New Testament and Future Dispensations

Have you ever considered how the Bible brings together timeless stories and deep teachings? In our Bible study last week, we discussed "New Testament and Future Dispensations" in which we learned about a journey through Scripture that reveals an impressive scope of God's redemptive plan. This helps us understand where we stand in His unfolding story.

God's structured plan for humanity across different time periods or dispensations, beginning with Adam's innocence in Eden, builds up to the eternal "Age of the Ages." Last week, we examined how each dispensation revealed different aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity—from conscience and human government to the giving of the Law and our current age of grace. Most significantly, we saw how we are now living in the Dispensation of Grace, where salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than obedience to the Law. In other words, where we stand in human history is called the church age or the dispensation of grace. Understanding these dispensations develops our view of God's comprehensive plan and helps us live faithfully today while maintaining hope for Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

I. The Ante-Diluvian Age
- Edenic Dispensation (Innocence): This period started with Adam's creation and ended when he and Eve were expelled from Eden for disobedience (Genesis 3:23-24).

- Ante-Diluvian Dispensation (Conscience): People lived by their conscience but fell into corruption, leading to the Flood (Genesis 6:11-13).

II. The Present Age
- Post-Diluvian Dispensation (Human Government): After the Flood, people tried to govern themselves, highlighted by events like the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:7-8).

- Patriarchal Dispensation (Promise): Abraham's call formed a great nation meant to bless everyone (Genesis 12:1-3).

- Legal Dispensation (Law): God gave Israel the Law to set them apart as His people (Exodus 19:5-6).

- Ecclesiastical Dispensation (Grace): Today, we're in the Church Age, where salvation comes through grace and faith, not by following the Law. Our mission is to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 28:18-20).

III. The Age of Ages
- Future Dispensations: Prophecies tell us about Christ's return and Israel's restoration, focusing on events like resurrection and judgment (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 11:25-27).

- Millennial Kingdom: A future 1,000-year reign of peace with Christ before a new creation begins (Revelation 20:1-6, Revelation 21:1-4).

- Renovation by Fire: Earth will be purified to prepare for the new heaven and earth (2 Peter 3:10-13).

- Perfect Age and Ages of the Ages (Eternal Kingdom): This marks an eternal time where God's plan is completely fulfilled, bringing joy to believers forever (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, Revelation 22:5).

- We are living in the church age, "The Dispensation of Grace," where salvation is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through our works or keeping the Law (Ephesians 2:8-9). This should transform how we approach God—with confidence in His grace rather than fear of our inadequacy.

- Our mission as the Church is clear: to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, emphasizing grace through faith (Matthew 28:18-20). Every believer has a role in this Great Commission, living out and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

- Christ's prophesied return is central to our hope and should shape how we live today. Whether we experience the Rapture, the Millennial Kingdom, or the new heaven and new earth, God's promises assure us that His plan will finish in perfect fellowship with Him for all eternity (Revelation 21:1-4).

- Understanding these dispensations helps us see God's amazing plan and encourages us to live with purpose and hope today.

As we reflect on these truths, I encourage you to consider how understanding God's dispensational plan affects your daily walk with Him. Are you living in the fullness of His grace? Are you actively participating in the mission He has given His Church? Are you watching expectantly for His return?

May this study deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness throughout history and strengthen your commitment to living faithfully in this present age.

In Christ's Service,
Pastor Daniel Bangura