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10/24/17

Dispensationalism attempts to explain a correct philosophy of history, a unifying principle

In Ryrie's book Dispensationalism, he says,
All interpreters feel the need for distinctions.... "Any person is a dispensationalist who trusts in the blood of Christ rather than bring an animal sacrifice" and "Any person is a dispensationalist who observes the first day of the week rather than the seventh"

Dispensationalism attempts to explain a correct philosophy of history, a unifying principle. In progressive dispensationalism, the unifying principle is Christological because of the emphasis on Christ and on the Messianic, Davidic kingdom, already and not yet fulfilled. "Progressive revelation" as we see in actual, literal, plain, normal or historical-grammatical interpretation. This is consistent with hermeneutics.

I like that term "already and not yet" - this is how we accept God's promises by faith. When God says something, it's as good as already happened.

So far I"m enjoying this book, it makes sense to me as a Project Manager, it shows scripture in a logical sequence of events, leading somewhere. It helps us understand the ideas of spiritual maturity and God's kindness in wanting all to come to Him in faith and repentance.

Scofield's Reference Bible defines Dispensationalism as "A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture."
1. Deposit of divine revelation
2. man's stewardship responsibility for that revelation, and
3. the time period during which a dispensation operates

This doctrine makes it clear, there is only one way of salvation - "by God's grace through the work of Christ... on the cross."

The Etymology of the word dispensation is Latin verb, "to weigh out or dispense" the English word has these 3 principal meanings; 1) action of dealing out or distributing; 2) action of administering, ordering or managing; the system by which things are administered; 3) the action of dispensing with some requirement. "dispensation is a stage in a progressive revelation, expressly adapted to the needs of a particular nation or period of time... Also, the age or period during which a system has prevailed"

The Greek word oikonomia comes from the verb that means to mangae, regulate, administer, and plan. The word itself is a compound whose parts mean literally "to divide, apportion, administer or manage the affairs of an inhabited house." The central idea of dispensation is that of managing or administering the affairs of a household.

Scriptural use of the word dispenstion (oikonomia), used in Luke 16:2 translated "to be a steward" this is also found in Luke 16:3,4; 1 Cor 9:17; Eph 1:10;3:2;Col 1:25;1 Tim 1:4 (translated "stewardship", "dispensation", "administration", "job", "commission") - the noun (oikonomeo) appears 10 times, Luke 12:42;16:1,3,8; Rom 16:23; 1 Cor 4:1,2;Gal 4:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10 and usually translated "steward" or "manager" (but "treasurer" in Rom 16:23

Christ's teaching is confined to two parables in Luke 12:42;16:1,3,8. In both cases it's a concern of the steward or manager of a household.