Covenants and Dispensations

[Gary]

I read Dr. Ruckman's book on "How to Teach Dispensational Truth' and he mentions the covenants. I am having trouble connecting them in my mind to the dispensations. Is there a covenant for each dispensation? Or do some covenants cover more than one dispensation?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Gary

[Daniel]

(12-30-2009 06:37 PM)Gary Wrote:  I read Dr. Ruckman's book on "How to Teach Dispensational Truth' and he mentions the covenants. I am having trouble connecting them in my mind to the dispensations. Is there a covenant for each dispensation? Or do some covenants cover more than one dispensation?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Gary

Covenants can and do extend across dispensations. Also, in the Old Testament there are perpetual covenants that would not have an end. God will once again restore the nation of Israel, a covenant that was given to Abraham, and that will be fulfilled in Christ on the throne in Jerusalem during the millennium.

A Jew who is not in Christ is still bound under the covenant of the law. We know that there is no hope in the law and that a Jew's only hope is in Christ; however, that fact does not negate his obligation to the law if he is not in Christ.

I am sure there are better explanations of these things, but this is how I understand it.

[Lynne]

Hope this helps:
(Also, I'm not saying I agree or disagree; just providing an answer and I'm not sure if this is what Dr. Ruckman had in mind. I've read books on Covenant Theology which state it differently.)

Quote:The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)
Chapter VII
Of God's Covenant with Man

I. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto Him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of Him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which He has been pleased to express by way of covenant.[1]

II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works,[2] wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity,[3] upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.[4]

III. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second,[5] commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein He freely offers unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved,[6] and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life His Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe.[7]

IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the Testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed.[8]

V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the Gospel:[9] under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all foresignifying Christ to come;[10] which were, for that time, sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,[11] by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament.[12]

VI. Under the Gospel, when Christ, the substance,[13] was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper:[14] which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy,[15] to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles;[16] and is called the New Testament.[17] There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various dispensations.[18]

Source: http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_wi...index.html

[shieldoffaith]

(12-30-2009 06:37 PM)Gary Wrote:  I read Dr. Ruckman's book on "How to Teach Dispensational Truth' and he mentions the covenants. I am having trouble connecting them in my mind to the dispensations. Is there a covenant for each dispensation? Or do some covenants cover more than one dispensation?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Gary

Here's a informative link...
http://www.biblebelievers.com/Dispen1a.htm

[Samuel Pickens]

Seemingly by some: Darby started dipsensations in th 1830's and Schofield followed. Comments;

Looking below: it appears that dispensation is a thing rather than a period.

Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the DISPENSATION of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a DISPENSATION [of the gospel] is committed unto me.

Colossians 1:25
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the DISPENSATION of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Ephesians 1:10
That in the DISPENSATION of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

I accepted Jesus as Savior on Jan 5, 1972. I have never really studied "dispensations" or commentaries but have studied the KJB as my only Bible study but to also read sermons and some of HA Ironsides and a few. Also Ruckman's manuscript evidence.

I'll attempt to ask some more questions on dispensations but it's late and I think I made a list I'll have to find. So far, no one has made it clear what they are or maybe I'm not the sharpest tack in the barrel.

[Samuel Pickens]

I'm a Christian 38 years and have heard dispensations forever but no real definations. Seemingly this teaching started ~180 yrs ago. So, I have now begin to inquire and only now started to study - so, I'm day 0. Trying to jump start with information.

Thanks for the help.

Look at the four versus above: the only four............... It refers to things.

Take a hard read at the one: Ephesians 1:10
That in the DISPENSATION of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

Seemingly this is where they associate 'time'. Note 'dispensation' not /s

dispensation fullness of time together one all things

Which (thing) Heaven Earth

How many covenants? OT & NT How broad? Left up to the interpetor?

Basic questions: can't seem to fit them in dispensational teaching --------- YET

I need some education on despensations I assume.

D1 = Adam to getting kicked out?
D2 = Introduction of death by murder or = D1 + D2 to the flood.

Next: Noah to ______________ Egypt. Then Egypt to Isreal??

Then Temple or does that begin with the Ark? OK: cross Jordan and to Jerusalem and then Temple to Daniel.

Now Christ and then the Pentecost and Holy Ghost comes to now?

Or; D1 pointing to Christ from Adam and D2 pointing backward to Christ from now?

Then Mil as D3 and NH & NE D4

[VALERIE]

Hi All.

A dear Brother on my home forum posted this a while ago regarding "dispensations" or covenants, I thought it may be of interest to you.
................................................................................................................
here is a very short description of the past "Covenants" (sometimes called "Dispensations") God has made with man

There have been many Dispensational “SYSTEMS” proposed by NUMEROUS Dispensationalist authors. I do not believe that any ONE of these “SYSTEMS” is 100% “correct”.

I am “leery” of ALL systems of Biblical interpretation and theological formulations – simply because I do not believe that any man can “box in” the Scriptures and make them always “FIT” into their “SYSTEM” (i.e. Calvin, Gill, Spurgeon, Bullinger, Stam, Ruckman, etc.).

The word “Dispensation” is used only four (4) times in the Holy Bible. Since I believe in “rightly dividing the word of truth”, that automatically places me in the “Dispensationalists Camp”. But I do NOT push “Dispensationalism” (a “system” of Biblical interpretation) – I try to emphasize the Holy Scriptures instead.

Since there are so FEW verses in the Bible with the word “dispensation” in them, when I teach about HOW God has dealt with men down though the ages; I prefer to emphasize God’s “COVENANTS” with men, rather than the “Dispensations” (since the word “dispensation” does NOT mean a period of time – as many Dispensationalists believe and teach.)

There are many Dispensational “systems” and most of them are quite complex. I try to keep things simple (and at the same time “Biblical”), and so I have noticed that the one thing that is common in every single so-called “Dispensation” (or under every Covenant of God) is BELIEF and OBEDIENCE!

#1. In the Garden of Eden (Under the "Edenic" Covenant) - Adam was required to "believe" God (there was no "Faith" involved) and to obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID - ORALLY). {Which Eve failed to do, and Adam (for Eve’s sake) joined her in disobedience to God's Covenant.}

#2. After the Adam's "Fall" (under the "Adamic" Covenant) - all that was required of people before the flood was for them to "believe" God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID - ORALLY). {Which by Noah's time - ONLY Noah did.}

#3. The same holds true for all those after the Flood (under the "Noahic" Covenent). They were to "believe" God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID - ORALLY). {Of whom Job would be the perfect “example”.}

#4. Under the "Abrahamic" Covenant - Abraham and all of his descendants were to "believe" God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID - ORALLY). {Which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did – and some of their descendants.}

#5. Under the "Mosaic" Covenant - Moses and all of the Israelites were to "believe" God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID – both ORALLY and in the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH). {Which Moses did (except for striking the “rock” at Kadesh.)}

#6. Under the "Davidic" Covenant - David and all of his descendants were to "believe" God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID – both ORALLY and in the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH). {Which David did except in the matter of Uriah & Bathsheba, and the numbering of the children of Israel.}

#7. At the time of Lord Jesus Christ’s coming to Israel (as the Son of God - in the flesh) – the nation of Israel was obligated to "believe" the Son of God and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID – both ORALLY, and from the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH). {Which Israel refused to do, but instead REJECTED Him and had Him KILLED!}

#7a. At the Holy Spirit’s coming to Israel (at Pentecost) – the nation of Israel was obligated to "believe" the Apostles and Disciples (within whom the Holy Spirit was living) and obey them (i.e. WHAT THEY SAID – both ORALLY, and from the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH). {Which Israel refused to do, but instead REJECTED them (and the Holy Spirit living in them) and eventually started KILLING them – i.e. James (John's brother), Stephen, etc.}

Upon the nation of Israel’s REJECTION of the entire Godhead (THE FATHER - in The Old Testament; THE SON - in The Gospels; and the HOLY SPIRIT - in the First Few Chapters of Acts [Acts Chapters 1-7]); God turned to the Gentiles.

#7b. Under the “New Covenant" - Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ {all His "seed" – BOTH Jew & Gentile} are to "believe" God, and His Holy Apostles, and obey Him (i.e. WHAT HE SAID in the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH). {We are to simply BELIEVE the “Gospel” of the Grace of God (i.e. Paul’s “Gospel”) and “obey” God by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour – PLUS NOTHING!}

#8. In the Great Tribulation - Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are to "believe" God and obey Him. (i.e. WHAT HE SAID in the SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH and WHAT He; and the two witnesses; and the 144,000 ORALLY SPEAK.) {And they must "overcome" and "endure to THE END"}

#9. In the thousand year "Millennial Reign" of Christ - People BETTER "believe" God and obey Him. (There will be no "faith" involved.) {The Lord Jesus Christ will RULE WITH A ROD OF IRON - There will be NO HUMANISTIC (Psychiatry/Psychology) EXCUSES THEN!}

#10. In "Eternity" – Everything will be “settled” and all will be well:

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new Heaven and a new earth: for the first Heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Now I do not say that what I have presented can be called “Dispensations” and I am not trying to “set up” some “NEW SYSTEM”. What I have tried to do is understand HOW God has dealt with men in the past, and WHY He hasn’t always dealt with them in the same manner {although He has ALWAYS REQUIRED – “BELIEF” (in His “words”) and Obedience}.

I have found that the different “COVENANTS” that God made with men at different times in the history of mankind - best explain the “differences” in the way that God has dealt with men.

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

From the very beginning of the creation of Adam, and up to the present time, God has wanted people to "believe" Him and obey Him (that is His words - both Orally and Written). There have been different Dispensations; and God has required different things of people under the different "Covenants"; but the one constant thread running throughout all of the ages (Dispensations), and under all of the "Covenants" is God's consistent Requirement that we "BELIEVE" Him (His Holy words) and OBEY Him (His Holy words). He does not FORCE us, or MAKE us "believe" Him, but He "REQUIRES" it!

God has REQUIRED of everyone under every COVENANT and in every "age" that they "BELIEVE" His words {Oral or Written} and OBEY them. We are very fortunate that under the "New Covenant” - All we have to DO to get saved is to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, . . . ." {When WE "BELIEVE" in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and "RECEIVE" Him as our personal Saviour, we have done (obeyed) all that God has required of us (under the "New" Covenant) to get saved.} God never said that we are too “DEPRAVED” to believe Him – He has said that there is nothing we can DO (“WORKS”) to save ourselves {Romans 1:16; Romans 3:19-28; Galatians 2:16}

[Here Am I]

Off the cuff, so to speak:

Whenever we are required to do something for salvation, it is works.

Believing in God isn't enough. The devils believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)

They know Jesus Christ, but they are not born again. (Luke 8:28-30; Matthew 8:28-29; Mark 9:7-9)

We are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, Who died and rose again to save us from eternal damnation. We just have to accept His offer, no keeping the law or commandments needed for salvation. We are saved through the gospel: 1 Corinthians 15, with Jesus dying, being buried and then resurrected.

Did Abraham believe in the gospel? No, it wasn't known then.

Did Noah believe in the gospel? No, it wasn't known then.

No, people in the OT before the law was given (Moses) believed in God and His promises, and it was counted as righteousness for them.

They also made animal (blood) sacrifices to God, do we do that? No. Christ was sacrificed for us. No further sacrifice is necessary for us.

When the law was given, the people had to make sacrifices in order to have remission (forgiveness) of their sins.

We're not saved that way, we have to believe on Christ: we do not have to make sacrifices (remember Abel, Cain, Abraham with Isaac?). We do not have to do anything but believe on Christ and Him crucified, the gospel.

So, it's not the same way to get 'saved' in the OT as opposed to the NT.

Now, after the Rapture, and Christ's church is removed, will people still get saved the same way? I don't think so.

Look at these verses from Revelation, re the Tribulation:

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 12:17)

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

Those people have to keep the commandments and have faith/testimony of Jesus Christ. That's not the same as what we have to do in order to be saved, or born again.

Think about it.

[Samuel Pickens]

Basically; dispensations are not what is being taught only called that wrongly. Why for the confussion is beyond me.

You may have a covenant with a person, a group or tribe or nation or the whole world. Some may overlap and some may reach an end and no longer apply.