Bing says about Dispensationalism

Dispensational theology is a framework of interpreting the Bible that divides history into multiple ages or “dispensations” in which God interacts with his chosen people in different ways. It is often distinguished from covenant theology, which holds that God has one people throughout redemptive history, called ‘Israel’ under the Old Testament and ‘the church’ under the New. Dispensationalists believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible and that divine revelation unfolds throughout the Bible. They maintain beliefs in premillennialism, a future restoration of national Israel, and a rapture of the Church that will happen before the Second Coming of Christ, generally seen as happening before a period of tribulation¹. Dispensationalism was systematized and promoted by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethren in the mid-19th century. It began its spread in the United States during the late 19th century through the efforts of evangelists like James Inglis, James Hall Brookes, Dwight L. Moody, the efforts of the Niagara Bible Conference, and the establishment of Bible Institutes. With the dawn of the 20th century, C. I. Scofield introduced the Scofield Reference Bible, which solidified dispensationalism in the United States. Dispensationalism has become popular within American evangelicalism and is commonly found in nondenominational Bible churches, Baptists, Pentecostal, and Charismatic groups¹².

What does Bing says about Dispensation?

Dispensation is a term that can have different meanings depending on the context. In general, it refers to a system of rules, a particular arrangement, an exemption, or the act of dispensing something¹²³⁴. In the context of theology, dispensational theology is a framework of interpreting the Bible that divides history into multiple ages or “dispensations” in which God interacts with his chosen people in different ways.

What does merriam-webster.com say about dispensation the noun?

: a general state or ordering of things

specifically : a system of revealed (see REVEAL entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs

a privilege maintained under the new dispensation

: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

involving special dispensation by the Church

: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath

may be granted a dispensation from the rule

: a formal authorization

requested a dispensation to form another lodge

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medication

: something dispensed or distributed

What does Webster Dictionary of 1812 says about dispensation the noun

1. Distribution; the act of dealing out to different persons or places; as the dispensation of water indifferently to all parts of the earth.

2. The dealing of God to his creatures; the distribution of good and evil, natural or moral, in the divine government.

Neither are Gods methods or intentions different in his dispensations to each private man.

3. The granting of a license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by laws or canons, or to omit something which is commanded; that is, the dispensing with a law or canon, or the exemption of a particular person from the obligation to comply with its injunctions. The pope has power to dispense with the canons of the church, but has no right to grant dispensations to the injury of a third person.

A dispensation was obtained to enable Dr. Barrow to marry.

4. That which is dispensed or bestowed; a system of principles and rites enjoined; as the Mosaic dispensation; the gospel dispensation; including, the former the Levitical law and rites; the latter the scheme of redemption by Christ.

What I think of dispensation?

Bible list 4 in the KJV. These have been altered in all new translations. But based Daniel Websters dictionary of 1812, I believe this is close to inspired text as I understand it

“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 KJV]

“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 KJV]

“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” [Ephesians 3:2 KJV]

“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 KJV]

There four different types of dispensation spoke of here in KJV

• dispensation of the gospel
• dispensation of the fulness of times
• dispensation of the grace of God
• dispensation of God

How many Dispensations are there? What does the Bible say>?

There are 4. But using these 4, Rightly dividing the can you see more? Yes is my answer. But that number is based other words and how one translates those. In any case what is important is that we are Free in Christ when Our Faith and Faith alone has lead us unto salvation. At this point by the Grace of God we are a part of the Body of Christ. This the most important point.

When I see the level of disparaging remarks leveled at these 4 words in the bible, it almost looks like an orchestrated effect to belittle a faction of believers who are a part of the body of Christ. I would say the King James is correct in using dispensation based on the tone (revelation) of the mysteries Paul presents.

I would say to those who say things, read 2 Peter 3:15.

[2 Peter 3:14 KJV] “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
[2 Peter 3:15 KJV] “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;”
[2 Peter 3:16 KJV] “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.“

And as they say I am a fat head in Christ. So be it.