SEVEN DISPENSATIONS

'Dispensationalism' is a theological system that not only emphasizes the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy ... it organizes the relationship between God and man into seven distinct periods of time. 

The Seven Dispensations:

1. Innocence:  

It began at creation and came to an end when Adam and Eve disobeyed and were expelled from the garden ... The Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:15-17) 

2. Conscience: 

It lasted about 1,656 years, from the time of man's eviction from the garden until the flood ... The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5,8) 

3. Human Government: 

This dispensation began after the flood and lasted until Abram was called. The Tower of Babel caused God to confuse mankind's language, resulting in the rise of different nations and cultures ... From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:9)

4. Promise: 

It started with Abraham and ended with the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The introduction of the Nation of Israel as God's chosen people happened during this time. The promise came ... I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12:2-3)

5. The Law:

The dispensation lasted almost 1,500 years, from the Exodus until Jesus Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf. It involved temple worship directed by priests (with further direction by God’s prophets) ... For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:28)

6. Grace:

This is the age in which we now live. It began with the New Covenant in Christ’s blood and will end with the Rapture of the church. Our sole responsibility is to receive the gift of salvation by grace through faith ... He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

7. The Millennial Kingdom: 

This final dispensation begins with the conclusion of the 'seven-year tribulation' and ends with the Great White Throne Judgment. Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years while Satan is bound. After this, eternity unfolds in all of its glorious perfection ... And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

It is vitally important that you look over God's 'chain of events' and make sure your relationship with Him is sound. Because of Calvary's cross, forgiveness of sin is yours for the claiming.