPENSATIONALISM – A SIMPLE DEFINITION
Many people debate over the number of dispensations and what makes a person a
dispensationalist, but when one considers the three key fundamental aspects of
Dispensationalism it becomes easier to separate the non-dispensationalist from the
dispensationalist. According to Charles Ryrie the sine qua non (essential parts) of
Dispensationalism is found not in the number of dispensations but in three basic beliefs
based upon the Bible. Covenant theologians and dispensational theologians all divide the
Bible into dispensations. This is not a distinguishing mark of either. The former sees two
(sometimes four dispensations), the Old and New Testaments, while the latter finds
seven, eight, or other numbers. The essence of Dispensationalism is not the number of
dispensations one breaks history into, but how one views the three essential points on
which Covenant and Dispensational theology disagree.
Three Essential Dispensational Points
1. A dispensationalist consistently interprets the Scriptures, from Genesis 1:1 to
Revelation 22:21 with a literal-historical-grammatical hermeneutic [system of
interpretation]. He reads the Scriptures in the normal, natural sense and does not
interject hidden, obscure, or mystical meanings into the verses as the Augustinian
allegorical school of hermeneutics does. Unlike the Augustinian allegorical
hermeneutic (followed by Covenant theologians and many Reformed theologians)
which finds allegorical teaching in passages, the dispensationalist reads the
Scriptures and understand them in their normal and obvious sense. Hence, when
the Scriptures give numbers, dates, and specific facts they are taken in their literal
sense. He seeks the one meaning of a passage and does not seek multiple levels of
meaning. When a figure of speech such as a metaphor or allegory is used in the
Scriptures, they understand them as such. I would note, that the Bible always
defines the allegory in the context and does not leave it up to the reader to create
the meaning [Gal. 4:21-31]. Augustinian allegorical hermeneutic treats all
passages of Scripture, except prophecy, with a literal-historical-grammatical
hermeneutic. Only prophecy is to use the allegorical hermeneutic.
2. A dispensationalist believes the Bible teaches that ethnic Israel (the nation)
and the Church [all true believers, beginning at Pentecost and continuing to
the catching up of the church (Rapture)] are distinct. They have distinct
functions, plan, and purpose by God throughout eternity. Israel is never replaced
or merged with the Church. While salvation has never changed since the Garden,
dispensations change and God’s involvement with the different groups depends
upon the dispensation.
3. A dispensationalist believes that God’s purpose of history is to bring Him
glory through the manifestation of His attributes. All of creation is to glorify
God throughout history. The creation, including humanity and the angels, brings
God glory as they recognize and praise God’s attributes or characteristics. This is
explained in greater detail in both my book and in IBI’s first course, God’s
Purpose as Revealed in the Old Testament (www.InternetBibleInstitute.com).
This is a very brief description. A greater discussion of these points is found in the
following three sources:
• There Really Is A Difference by Renald Showers (available through CMI
bookstore)
• Dispensationalism by Charles C. Ryrie
• Middletown Bible Church website (www.MiddletownBibleChurch.org)
Robert Congdon
Congdon Ministries International
PO Box 1785
Greer, SC 29652
www.CongdonMinistries.org
[email protected]
©2010, Robert Congdon
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