I. BIBLIOLOGY Doctrine or Teaching of the Scriptures
I believe the Bible to be the inerrant (completely true exempt from error) Word of God (Ps. 119:89; 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:20,21: Matt. 5:17,18). The Bible is not liable to deceive; it is infallible because of its Author, who is God.
The Bible contains, (Canonicity) 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 of the New Testament. The Bible is God-breathed (inspired) in its totality (Plenary) 2 Tim. 3:16. The original manuscripts were divinely inspired and without error and God has preserved the truths for us today.
Men wrote the Bible as the Holy Spirit led them (2 Pet.1:20,21). The writers were allowed, by God, to express these truths in their individuality and yet express them in the very words God wanted (verbal) (Isa. 55:11).
The Bible is God's supreme rule of faith and practice for man today and it has stood the test of time. It is the beginning and final authority as to man's life for salvation and sanctification and on the basis of its' claims are all other arguments settled.
Revelation is God's communication to man what is unknown or unknowable to him. The Bible is God's primary communication with which all other revelation has to agree. In nature, God reveals Himself (Rom. 1:19,20; Ps. 19:1) but full knowledge only comes with the understanding of the Bible. God revealed Himself in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 3:16; John 1:1, 14) but the understanding of Jesus Christ is found only in the Bible (Jn. 20:31; Rom. 10:17). Also God guides the walk one is to take through life in His Word (Ps. 119:1-16, 105). The Word of God is a closed book; there is not new truths or revelation being added (Rev. 22:18,19).
Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit enabling one to understand God's Word (I Cor. 2:11-16; John 16:8-16).
Interpretation is of no private, mystical interpretation, or is it given to anyone for bolstering one's own hobbyhorse doctrine but is to be interpreted literally unless other Scripture or context dictates differently. The dispensational understanding is needed to understand God's total work of creation and His historical working with men. The interpretation is man's attempt to determine the intended meaning of Scripture (Luke 24:27; 2 Pet. 1:20; II Ti.2:15). Therefore, we should keep in mind the Bible as a whole, the purpose of the Book in which the text is found, the context of the passage, the words that are used, the historical setting in which the passage was written and to whom the Book was written.
I believe that there is only one God Who exists in three Persons. A. One God -Isa. 43:10,11 "Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no savior." (Isa. 44:6,8; 45:5; 46:9; 48:12-13; I Tim 2:5; Gen. 1:1). B. The Father is identified as God (Gal 1:1; Jn. 6:27; Rom 1:7; Eph. 4:6). C. The Son is identified as God (John 1:1,14; Heb. 1:8; Titus 2:13, Rom. 9:5; Matt. 4:6-7; Rev. 1:8 cf. 22:12-16; I Jn. 5:20). D. The Holy Spirit is identified as God (Acts 5:3,4; 2 Cor. 3:17; Acts 13:2 cf. 4; Gal. 1:13-24). E. The three are treated with equality and oneness (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 8;13-17; John 15;26,27; Gen. 1:26).
The attributes of God can be moral or natural. The natural attributes pertain to His existence as a infinite, rational spirit. The moral attributes relate to God as a righteous Spirit. God is spirit (Jn.4:24), eternal(Ps. 90:2; Rev. 1:8), unchangeable(Jas. 1:17; Heb. 6:17; Heb. 13:8)in His being, wisdom (Col. 2:3; Eph. 3:10; Prov. 3:19), Powerful (Ps. 29:4; Heb. 4:12; I Pet. 3:22; Rev. 15:8),holiness (Rev. 6:10; Jn. 17:11; Mk. 1:24; I Thess. 1:6), justice (Rom. 3:25,26), goodness or kindness (Rom. 2:4; Gal. 5:22; Ps. 27:13), and truth (Jn. 14:6).
There are attributes personally ascribed to God (I Jn. 5:20): God can hate (Prov. 6:16), God can love (Rev. 3:19), God can be jealous (Dt. 6:15), God can be angry (I Kings 11:9),and God can be grieved (Gen. 6:6).
The attributes of God are intrinsic in His nature. They are inseparable and constitute the basis for His dealing with creation. God is: 1. Omnipresent (Present everywhere) (Ps. 139:7-10; Jer. 23:23,24). 2. Omniscient (All knowing) (Rom. 11:3-6; I Jn. 3:20; Acts 15:18; Heb. 4:13; Lu. 5:4-11; Jn. 1:45-51). 3. Omnipotent (All powerful) (Mat. 19:26; Job 42:2; Ps. 66:7). 4. Immutable (Non Changing) (Mal. 3:6; Jas. 1:7). 5. Holy (Isa. 6; Rev. 6:10; Jn. 17:11; Mk. 1:24; I Thess. 1:6). 6. Righteous (Rom. 3:21;Ps. 129:4; Jn. 17:25; Ac. 3:14; 7:52). 7. Good (Ps. 103:8; Matt. 19:17; Jn.10:18). 8. Love (I Jn. 3:1; 4:8). 9. Gracious (Eph. 2:8,9). 10. Merciful (Ps. 130:8; Lk. 6:36; Jer. 3:12). 11. Truth (I Jn. 5:20; Jn. 14:6).
God has made decrees in keeping with His character. There are two kinds, perfect (Eph. 1:11) and permissive (I Cor. 10:13). God did decree permission for evil to be done but God did not decree evil.
God is the Creator. He created the world out of nothing. All three Persons of the Godhead were involved (Gen. 1:1-2; Col. 1:15). He planned it in eternity past and when He created, it was immediate as recorded in Gen. 1 and 2 (Ps. 33:6,9; Heb. 11:3; Gen. 2:7.). He created material and immaterial things (Ps. 19:1; John 1:3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:2,10).
The Providence of God. "Providence is that continuous agency of God by which He makes all events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which He created it."(A. Strong) God is the Author of all things (I Cor.8:6) and has the sovereign right and power to rule all things after the desire of His own will.(Is. 55:10-11; Ps. 115:3; Dan. 4:35; Job 23:13; I Chr. 29:11-12). All things work to glorify and honor Him and all His creation are to seek God's plan for existence. (Prov. 16:4; Is. 43:7; Eph. 1:12).Therefore, God determines events (Acts 12:5-19; 17:24-31), He permits certain events (Rom. 1:24,28), Certain events are prevented (Gen.20:6), and God directs in His works (Gen. 50:20; Rom.8:28).
III CHRISTOLOGY Doctrine of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God, identical in Deity or co-equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is eternal from eternity past to eternity future and is distinct in personality. He became man willingly but remained God. Jesus Christ was completely man and completely God in His incarnation. He did not possess a sin nature, therefore, He was not able to sin. Jesus Christ willingly died on the cross shedding His blood for the sins of the world. He was the perfect sacrifice once for all to justify those who come to Him by faith. He was buried and rose the third day in bodily form giving eternal victory over the power of darkness. He ascended to heaven to be man's Mediator after giving proof of His resurrection to many living at that time. He is seated at the right hand of the Father as our Great High Priest and will someday come again to receive the believers in eternal Glory through the Rapture and with His second coming He will judge the world for its sins. He will reward the believer for the quality of life he lived and condemn the unbeliever to the lake of fire.
His pre-existence in eternity or existence before His birth is clearly stated in Scripture (Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-3,14;17:5; Is. 9:6; John 8:58; cf. Ex 3:14,15). He is the Creator of all (Col. 1:15-17; Jn. 1:3) and Sustainer ( Heb. 1:3).
The Deity of Christ is clearly seen through the teaching of the Scriptures. It teaches of Jesus Christ's pre-existence,manifestation of His Power, deity through His names, and recorded testimony 1. Jesus showed deity by the manifestation of His power and attributes. A. He controlled the elements, diseases, death, etc. Matt. 12:22,23; Luke 4:33; John 11:43-44. B. Jesus Christ showed omnipresence in Matt. 18:20; 28:20; showed omniscience in John 16:30; 1:48 and omnipotence in Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:16. 2. Jesus Christ showed deity through His names. A. Son of the Living God - Matt. 16:16. B. Lord - Matt. 22:43-45; Acts 2:36. C. God - Heb. 1:8; Phil. 2:6; Matt. 1:22,23. D. King of Kings & Lord of Lords - Rev. 19:16; I Tim. 6:14,15. E. Alpha and Omega and Jehovah - Rev. 1:8 Cf. 22:13,16. F. I Am - Ex. 3:14 Cf. John 8:24;10. 3. Jesus Christ showed deity by recorded testimony of Historical fact. A. His own - Matt. 4:6-7; 26:63-64; John 4:25-26. B. John the Baptist - John 1:15,23,30,34. C. Disciples & Apostles - John 20:28-29; Matt. 16:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-8. D. Angels - Luke 1:35; 2:11. E. The Father - Matt. 3:16-17; 17:5.
Jesus Christ was not only God but took upon Himself humanity (Phil. 2:6-11; John 1:1-14; Heb. 2:14-18). Jesus Christ emptied Himself (Kenosis) to become a servant and taking upon himself the nature of a man(except for the sin nature) and became subject to the limitations of man: He was born, lived as a man, suffered and died (Phil.2:6-11). The Kenosis is a part of the mystery of the incarnation; it is unfathomable because of the incomprehensibility of God and the inability of the human mind to conceive adequately. However we know he did because the Word of God tells us he did empty Himself(Phil. 2:7; Jn. 17:5; II Cor. 8:9). Yet in His incarnation He remained deity (Matt.26:53;John 1:14; 10:17-18; Col. 2:9). His Hypostatic Union or two natures in one person is shown by the two realms of consciousness (Jn. 3:13; 8:58; 14:9-11), thought (Lk.2:49,51-52), desire (Luke 22:4l,42; John 17:24,25) and life (Jn. 5:26, Jn. 10:17,18,30).
A. He was born of a virgin woman (Matt. 1:18; Luke 2:7; Gal. 4:4) which was predicted (Isa. 7:14). B. He took a body of flesh (John 1:14; I John 4:2) which functions in the same way as our bodies; He became tired (Jn. 4:6), hungry (Matt. 4:2), thirsty (Jn. 19:28), and suffered (I Pet. 2:21;4:1;5:1), and died (Lk. 23:46; Matt. 27:50). C. He had a soul and a spirit (Matt. 26:38; Mt. 27:50; Mk. 2:8; Lu 1:80). D. He called Himself a man (John 8:40,41). E. He was tempted as a man (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) but had no sin (II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15).
The Impeccability of Christ is shown by no sin committed; because Jesus Christ was not able to commit sin (Jas. 1:13). The Lord Jesus was sinless and holy (Heb. 4:15, Jn. 8:46; I Pet. 1:19; Luke 1:35, Acts 2:27; 3:14; 4:27).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ must be accepted for one to be saved for eternity, (Rom. 10:9-10; 8:11; I Cor. 15:1-8,12-19). The historical facts, even before it happens and after, are recorded in the Bible along with eye witnesses (I Cor. 15:4-8). A. The resurrection was prophesied in the Old Testament (Ps. 16:10; Ps. 22; Isa. 53). and Jesus said that He would raise Himself from the dead(Jn. 2:19,21; Matt. 17:9). B. His resurrection was accomplished the third day after the crucifixion (Matt. 17:23). C. His resurrection was bodily (Matt. 28:1-6; Lk. 24:1-3; Acts 2:31), He ate after His resurrection (Lk. 24:30). Jesus Christ had flesh and bones after the resurrection (Lk. 24:39).
After the resurrection Jesus Christ ascended to heaven (Jn. 6:62, cf. Lk. 24:51; Acts 1:9; Eph. 4:10) and is preparing a place for us (Jn. 14:2,3). He sent the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:7) to be our Intercessor (Heb. 7:25) and our Advocate (I Jn. 2:1).
Jesus Christ is our Prophet (Heb. 1:1-2; Jn. 4:19,44; Ac. 7:37,38), Priest (Heb. 4:14,15; 5:6-10; 7:3), and King (Ps. 24; Jn. 18:36; I Tim. 1:16,17; 6:15,16). He is the Mediator between God and man (I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15). Someday He will be the Judge of all men (Rom. 14:10), believers for the quality of life (I Cor. 3:10-15) and unbelievers in punitive condemnation (Rev. 20:11-15).
IV PNEUMATOLOGY The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
I believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead. He was active in creation along with the Father and Son. He is co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is omnipresent from eternity; He indwells believers in a special way since the day of Pentecost which is permanent until the day of redemption. He is the Author of Scripture and the One Who enables believers to understand and He enables believers to live lives pleasing to the Lord. He seals, baptizes, guides, fills, teaches and sanctifies, helping believers in their lives. He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment. He regenerates all believers. He gave gifts to men in order to edify the body of Christ so as to mature in Christ. There were certain gifts which passed away with the completion of the canon of Scripture: tongues, miracles used as signs, prophets and apostles. His work is to glorify Christ and not Himself (Jn. 15:26).
I. The Holy Spirit is a Person and the features of His personality show it. He has Intellect (I Cor. 2:10-11; Rom. 8:27), Emotion (Eph. 4:30) and Will (I Cor. 12:11). A. Aspects relating to His name which show personality. 1. Comforter or Counselor (Paraclete) (John 14:26; 15:26). 2. He is associated with other Persons: The Father and Son (Matt. 28:19), with Christ (Jn. 16:14 cf. 17:4), and with Christians (Acts 15:28). B. His acts are acts of personality. 1. He speaks (Acts 13:1-4; Jn. 16:13; Acts 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). 2. He teaches and brings to remembrance (John 14:26). 3. He testifies (Jn. 15:26). 4. He convicts of sin (Jn. 16:8). 5. He intercedes (Rom. 8:26). 6. He sends forth (Acts 13:4). 7. He preforms actions (I Cor. 12:13). C. Personality is shown by being able to quench or grieve (I. Th. 5:19; Eph. 4:30). II. The Holy Spirit is God (Deity) Acts 5:3 cf. 4. A. His Characteristics are Deity. 1. Eternal (Heb. 9:14). 2. Omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-10). 3. Omniscient (I Cor. 2:10-11). 4. Omnipotent (Gen. 1:2, Lk. 1:35). 5. Moral (Gal. 5:22). B. His Works are Deity. 1. Creation (Gen 1:2) Sustaining (Ps. 104:10-14,30). 2. Raised Christ from dead (Rom. 8:11, I Pet. 3:18). 3. Inspiring Scripture (2 Pet. 1:21). 4. Bestower of life (Jn. 6:;63; Rom. 8:2). 5. Regeneration (Jn. 3:8; Titus 3:5). 6. Seals (Eph. 1:13). III. The Holy Spirit in the O.T. A. He strove ( execute judgment, or plead against difficulties) or contended with men (Gen. 6:3). B. The Holy Spirit would indwell men (Gen. 41:38; Num. 27:18) but not necessarily stay (Num. 11:16; Judges 3:10; I Sam. 10:10; 11:6; 19:23). C. The coming on men was to enable them for a special task (Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31). D. Prayer was made to keep the Holy Spirit (Ps. 51:11). IV. The Holy Spirit in the New Testament A. Anointed Jesus Christ (Luke 3:21,22; 4:18), B. Worked in the Life of Christ (Acts 1:1-2), C. Convicts of sin (Jn. 16:7-11), D. Gives birth to the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2), E. Calls to salvation (Jn. 3:6; 6:63; 16:12-16), F. Baptizes into the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13), G. Gives gifts (I Pet. 4:10; I Cor. 12; Rom. 12; II Ti.1:6,7), H. Seals (Jn. 6:27 cf. Lu. 3:21,22; 4:18; II Cor. 1:21,22; Eph. 1:13,14; 4:30), I. Permanently indwells believers (Rom. 8:9; Jn. 14:16 I Cor. 6:19; Eph. 4:30), J. Teaches and comforts (John 14:26), K. Guides (Acts 8:27-29; Jn. 14:12-15), L. Gives assurance (Rom. 8:16), M. Gives freedom from bondage of sin (Rom. 8:2,12,13; Gal. 5:16-26), N. Gives power to prayer (Rom. 8:26,27; Eph. 6:18; Jude 20). O. Sanctifies the believer (II Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2).
V. ANTHROPOLOGY Doctrine of Man
Man was created by God. Neither Adam or Eve come into existence through any evolutionary process (Gen. 1:26,27). God created man out of the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7). Then God breathed into man the breath of life (Gen. 2:7). We were created in the image or likeness of God having a personality with intellect, emotion, will and conscience (Gen. 1:27). Both Adam and Eve were created with the immaterial and material substance which God created. They were created to reproduce after their own kind which begins at conception. They both were created perfect and righteous which had not been tested. They had a free will to choose between obedience or disobedience. When tried by Satan, they disobeyed God and sin passed upon all mankind (Rom. 5:12-14). Because of the act of sin the consequence of death resulted: spiritual death (Eph.2:1), physical death (Heb. 9:27) and eternal death (Rev. 20:14 cf. v10; Jude 7).
I The Origin of Man is a created act of God (Gen. 1:26,27). l. The material from dust (Gen. 2:7) and woman made from man's rib material(Gen. 2:20-25). 2. Immaterial came from God - the breath of life (Gen. 2:7). 3. Created with age (Gen. 2:15-17). 4. Created with ability to choose (Gen. 3:6). 5. Created to reproduce and populate the earth (Gen. 1:28; Acts 17:26; ). 6. Created to manage and take care of the earth (Gen. 1:26; 2:15,16). 7. Created man to have fellowship with God (Gen. 3:8,9). B. Created in God's image or likeness (Gen 1:27; 5:1,3). 1. Intellectual (Col. 3:10). 2. Moral (I Tim. 2:14,22; Ja. 1:21). 3. Immortal (Ecc. 3:11; Dan.12:2). C. Man is trichotomous, made up of three parts: body, soul, and spirit. (I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12). l. The soul is man's consciousness of self and the world around (Prov. 16:17; Job 10:1; 7:11; 30:25). 2. The spirit gives consciousness towards God (Prov. 20:27; Rom. 8:16).
II. The Fall of Man A. Consequence universal to all men (Rom. 5:12-14). B. Man was tempted (Gen. 3:1-5). C. Man failed to obey (Gen 3:6-7). III Consequence to man (Total Depravity) A. Ground cursed (Gen. 3:17-19). B. Pain and sorrow in child-bearing (Gen. 3:16). C. The leadership role of our present husband-wife relationship (Gen. 3:16). D. Spiritual, physical and eternal death (Gen. 2:17). E. All men are sinners and under condemnation (Rom. 5:12). F. All in bondage to sin and Satan (Rom. 7:7,14,15,23,24; Jn. 8:44). G. Man's flesh wars against his soul (I Pet. 2:11). H. Man's spirit is corrupted (2.Cor. 7:1). I. Man's intellect is blinded and corrupted (2 Cor.4:4; 2 Tim. 3:8). J. Man's emotions are regulated by unrighteousness (I Jn. 2:15; Rom. 7:8,15,18; Zep. 3:5b). K. Man's will, intellect and emotions are defiled (Tit. 1:15; Rom. 3:10-18; Heb. 10:22; I Tim. 4:2).
VI. HAMARTIOLOGY Doctrine of Sin
I believe sin originated with Lucifer when he acted with pride in rebellion against God in heaven (Isa. 14:12-17, Ezk. 28:11-19). Sin entered earth when Adam willfully disobeyed God by eating of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. (Gen. 3:6; I Tim. 2:14). Since all men were in Adam, all became guilty (Gen. 4:6-26; Rom. 5:12). Sin corrupted man so that he is totally depraved that nothing of himself or in himself can commend him to God (Rom. 3:23). Death is the result of sin and I believe that all are born sinners, dead in transgression and sin (Eph. 2:1). Because of sin, Satan was cursed and man separated from God and from the benefits which God desired for man.
THE NATURE AND EFFECTS OF SIN 1. Sin is failure to be or act in accordance with God's character and affected all the human race (Ecc. 7:20). 2. Sin is missing the mark (Rom. 3:23). 3. Sin is lawlessness or transgression (I Jn. 3:4). 4. Sin caused man to die spiritually to God and lose fellowship with Him (Eph. 2:1; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Jn. 5:24; I Jn. 1:5-7; Gen. 2:8,23). 5. Sin causes the body to die (I Cor. 11:27-32; Rom. 6:23; Num. 16:29; I Cor. 15:21). 6. Sin has three sources: a. the World (I Jn. 2:15-17), b. the Flesh (Gal. 5:16-21), c. the Devil (Eph. 6:11-17). 7. Sin causes eternal death (Rev. 20:14; Matt. 25:41; 2 Thess. 1:9; Jude 7). 8. Sin extended to heavenly (Eph. 6:11-12). 9. Sin affected vegetation kingdom (Gen. 3:17-18),and animal kingdom (Gen. 9:1-3 cf. Isa. 11:6-9; Rom. 8:20-21). 10. Satan cursed (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14). 11. Serpent cursed (Gen. 3:14). 12. Sorrow to women (Gen. 3:16). 13. Ground cursed (Gen. 3:17). 14. Hard labor to stay alive (Gen. 3:19). 15 Good and evil known by man (Gen. 2:17). 16. Sin nature (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9). 17. Man is totally depraved: a. nothing within man to commend him (Rom. 3:10-18), b. affected intellect (I Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 3:8; Prov. 14:12), c. will effected (Rom. 3:10-18; Rom. 12:2), d. emotions (John 3:20; I Jn. 3:15; Rom. 7:8,15; Zep. 3:5b), e. conscience (I Tim. 4:2; Tit. 1:15; Heb. 9:14; 10:22).
VII ANGELOLOGY Doctrine of Angels
I believe that all angels are spirit beings created by Christ. They were created holy and with the ability to choose to remain in that state or to follow Satan in his fall. Demons came from among the group of angels that fell with Satan and they are actively at work in the world today working against God and Christians. The angels who remained faithful to God are confirmed in their holiness and they act as God's messengers being involved with believers. The angels learn from believers and have a ministry with those who shall be heirs of salvation. Someday believers will take part in judging the angels (I Cor. 6:3).
I. Origin of Angels: A. They were created by God the Son (Col. 1:16; Neh. 9:6 Ps. 148:2,5). B. They were created either at the foundations of the earth or were created at some unknown time before (Job 38:4-7). C. There were many angels created, the exact number unknown (Heb. 12:22). D. They were created in a state of holiness (Gen. 1:31; Is. 14:12; Ez. 28:12-15; Matt. 25:41; Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4;).
II. Nature of Angels: A. They are spirit beings (Heb. 1:13,14; Eph. 6:12). B. They are not marriageable beings with each other and whenever they appear, they appear as male beings (Matt. 22:30). C. They are personal beings (II Sam. 14:20; Dan. 9:22; 10:12; II Tim. 2:26; Rev. 12:7). D. They are immortal beings (Lk. 9:26; 20:35-36). E. They can move around and are powerful (Matt. 26:53; Dan. 9:21; Ps. 103:20; 2 Pet. 2:11). F. They are glorious (Lk. 9:26). G. Angels have names (Dan. 10:13; 9:21; Mk. 5:9). H. They are beings of various ranks and order (Eph. 1:21; Dan. 10:13).
III. Ministry of Angels: A. Worship to God (Isa. 6:2-3; Heb. 1:6). B. Praise of rejoicing over God's work (Job 38:4,7; Lu. 2:13,14). C. Execute God's will (Ps. 103:20). D. Work in the affairs of nations (Dan. 10:10-14;20,21). E. Work and guard over believers (Ps. 91:11). F. Every child has one which stands before God (Matt. 18:10). G. Minister to God's people (Heb. 1:14; Rev. 1-3). H. Defend and deliver God's servants (2 Kings 6:17). I. Will accompany Christ at His return (Matt 25:31; I Thess. 4:16). J. Involved in separating the righteous & unrighteous (Matt. 13:49). K. Aid in the punishment of the wicked (2 Thess. 1:7-8). L. Aid in God's wrath on earth (Rev. 15). M. They are involved with the transportation and entry into eternity (Luke 16:22).
IV. Special Classifications of Spirit Beings: A. The Elect Angels (I Tim. 5:21): 1. Cherubim (Heb. 9:5; Ezk. 10:4; Gen. 3:22-24), 2. Seraphim (Isa. 6:1-3), 3. Living creatures (Rev. 4:6-9), 4. Archangel (I Thess. 4:;16; Jude 9), 5. Michael-Chief Prince (Dan. 10:13; Rev. 12:7), 6. Gabriel (Dan. 9:21).
B. The Fallen Angels: l. Satan, Serpent, Lucifer, Dragon (Rev. 12:9), 2. Loose ones (Mk. 5:9,15; I Tim. 4:1)(Angels & Demons), 3. Bound ones (II Pet. 1 2:4; Jude 6).
V. Satan (Rev. 20:7,10; Rev. 12:9). A. Names of Satin used in Scripture: 1. Satan (Rev. 12:9; I Tim. 1:20) (KJV Adversary), 2. Lucifer (Isa. 14:12) (light bearer), 3. Devil (Rev. 20:7,10)(Lyre), 4. Ancient Serpent (Rev. 12:9), 5. Prince (or ruler) of the power (or kingdom) of the air (Eph. 2:2)(Leader of Evil Angels), 6. Prince of the World (Jn. 14:30;12:31)(influence of Satan over government and world affairs), 7. The god of this age (II Cor. 4:4) (False worship and religion), 8. Dragon (Rev. 12:9), 9. King of Tyre (Ezk. 28:11), 10. Morning Star (Isa. 14:12), 11. Beelzebub (Matt. 10:25)(Prince of devils), 12. Belial (II Cor. 6:15)(worthless), 13. Angel of Light (2 Cor. 11:14), 14. Tempter (Matt 4:3; I Thess. 3:5)(Desire to incite man to sin), 15. Accuser (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:6-12) (slanderer), 16. Leviathan (Job 41:1-11; Is. 27:1).
B Satan's Original State: l. Created perfect in wisdom and beauty (Ezk. 28:12), 2. Was next to God on the holy mount (Ezk. 28:14), 3. Sinless in conduct (Ezk. 28:15), 4. He had access to the Garden of Eden (Ezk. 28:13).
C. Satan's Fall: l. Heart lifted up with pride (Ezk. 28:17), 2. Heart full of wrong ambition (Ezk. 28:16,18), 3. Lied to Eve and tempted her to disobey (Gen. 3; Ezk.28:13). D. Satan's Judgment: 1. Degraded in moral character (Ezk. 28:16), 2. Deposed from on high (Ezk. 28:16), 3. Declared to be judged at the Garden (Gen. 3:14-15) and by Jesus Christ at the cross (Jn. 16:11) 4. Defeated at the Cross (I Cor. 2:6-8), 5. Destroyed at the Cross (Heb. 2:14), 6. Disposed for eternity in lake of fire (Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41). E. Satan's Work Today: l. Instigates sin (Gen. 3:1-6; I Pet. 5:8), 2. Affliction and suffering caused (Acts 10:38; Lk. 13:16), 3. Causes death (Ac. 5:3 cf. v5; Heb. 2:14; Job 1:2-19;2:6), 4. He Captures men (I Tim. 3:7, 2 Tim. 2:26), 5. All the meanings of the names given to Satan are his traits practiced in the world.
VI. Demons: A. They are Satan's emissaries (Matt. 12:22-30), B. They are Spirit beings (Matt. 8:16; Lk. 10:17,20), C. There are multitudes (Mk. 5:9), D. They are unclean spirits (Matt. 10:1; 12:43), E. They can enter unbelievers and control them (Mk. 5:8,11-13), F. They can oppress believers (Eph. 6:10-12), G. They afflict men with sicknesses both physically and mentally (Matt. 12:22; Mk. 5:4-5).
VII. There is no hope of salvation for fallen spirit beings. (Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). Jesus Christ is said to have died to redeem the human race not angels (Heb. 2:16-18).
VIII SOTERIOLOGY Doctrine of Salvation
I believe salvation is the exclusive work of God on behalf of man (Jn. 6:44). Jesus Christ provided what was necessary for salvation by His sacrificial and substitutionary death. The work of Christ is sufficient to save any and all men but efficient for only those that believe. Salvation is realized in all those whom God has chosen and called to be the recipients. Those chosen to be saved were elected before the foundation of the earth was laid (Eph. 1:4). Election was not based on any merit that we might have but totally on God's choosing. As a result, the believer is forgiven of his sins and is adopted into the family of God through Christ's shed blood. We stand sanctified positionally before God and are responsible to live sanctified lives experientially. The believer will ultimately be glorified and freed from the very presence of sin for eternity.
I. Nature of Salvation. A. Election: 1. God's Sovereignty (Rev. 6:10; Jude 4) and purpose to save certain individuals apart from any merit of their own (Rom. 9:11-16; Eph. 1:4,5,9,11; Titus 1:1; II Tim. 2:10), 2. God's foreknowledge of those He purposed to save (Rom. 8:27-30; I Pet. 1:2), 3. God's mercy and grace was bestowed in eternity past (II Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:8 cf. Rom. 3:23), 4. The Father gives those to the Son for His peculiar Possession (Jn. 6:37,44; 17:2;,6,9), 5. The gifts of God: a. Repentance (Acts 5:31;11:18; II Tim. 2:25), b. Faith (Eph. 2:8-10), c. His works (Phil. 2:13) His glory and purpose (Eph.1:11,12). B. Christ's death was the Propitiation for our sins.(Rom. 3:25; I Jn. 2:2; 4:10). His death was satisfactory for the demands of God's justice and God looks upon those saved now with favor. C. Redemption was the ransom of blood paid by Christ to free man from the slave market of sin (Col. 1:14 ;Rom. 3:24; Gal.3:13; Eph. 1:7; I Cor. 6:20; 2 Pet. 2:1). D. Reconciliation - The relationship between man and God is restored. Those saved can have fellowship again with God which the first Adam lost for mankind. (Rom. 5:10-11; II Cor. 5:18-20; Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:21). E. Regeneration - Those saved are made alive by the Holy Spirit(Eph. 2:1,5;John 3:1-8; Tit. 3:5). l. New birth (Jn. 3:1-8). 2. Spiritual quickening (Eph. 2:1,10). 3. Impartation of New nature (Gal. 5:13-26; Rom. 6; II Pet. 1:4). 4. Freedom from Slavery of sin (Gal. 5; Rom. 6:15-23). II. The Need for Salvation: A. All are sinners (Rom. 3:23; 5:15), B. All dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1), C. All are in bondage to sin (Rom. 6:17,20), D. All alienated from God (Eph. 4:18; Col. 1:21), E. All unrighteous (Rom. 3:10). III. The Call to Salvation: A. Offer given to all (Isa. 45:22; Matt. 11:28; Jn. 3:16; 12:32; Ac. 16:31; I Tim. 2:4). B. Efficacious call is to the elect (Rom. 1:7; I Thess. 2:12; II Thess. 2:14; II Tim. 1:9; Phil. 2:13; Jn. 1:12,13). l. Word of God is involved (I Pet. 1:23; Rom. 1:17;10:17). 2. His convicting power (Jn. 16:8-11). IV. The Response to Salvation: A. Receiving of His gifts (Eph. 1:6-8; 2:8-10), B. Receiving of His Son (Jn. 1:12), C. Belief in finished work (I Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 10:9), D. Confession in Lordship (Rom. 10:9), E. Heart response (Rom. 10:10), F. Repentance change in mind, view, feeling and purpose (Acts 20:21; 17:30; Rom. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10), G. Faith (Eph. 2:8-9) believing what God says and doing it. V. The Results of Salvation: A. Justified (Rom. 3:24), B. Made children (Jn. 1:12) adopted into family of God, C. Sanctified - at salvation (I Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:10; I Cor. 1:2), D. Eternal life (I Jn. 5:13), E. Sin forgiven (Rom. 4:1-8). VI. Responsibility in Salvation: A. To live sanctified lives (I Pet. 1:2; I Thess. 5:23; II Thess. 2:13), B. To glorify God (Eph. 2:10; 1:6,12), C. Be holy (Eph. 1:4), D. Witness (II Cor. 5:18-20). F. Be baptized (I Pet.3:21; Acts 3:41). G. Become part of a local church (I Tim. 3:15; Acts 3:41-47).
IX ECCLESIOLOGY Doctrine of the Church
I believe that all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior are members of the Universal Church, the Body of Christ or the Bride which began at Pentecost and will be completed at the rapture. The meaning of the word "Church" is the translation of the Greek
word "EKKLESIA" which means "called out". It was used for an assembly or congregation that might be called out for various purposes (Acts 7:38; 19:32,39; 20:17). This term as used in the New Testament is two-fold: the universal church and the local church. First it refers to those who are called out from among the nations in this dispensation as a people for His name which constitute the Universal Church, the Body of Christ. I believe there are some names which clearly describe this church and God's program accurately for today: the Dispensation of Grace (I Cor. 9:;17; Eph. 3:2) or the Dispensation of equality (Eph. 2:11-22), the Bride (II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:3l-32), and the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22; 4:11; Col.1:18). In this sense it is an organism. The word "church" refers secondly to those who are called out of any given local community to carry out the principles and precepts of Christ found in the Bible as a local body of Christians. In this sense it is an organization.
A. The universal Church which began at Pentecost will be completed at the Rapture. There are three dispensational phases to the carrying out of God's program; and there are three dispensational stages of its revelation.
The three dispensational phases relating to its beginning are: First,its infancy stage on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) with the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers permanently. Second, its spread to the Samaritans (Acts 8) and throughout Judea and finally to the total world. (Acts 13).
The three dispensational stages relating to its revelation are: First, is the time period was revealed to Daniel that there would be an interval between the sixty-ninth week and seventieth. Daniel's prophecy also lets Israel know of the conditions which they would be living under as God's chosen people (Dan. 9:26-27). The second stage of revelation is Peter's profession and our Lord's response (Matt. 16:18) that a church would be established against which the gates of hell will not prevail. Also, in the Lord's earthly ministry He presented the church in mystery form in the parables of Matt. 13 and the Lord's prophecies also tell of the Nation of Israel's problems which Daniel prophesied in the Old Testament(Dan. 9:26; Matt 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 22). Last of all is the full revelation given to the Apostles and prophets by the Spirit for today. It was given to Peter in a vision by our Lord in Acts 10 and the salvation of Cornelius, confirmed as God's program to all apostles at Jerusalem (Acts 15) then explained to Paul by direct revelation from the Lord (Gal. 1:11-2:10) and implemented to the Gentile world by the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:45-49; Eph. 3). B. The Local Church as an organization is made up of saved members who have been water baptized by immersion for public identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Acts 2:41;Rom. 6:1-4). The purpose of the Local Church is to carry out the principles and precepts of God's Word (Acts 16:5). The Local Church is for the gathering of believers to encourage one another (Heb. 10:25), for the edification of believers (Eph. 4:12-16), for the observing of baptism and the Lord's supper (I Cor. 11:23-26; Acts 2:41-47), worship and praise (Acts 2:47) and the preaching of the Word of God (Rom. 10:12-15; I Cor. 1:18; II Tim. 3:16-17; I Tim. 5:17; Eph. 4:11)
For a local church to exist there must be the functional offices of Elder and Deacon. l. Elder, Pastor or Bishop refer to the same person. Tit. 1:5-7 uses Elder in verse 5 and Bishop (or overseer NIV.) in verse 7; also in Acts 20:28 Paul addresses the elders of Ephesus (Ac. 20:17) and admonishes them to feed or to pastor the Church of God(Ac. 20:18). He also points out that they are overseers or bishop (the same word). The qualifications of the bishop are found in I Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11; I Pet. 5:1-4). a. Overseer (Acts. 20:28; Phil. 1:1.) b. Shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28). c. Feed the flock (I Pet. 5:1-4). d. Preach the Word (II Tim. 4:2). e. Leads in spiritual matters ( I Tim. 4:1-6). f. Example to the flock (I Peter 5:3). g. Do the work of an Evangelist in the absence of one (2 Tim. 4:5). 2. Deacon qualifications are found in (I Tim. 3:1-13; Acts 6:1-8): a. They must be qualified to hold the office (I Tim. 3:8-13), b. Their duties are to serve the saints and help the Bishop (Acts 6:1-8), c. Their duties include spiritual responsibilities (Acts 6:5,8 cf. 8:5).
The local church's head is Christ (Eph. 5:23) and the authority of the church are the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:10-17). Where God's will is not specified in the Word, the membership of the Church has authority to make decisions as they submit and follow the Spirit's guidance (Rom. 13). The church must meet the needs of its members (Acts 4:32-5:11; James 2:14-26), exercise loving discipline (I Cor. 5 cf. II Cor. 2:5-11; I Cor. 13), and separate from all that is contrary to Scriptural truth (II Cor. 6:14-7:1).
The local church follows a congregational form of government. The authority resides in the membership to: 1. Appoint officers (Acts 14:23; 6:1-8), 2. Send missionaries (Acts 13:1-4), 3. Discipline (1 Cor. 5:1-13), 4. Judge between brothers and sisters (1 Cor. 6:1-8). The mission of the church is to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:16-20) and make disciples according to the teachings stated above. The believers are to be representatives of Jesus Christ wherever or whatever their "niche" of life (II Cor. 5:11-21) telling of the message of reconciliation. The citizenship of the believer is heaven (Phil. 3:20).
Cooperation without the sacrifice of biblical standards is required by God and separation is necessary when biblical standards are at stake.
A. Cooperation: 1. Common work (Rom. 15:26; Gal. 2:10; III John 6-8), 2. Advance mutual interests (II Cor. 1:1), 3. Help in advice (Acts 15), 4. Help through finances (II Cor. 8:1-6). B. Separation necessary: 1. Between church and state (Acts 5:27-29; 4:8-22), 2. From individuals or movements characterized by unbelief and apostasy (2 Cor. 6:14-16), 3. From brothers who walk disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6), 4. From the world (1 John 2:15-17), 5. From false teachers (2 John 7-10),
I believe in those characteristics that have been identified as Baptist Distinctives:
B. Born again membership, A. Autonomy of the local church, P. Priesthood of believers, T. Two church offices, I. Independent local church, S. Separation of church and state, T. Two ordinances, S. Security of the believers.
I believe in the dispensational interpretation of the Scriptures. It is important for a clear understanding of the Word of God and is the answer to those who call themselves fundamentalists who do not handle the Word of God correctly and those who mix God's program for today with other programs from the past and the millennial programs of the future.
Though God never changes, He has changed His method of dealing and operation with mankind from one dispensation to another. Salvation has always been by God's grace and effected by man's faith in Jesus Christ; the Old Testament saints looking forward to Christ and New Testament saints look back to the cross. However, there are differences in the way people are to live at various points in human history. God has demonstrated the absolute failure of man to meet His required standard apart from His grace. I believe in seven dispensations, possibly eight:
1. Innocence (Gen. 1:28), 2. Conscience or Moral Responsibility (Gen. 3:7), 3. Human Government (Gen. 8:15), 4. Promise (Gen. 12:1), 5. Law (Ex 19:1), 6. Grace, or Equality, or the Church His Body (Acts 2:1; 16:5-16; Eph.5:23), 7. Kingdom (Rev. 20:4), 8. Fullness of Time (Eph. 1:10) or Eternal Kingdom after the 1000 years, or at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb(Rev. 19:9).
The church is not to be viewed as the same as the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is the sphere or realm in which the sovereignty of God is acknowledge and His will obeyed, which includes all of God's redeemed and all of God's angels. The church, the Body of Christ, refers to the dispensation of God which started at Pentecost and ends with the Rapture.
The Kingdom of Heaven relates to the offer of the earthly kingdom to Israel, the reign of Christ in the Millennium and the eternal fulfillment after the Millennium The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven come together as one in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time (Eph. 1:10).
I believe the rapture of the Church ends this dispensation. I do not include this event as the same as the Second Coming. The Second Coming relates to the earthly position when Jesus Christ touches the earth; His feet will touch the Mount of Olives and He will begin his reign on earth. It is called the Second Coming because He literally comes to earth the second time, whereas the first time His coming was His incarnation. The Rapture of the Church relates to Him coming in the clouds and the event relates to the revelation which was a mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul after his conversion (1 Cor. 15:51-57; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). I believe that all saints, Old Testament and the New Testament saints up to the Rapture will be resurrected and receive the rewards which Christ will give.
X ESCHATOLOGY Doctrine of Last Things
I believe that the Lord Jesus is coming in the clouds to gather up all His saints since the world began. This event is imminent and is known as the Rapture of the Church, but I believe it includes all those saints before the Church who are "in Christ" based on the finished work of the cross. Immediately following the rapture of the Church, the world will enter a seven year period known as The Tribulation. This period, also known as "Daniel's 70th. Week", will be divided into two three and one half year periods. The second three and one half year period will be characterized by pain and tumult on the earth such as has never been seen. The total tribulation is known as the period in which God's wrath is poured out on the earth (Dan. 8:19; I Thess. 1:10).
During this period of time of tribulation, the raptured saints will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Bema Seat) and receive rewards for the quality of their works performed. They will be with Christ during the Tribulation and come back with Him at His Second Coming to reign. At the end of the Tribulation the Lord comes with His saints to judge the nations, the Battle of Armageddon occurs and He sets up His kingdom for a 1,000 year or millennium reign.
The saints from all dispensations will be with Christ for these 1,000 years. The Body of Christ and those saints which came out of the Tribulation who did not worship the Beast or receive his mark will reign with Him.
Satan will be bound during the Millennium and loosed at the end to gather an army against God and Christ Jesus will destroy them with the Word of His mouth. Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire forever.
At the time of Satan's destruction, there will be what is called the Great White Throne Judgment. All those before this judgment will be judged by their works and the Book of Life and then thrown into the Lake of Fire which is the second death. Satan and all those at the Great White Throne will suffer eternal torment.
At the end of the millennial reign, God will make a new heaven and earth which will last forever where there will be enjoyment and everlasting life as God originally wanted men to experience. A. The Rapture: 1. It is a mystery which had not been revealed in other dispensations (1 Cor. 15:51). 2. It ended the Dispensation of Grace (1 Thess. 4:13-18). 3. All saints since creation will be risen who are "in Christ" (1 Thess. 4:16 cf. Eph. 2:12-13; Heb. 11:13-16; John 17:20-26;Gal. 4:28 cf. 3:29). 4. It can happen at any moment (Phil. 3:10, 11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15). 5. Believers are delivered from God's wrath which occurs in the seven years of tribulation (1 Thess. 1:10). 6. It ends Daniel's gap prophecy for Israel (Dan. 9:26) and the 70th. week begins with God dealing with Israel as a covenant people . B. The Tribulation
l. It is a seven year period divided into two three and one half year periods (Dan 9:24-27; Rev. 12:14). 2. It is characterized by great suffering and anguish (Matt. 24:6-7). 3. God's wrath will be poured out in judgments (Rev. 6,8,9,16). 4. A great number of gentiles will be saved (Rev. 7). 5. It ends with a great battle at Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). 6. It ends with the nation of Israel converted (Rom. 11:25) and Christ coming to earth to reign with His saints.
C. Millennium - 1,000 year Reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4)
1. Saints rule with Christ (Is. 25:23; I Cor. 6:2,3; Rev. 2:26; 22:5). 2. Characterized by peace (Isa. 2:4; 11:5-9). 3. Israel possessing the land promised (Is. 14:1,2; 26:1,15; 49:6,8-26). 4. Satan bound (Rev. 20:3). 5. Long life restored (Isa. 65:20) and death to the disobedient. 6. There will be fair rule(Ps. 9:7-10; Is. 9:6,7), which will be characterized by strong rule which controls men and keeps them in line (Rev. 2:26,27; 12:5; 19:15). 7. The end of the Millennium will be marked by the Battle of Gog and Magog, Satan will be loosened from the pit, and many who are in pre-resurrected bodies will following him to attack the Lord of Heaven at which time the Lord Jesus Christ will destroy them by the Word of His mouth (Rev. 20:7-10). 8. The rest of obedient believers who were not martyrize but died during the tribulation and Millennium and all the unbelievers since the world began will be raised at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:5).
D. Judgments
l. The believers at the Bema Seat (2 Cor. 5:10). a. Spiritual works rewarded (1 Cor. 3:13). b. Fleshly works burned (1 Cor. 3:15). 2. Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). a. After Millennium. b. For all unbelieving dead. c. All cast into Lake of Fire with Satan and angels. E. Eternal State
1. Eternal punishment for unsaved (Matt. 25:41,46; John 3:36; Jude 7). 2. Eternal joy, free forever from sin (John 14:2; Rom. 8:18; I Thess. 4:17; Rev. 21:3-8; 22:1-6,14-16) and a new heaven and a new earth (Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:1).
XI. Dispensationology - Teaching of the Administrations since the beginning of the world to the the eternal administration.
The Doctrine of the Dispensations of God or the teaching of the Dispensations of God.
The teaching of God’s dispensations or administration. This truth covers the seven dispensations of God and shows past, present and future history and it should be included in the studies of Systematic Theology.
The understanding of dispensations is not optional for today and dispensation give a clear systematic understanding of the workings of God. Accuracy is very important in Biblical studies not just in word studies, but also in God’s working out the history of mankind from the beginning of creation to the end of all things.
There is a theological approach to scripture called Systematic theology (the study of God and His workings). A dispensational study of scripture would be a sub-category under the discipline of systematic studies (the study of God's administration). The following are the categories most commonly accepted which dispensation should be included. (There is a link on each study. The link takes you to the study of these doctrinal teachings.)
Teaching of God (Theology).
Teaching of the Bible (Bibliology)
Teaching of Christ (Christology)
Teaching of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
Teaching of Man (Anthropology)
Teaching of Sin (Hamartiology)
Teaching of Angeles (Angelology)
Teaching of Salvation (Soteriology)
Teaching of Dispensations (Dispensationology)
(A new word to describe the teaching and study of God's administrations in the history of the world)
Teaching of the Church (Ecclesiology)
Teaching of End Times (Eschatology)
The Biblical definition of dispensation is the dispensing of the household rules of God. The word is a scriptural term used a number of times in scripture,
(oikonomian, Translated dispensation {KJV), Colossians 1:25 {NIV Translated commission}, Ephesians 1:10 {NIV left out of the translation}, Ephesians 3:2, {NIV Translated administration}, 1 Corinthians 9:17 {NIV left out of the Translation}, Ephesians 3:9 [KJV oikonomia, Translated 'Fellowship', NIV Translated administration], Luke 16:2-4 (KJV oikonomias, Translated stewardship).
Dispensation or administration relates to God's dealings, rules, expectation, etc. and the failures of man. The term stewardship which is inherent in the word is the one who carries out the dispensation but to have a dispensation a superior or sovereign had to design the parameters and responsibility for it. A study will show the similarities, differences and commonalties of God‘s rules through the historical administrations with man.
The study shows seven administrations which cover the beginning to the completion of redemption of mankind running in each dispensation. A study will reveal seven governing principles which move the dispensation forward in history from one dispensation to the next until the final one which fines competition in the dispensations of eternity, Ephesians 1:10. (NOTE: The word administration or dispensation are interchangeably because the meaning is the same.) Dispensational teaching should not be considered as a movement but a truth that is found in scripture,
Dispensations clarify God’s dealings with men from the time He designed His plan and it covers how it was implemented and how life was to be carried out by men. However, if history repeat itself there will be those who oppose a study of this type. They will misrepresent it with terms such a 'Dispensationalism' trying to make it a movement or something to be rejected. Why? It is hard to know the intent of every Christian but most of the time it is because of ignorance or a refusal to change from what was taught them in some school or seminary. The understanding of the dispensational approach to the truth of God’s Word takes growth and if given a correct evaluation of dispensational truth will hold up. Other reasons for opposition is the threat to what they have always believed (a flesh problem). At times it will be a direct attack by the enemy Satan, who is trying to keep one in confusion. Let us hope and pray as Paul did for the Ephesians that their eyes would be open. The challenge is to study the scripture to see if these facts are there. One who studies God’s Word will fine new strength and understanding to ones life with greater ability to apply Scripture. No way studying the dispensations (administrations) is to be a movement! Symmetrical approach gives the understanding of today's events, the future and the past events of God.
Evangelist, pastors and teachers need to have a clear understand of dispensational truth in leading their flock into maturity. Knowing were a truth is found dispensationally will help brothers and sisters in their handling of their problems. Correct information is important in our witness to non-believer. Dispensational teaching gives believers today stability and guidance. It encourages other, keeping them from falling into errors were others have fallen. It keeps one from being deceived by false teaching or teachings spoken in error. Dispensational truths give freedom to worship with other believers without falling into their same errors they have embrace do to their lack of a dispensational approach to scripture. When understanding wrong teaching which came from a dispensational error you will be kept from the same error not being tossed 'to and fro’. The truth of God’s Word dispensationally will give clarity and understanding to why other religions which claim to be Christian are wrong with their religious practices that accompany their belief (Ephesians 4:14,16).
Dispensational truths shows how God has worked through the ages since the world began providing redemption to all who will receive His Word. It gives order and understanding to tough question. Dispensations give systematical understanding to the whole Bible, clearing up the confusion which has plagued the church since the first century. It puts in order the historical, progressive revelation of God’s dealings with man since the beginning of the world and will show how future events all tie together. Dispensations show the differences between historical events and changes. Christians do not have to ‘spiritualize' God’s word or tell 'spiritual lies’ which harm the working of Christ in the world. Dispensations give the understanding of – who the passage was written to - the purpose it was written – why it was written and how it all ties together in God’s working. All the scripture comes alive in an orderly, progressive, and understandable way helping us to understand our creation in real life examples. (2 Timothy 3:15, 16, 2 Peter1:19-21,
Romans 15:4)
The gathering by the church of God’s written word the Bible (by the Apostles and prophets) gives the complete and total revelation of God. We learn the total of the existence of man from the beginning to the end of the world. The Apostles and prophets were spokesmen of God Himself and put the exact words which God spoke or inspired them to write and by using their personalities God completed the Bible. The whole of scripture is for our learning with numerous examples showing the character and nature of God and revealing man’s character. The Bible reveals man’s fallen nature in response to God and man’s future. The historical past needs to be seen from today’s administration for accuracy and clarity for living.
Dispensation:
1. NT:3622 oikonomia (oy-kon-om-ee'-ah); from NT:3623; administration (of a household or estate); specifically, a (religious) "economy" KJV - dispensation, stewardship.
2. NT:3623 oikonomos (oy-kon-om'-os); from NT:3624 and the base of NT:3551; a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel): KJV - chamberlain, governor, steward.
3. NT:3624 oikos (oy'-kos); of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication a family (more or less related, literal or figuratively): KJV - home, house (-hold), temple.
4. NT:3551 nomos (nom'-os); from a primary nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): KJV - law. 1,2,3,4 (Biblesoft's New Exhaust
This study has been broken down so to examine the different administrations (dispensations) found in scripture. It is broken down in the order of their occurrence.
The dispensations are given names which represent the major way God guided man. God was looking for man to trust and obedience Him. In all the dispensations God wants man to trust Him and being obedient brings Him glory, Ephesians 1:6. In return God gives forgiveness, purpose, freedom of chose, security of life, and heavenly pleasures. We know that because of one man's sin all the righteous and holy intent of God was corrupted by man and mankind was condemned, Romans 5, 8:18-25. And because of the corruption, God has been working on man, demonstrating His love and showing His long suffering, mercies and grace. God's love has been shown in Christ Jesus and offered to all and given to those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord, Romans 5, John 3:16, 1 John 5:9-14. God is working to redeem man back on an individual bases and allowing those who reject to perish by their own choosing, John 3:18-21. This working of God is called redemption and is found in the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Those who individually receive Jesus as Lord and savior receives His provisions. We see the redemption plan represented on the chart by the red line. It is representing the redemptive covenants leading from eternity past through the historical event of the cross going into eternity.
Let us go through each dispensation briefly trying to show continuity and clarity of the past, present and future hoping it gives a clearer understanding of the symmetry and how recorded Biblical events tie together but before we take each individually we need a understanding of some basic truths in the understanding a dispensation.
The Names of the Dispensations and historic order of the Dispensations
Match the numbers which correspond to the names of each Dispensation of God throughout the history of the world on the chart:. 1. Dispensation of Innocence - Genesis Chapters 1 through 3
2. Dispensation of Conscience - Genesis Chapters 4 Through 8
3. Dispensation of Human Government - Genesis Chapters 9 through 11:26
4. Dispensation of Promise - Genesis 11:26 Exodus 1 through Acts 7, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3rd John
5. Dispensation of Grace or Equality Romans through Hebrews
6. Dispensation of the Kingdom - Matthew through Mark, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1st, 2nd & 3rd John, Jude Revelation
7. Dispensation of Eternity - Eternity Eph.1:10, Revelation 21
There are 7 Keys or governing principles in all dispensations. Without all seven a dispensation has not changed.
Rules which govern the new Dispensation's operation. These are unique to this dispensation not found in the proceeding dispensation.
1. Universal rules and moral principles relating to God's character, His creation and of man that go through all dispensations. Some were reveal in the proceeding dispensations and some new one revealed to man in the new dispensation.
2. Failure of Man’s obedience - With the failure of man we see changes which happened in time, not that time was or is the controlling factor but the events of man's failure and God's longsuffering coming to an end. Coupled with the foreknowledge, purpose, patience and the love of God the dispensation ends. Man fails in every dispensation except the Dispensation of the fullness of time. The eternal dispensation never ends it is completely under the redemption brought about by God through Christ Jesus which is eternal, Ephesians 1:10.
3. Rule which changed because of man’s failure in the former dispensation (living environment, dietary rule, governing rules, leadership, approach to God, etc.)
4. Transition to the new dispensation - which is seen in every dispensation moving from the old to the new dispensation. It starts at the failure and end some point into the new dispensation.
5. There is the institution ordained of God to carry His plan out. God chose this institution to carry out the operation of His administration historically. (Family heads. Select family, personal equality through the Church call His body and finally Christ’s ruling reign on earth)
6. Judgment from God - after His longsuffering and the exercises of His attributes the judgment is carried out and with the completion of the judgment the new dispensation starts. (Expulsion from Garden of Eden, Flood, Languages confounded, Captivity, Tribulation wrath, and Great White Throne Judgment)
7. Rule which were modified from the former dispensation
All events since the creation of this world are moving to the eternal Kingdom of God which is God’s end purpose. Dispensations are related to the different ways God has shown His mercy and grace. And each dispensation show how man responded in faith to Him and His grace and mercy. (Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, special promises, law, equality of grace, special position grace). All dispensations has/or will fail from man ability. But God’s efforts and His provision in His love, longsuffering, grace and mercy has redeemed some. His actions will bring about the Eternal Kingdom dispensation where there will be no failure, sin and Satin because they are gone forever, Ephesians 1:10.
The broken and solid red line on the chart represents Christ’s death on the cross for the redemption of man. The broken line is before the historical fact when animal sacrifices covered sin. The solid line is after the historical fact which then becoming applicable to all the dispensations of God. Note: that the broken line is red and extends before the creation of the world which represent Christ’s death being the plan of God before the world began. The broken line represents the time of the Old Covenant and the solid red line represents the New Covenant. These are the only two covenants which relate to redemption of man from his condemned state and it was a blood sacrifice.
On the bottom of the charts are the different covenants throughout the Bible and where they were given.
I. A covenant agreement, in pl., Iliad:—settled government, order, Aeschylus.
II. An arrangement between two parties, covenant Aristophanes, N.T.
III. Covenant: A pact, treaty, alliance, or agreement between two parties of equal or of unequal authority. The covenant or testament is a central, unifying theme in Scripture, God’s covenants with individuals and the nation Israel finding final fulfillment in the new covenant in Christ Jesus. God’s covenants can be understood by humans because they are modeled in human covenants or treaties.
The Covenant of Eden (Covenant God with God) given to man. Genesis chapter 1 & 2.
The Old Covenant blood sacrifice of animals until Christ’s blood shed (Redemptive Covenant stage one), Genesis 3:21.
The Covenant with Noah after the Flood Genesis 9:1-17
The Babel Covenant with mankind until the end of the world (Covenant God with God) given because of mankind.
Genesis 11:6-9
The Covenant with Abraham until end of world Genesis 17:1-21, Chapter 15, Exodus 32:13
The Palestinian Covenant – Deuteronomy 30:1-10
The Mosaics Law to the 12 tribes until end of world, Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
The Covenant with David says a king would sit on his throne referring to Christ during the Millennial Reign 2 Samuel, 7th Chapter.
The New covenant (Stage two of the Redemptive Covenant), with Israel setting up the Kingdom Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:16,17; Luke 22:19,20; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25 The New Covenant with the Gentiles 1 Corinthians 11:20, 24-26; 10:16, 21; Ephesians 3rd chapter and Romans the 11th chapter.
The Eternal Covenant which never ends (Covenant God with God), with those who were obedient and accepted God requirement over sin in their life time on earth, will be in heaven Ephesians 1:10, 3:11; Revelation 9:11-21, and chapter 11. Those who have rejected His provision for forgiveness of sin will spend eternity in the Lake of fire
The covenants on the chart are the people groups whom God was dealing with in His program (dispensation) for mankind. Note: how the person who God was working with relates to the other aspects of the chart. Each Dispensation ends with man’s failure and God providing a new dispensation where He provides salvation and hope based on His covenants of redemption.
Today the Nation of Israel is experiencing a delay in the prophesized Kingdom fulfillment which will come after the rapture. This delay is occasioned by God’s dealing with today’s program which He inserted when the Nation of Israel rejected the Holy Spirit. When the last person is saved in today dispensation He will finish dealing with Israel and will pick up where He left off, finishing the prophesized 70th week of Daniel.
If you would take the 5th dispensation out of the chart you would see how all of prophecy of scripture would have been fulfilled even if we did not have a Church administration called His Body. God inserted the dispensation for today which was a mystery hide in God and He revealed it to the Apostle Paul, Acts 7-10, Ephesians 3:1,2, and the other Apostles when Israel rejected the third person of the Godhead, Act 7,15, 13:46-48, 14:2, 18:6, 22:21, 28:28,29, Romans 11:11-14. The Apostles received it by revelation from the Lord, Galatians 1:14 - 2:2, 2 Corinthians 12:1-7 (Paul after his conversion received the fullness of it in a number of revelations and Peter in Acts 10). Paul was the thirteenth Apostle and called to be the specific apostle for today’s dispensation, Acts 9, Romans 11:13, 2 Timothy 2:11.
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