The Dispensations of God

Definitions

A dispensation is a period of time during which God administers the affairs of His realm in a particular manner. Therefore, the definition incorporates both time and method so that during each period of time (hundreds and sometimes thousands of years) God administers the world in a particular way, and different from the previous. Most observe seven dispensations from the time of Adam until the second coming of the Messiah who reigns during the Millennium Kingdom. These are given various names although the periods are all the same.

Ryrie (Revised Classical Dispensationalist)

A distinguishable economy in the outworking of God’s purpose.[1]

Fruchtenbaum (Revised Messianic Classical Dispensationalist)

Dispensations are separate periods of time in which God dispenses His will in a specific and unique way, based on a covenant upon which a particular dispensation is founded. [2]

Ryrie’s Dispensations

1. Innocency	Genesis 1:3-3:6
2. Conscience	Genesis 3:7-8:14
3. Civil Government	Genesis 8:15-11:9
4. Patriarchal Rule	Genesis 11:10-Exd. 18:27
5. Mosaic Law	Exodus 19:1-John 14:30
6. Grace	Acts 2:1-Rev. 19:21
7. Millennium	Revelation 20:1-15

 

Fruchtenbaum’s Dispensations:

1. Innocence or Freedom	Genesis 1:28-3:8
2. Conscience or Self-Determination	Genesis 3:9-8:14
3. Civil Government	Genesis 8:15-11:32
4. Promise or Patriarchal Rule	Genesis 12:1-Exd. 18:27
5. Law	Exodus 19:1-Acts 1:26
6. Grace	Acts 2:1-Rev. 19:21
7. Kingdom or Millennium	Revelation 20:1-10

Endnotes

For further information see: The Seven Dispensations of God

[1] Charles Ryrie Dispensationalism (Revised and expanded), Moody, Chicago,  pg. 33

[2] Arnold Fruchtenbaum, The Dispensations of God, MBS041 Ariel Ministries, Texas, pg. 4).