The So-Called ‘Heresy Of Dispensationalism’ Is Believing That God Meant What He Said When He Made Promises To Israel And Gave Instructions To The Church
We live in a day and age where since Bible doctrine is no longer being taught, that passionate discussions and arguments arise concerning what does and does not constitute doctrine. One of these areas is dispensationalism, often called heresy by those who disallow it. They accused Paul also of teaching heresy because he brought them something new that changed the spiritual trajectory. To say it simply and plainly, a dispensation is defined as an “administration or stewardship” of revelation from God given to an assigned person to reveal it. People like Moses, Noah, Abraham, David, the prophets, the apostles specifically Paul. Nothing too hard to handle so far, right?
“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Acts 24:14 (KJB)
A dispensational reading of the Bible is what removes the apparent confusion and seeming contradictions. Jesus shows us people in the New Testament who lose their salvation after receiving it, while Paul says not only that we can never lose our salvation, but when we get saved, God seals us in unto the day of redemption. How do you reconcile that? Obviously Jesus and Paul are talking to two different groups of people. Jesus says that only those believe who endure to the end will be saved, Paul says our salvation is complete and finished, with no works required on our part. In the book of Acts, we see believers performing miracles at the beginning of the Church Age, the age of grace, yet no one living today is able to perform any of them. What happened? Why did it stop? Dispensationalism is the only application of scripture that removes 100% of any apparent contradiction because it puts everything in its proper place by putting everything in its proper order. On this Sunday Service, we tackle the heresy of Dispensationalism. TO THE FIGHT!!!
THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: The Heresy of Dispensationalism
The Heresy of Dispensationalism
We have a command from our apostle Paul that appears in its entirety in none other version of the Bible than the King James. The command to study the word of God, and to rightly divide what you read. Right division is the beating heart of dispensationalism.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJB)
Overview: We live in a day and age where since Bible doctrine is no longer being taught, that passionate discussions and arguments arise concerning what does and does not constitute doctrine. One of these areas is dispensationalism, often called heresy by those who disallow it. They accused Paul also of teaching heresy because he brought them something new that change the spiritual trajectory.
“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Acts 24:14 (KJB)
There is no doubt that God has revealed His purpose progressively and has given different responsibilities to different people at different times. The Bible was not written by a single person at one time, but rather by 40 very diverse and different people, from paupers to kings, who wrote as the Holy Spirit led them over a 1,500 year period. Rightly dividing means understanding those distinctions so that we interpret His words faithfully and obey His instructions correctly.
Here is another key nugget for understanding dispensationalism:
The whole Bible is written for you, but the whole Bible is not written to you.
“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.” 1 Corinthians 9:17 (KJB)
“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:” Ephesians 1:10 (KJB)
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” Ephesians 3:2 (KJB)
“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;” Colossians 1:25 (KJB)
To say it simply and plainly, a dispensation is defined as an “administration or stewardship” of revelation from God given to an assigned person to reveal it. People like Moses, Noah, Abraham, David, the prophets, the apostles specifically Paul.
God commissions Paul:
“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;” Titus 1:1-3 (KJB)
God commissions Moses:
“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” Exodus 3:2-5 (KJB)
God commissions Noah:
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” Genesis 6:8-14 (KJB)
Jesus came to bring both the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God to the Jews, but the Jews didn’t want it. So He prophesied about the day when the kingdom of God, a spiritual kingdom for born again believers, would be taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles. We call this event the start of the Church Age, an excellent illustration of what a dispensation is.
“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.” Matthew 21:42-45 (KJB)
This prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled at the end of Acts 7 with the stoning of Stephen as the Holy Ghost spoke to Israel through him. It is here that the Church Age – Jews and Gentiles in one Body – begins. But Paul says that when this “pause” or “parenthesis” is complete, then God returns to deal with national Israel.
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:25-29 (KJB)
Lastly, all scripture is written to one of the following 3 groups. It is up to you, the reader, to rightly divide what you read, in the context you read it in, and apply it where it needs to go. Promises made to Israel are not transferred to the Church just because Israel is in apostasy. Paul places the responsibility of understanding the Bible on the reader, not on some all-knowing High Priest or magisterium like the Roman Catholic Church to tell you what it says.
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” 1 Corinthians 10:32 (KJB)
I. Dispensations and Dispensationalism Are Bible Doctrines
Main Text
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” Ephesians 3:2 (KJB)
“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Ephesians 3:5,6 (KJB)
Truth
The word “dispensation” comes from Scripture itself. Paul identifies an administration of grace entrusted to him, then distinguishes revelation in other ages from revelation now made known.
Notice the progression:
- Other ages: The mystery was not made known as it now is.
- Present revelation: God has revealed it through the Spirit.
- Its content: Believing Gentiles are fellowheirs and members of the same body.
The revelation concerns more than God blessing Gentiles. It explains their shared position in Christ’s body.
Application
Study Paul’s epistles to understand the Church’s position, calling, and responsibilities. We cannot assume that every earlier audience possessed the revelation God later supplied.
Teaching question: If everything was revealed equally in every age, what distinction is Paul making here?
II. God Gives Different Instructions At Different Times
Main Text
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:6 (KJB)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19 (KJB)
Truth
In Matthew 10, Jesus restricted that mission of the twelve to Israel. After His resurrection, He commissioned His disciples to teach all nations. Both instructions came from Jesus Christ. Both were correct in their setting. But the scope of the mission changed. Understanding when the instructions were given explains the difference. This demonstrates why identifying the audience and circumstances is necessary for obedience.
Application
Before applying a command, ask:
- Who gave it?
- To whom was it given?
- Under what circumstances?
- Does later revelation change its application?
Teaching question: Could we use Matthew 10:5 as our mission policy today and refuse to evangelize Gentiles?
III. Law and Grace Are Different Dispensations
Main Text
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 (KJB)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJB)
Truth
Paul explicitly distinguishes being under law from being under grace. He also establishes the relationship between salvation and works:
- Salvation is God’s gift through faith.
- Works cannot purchase that gift.
- Saved people are created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
We serve because we have been saved; our service does not purchase salvation.
Different administrations also do not mean that animal sacrifices could accomplish redemption:
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4 (KJB)
The saving work belongs to Jesus Christ. The sacrifices could never accomplish what His offering accomplished.
“Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:20-26 (KJB)
Application
Preach salvation through Christ without adding law keeping as its price. Then teach believers to live obediently under grace.
“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:15 (KJB)
Grace establishes our freedom from sin’s dominion and our responsibility to serve God.
IV. The Church Does Not Cancel God’s Promises To Israel
Main Text
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” 1 Corinthians 10:32 (KJB)
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” Romans 11:25,26 (KJB)
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29 (KJB)
Truth
Paul distinguishes Jews, Gentiles, and the Church. In Romans 11, he then explains Israel’s blindness and promised salvation.
Three expressions deserve particular attention:
- “In part” identifies the character of Israel’s blindness.
- “Until” identifies a limit to its duration.
- “Jacob” identifies the people whose ungodliness the Deliverer removes.
The dispensational conclusion is that God has preserved a future for national Israel. (dispensationalism is often referred to a ‘futurism’, and I’m fine with that. There are many Old Testament prophecies that remain to be fulfilled.) Dispensationalism teaches that the secular state of Israel that exists today in 2026, is going to be replaced by the Messiah when He returns at the Second Advent. And it will! The Church’s present blessings do not require the cancellation of Israel’s promises. Believing Jews and Gentiles presently belong to the same body in Christ. Israel’s future salvation likewise comes through the Deliverer. The Church Age is God’s plan for this present age, but when it is complete, He will once again turn His attention back to the Jews and Israel to finish what He started.
V. The Coming King and the Coming Kingdom
Main Text
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32,33 (KJB)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6,7 (KJB)
Truth
Gabriel identifies a particular throne and a particular people:
- The throne belongs to David.
- The people are the house of Jacob.
- The promised King is Jesus Christ.
- His kingdom will have no end.
A dispensational reading expects those promises to be fulfilled with their stated meaning intact. Christ’s present heavenly authority does not exhaust the promise of His Davidic reign.
Application
Read prophecy with attention to its people, places, promises, and literary setting. Recognize symbols where Scripture supplies them, while retaining the realities those symbols describe.
Teaching emphasis: Our responsibility is to preach the gospel and serve faithfully while awaiting the King.
VI. There Are 7 Raptures In The Bible
Main Text
There are 7 separate occasions in scripture where we see a rapture take place. Enoch, Elijah, Jesus, The Church, the 144,000, the Two Witnesses and the Tribulation saints. The Pretribulation Rapture of the Church is just one of them, yet another proof of dispensations and the urgent need for rightly dividing.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJB)
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJB)
Paul describes an actual event:
- The Lord descends.
- The dead in Christ rise.
- Living believers are caught up together with them.
- They meet the Lord in the air.
- They remain with Him forever.
This is bodily resurrection and gathering, and Paul commands believers to draw comfort from it. The distinction between the Church’s appointed salvation and divine wrath is central to the dispensational case for the pretribulation Rapture. Its timing is established by comparing these promises with the other prophetic passages.
Application
Teach believers to anticipate Christ’s coming with confidence and faithful service. Distinguish divine wrath from the persecution Christians experience.
Prophecy should strengthen our service today because our future with Christ is secure.
VII. Rightly Dividing Helps Us Use The Whole Bible Correctly
Main Text
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (KJB)
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (KJB)
Truth
All Scripture is inspired. All Scripture is profitable. Identifying a passage’s original audience preserves its meaning and helps us apply it correctly. Paul expressly teaches the value of earlier Scripture for our learning. Bible study in the book of Acts was Old Testament.
“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:25,26 (KJB)
For example, the Sermon on the Mount provides some beautiful spiritual comfort for the Christian in our age, but it is written as doctrine for people living in the Millennium when all those “beatitudes” will literally come to pass. The “meek” literally inherit the Earth when King Jesus is on the throne, the “poor in spirit” at that time will live in the Kingdom of Heaven, the “pure in heart” will see God because, He’ll be there in the flesh. We can learn faith from Abraham, courage from Joshua, repentance from David, and God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history without assuming every command given to those people is our direct instruction.
Finally, a dispensational reading of the Bible is what removes the apparent confusion and seeming contradictions. Jesus shows us people in the New Testament who lose their salvation after receiving it, while Paul says not only that we can never lose our salvation, but when we get saved, God seals us in unto the day of redemption. How do you reconcile that? Jesus says that only those believe who endure to the end will be saved, Paul says our salvation is complete and finished, with no works required on our part. In the book of Acts, we see believers performing miracles at the beginning of the Church Age, the age of grace, yet no one living today is able to perform any of them. What happened? Why did it stop? Dispensationalism is the only application of scripture that removes 100% of any apparent contradiction because it puts everything in its proper place by putting everything it proper order.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJB)
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