Dispensationalists have listed varying numbers of dispensations ranging from as few as three to as many as twelve. Charles Ryrie traced the difference to definition. Both Ryrie and Elliot Johnson have done excellent word studies showing the biblical meaning of the Greek οικονομ- word group to consist of four basic elements; a master, a steward, a stewardship, and an evaluation. Yet, when they come to definition they differ. Consequently, the number of dispensations they see differs. 

Ryrie defined a dispensation as "A distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose." He admits that this is a theological rather than biblical definition. He justifies the theological approach by comparing it to what we commonly do when we discuss the substitutionary blood atonement in relation to Christ's finished work, even when the word atonement is not used of Christ's finished work. The result of his definition is that he sees seven dispensations; innocence, conscience, human government, promise, law, grace, and kingdom.

Johnson defined a dispensation as "God's entrusting His revelation to elect stewards in service on behalf of the world." This is a biblical definition. The result of his definition is that he sees four dispensations; promise, law, grace, and kingdom. Johnson's approach was more interested in the overall biblical narrative, so he discussed the setting, plot-conflict, and resolution of the story, placing the dispensations within the narrative.  

Consequently, the dispensations did not cover the entire Bible from cover to cover. This contrasted with Ryrie's view that the dispensations must cover the entire Bible from cover to cover. 

While it is often stated that the number and names of the dispensations are "relatively minor matters," the differences add up and make a difference. Are we to view the Bible more theologically, as Ryrie suggested, and divide the entirety of biblical history into dispensations? Or are we to view the Bible more narratively, as Johnson suggested, and establish the setting, plot-conflict, and resolution, placing dispensations within that narrative structure?

​In the next post I'll discuss the difference it makes...

This is a very personal story. I am writing it with false names to protect the people involved, but this is a true story.

My name is Benjamin and my wife is Netanya. Our youngest daughter, Ali, came to us on two prior occasions expressing a specific fear and anxiety. She was afraid she would become something that God did not create her to be. She is only 12 years old. We thought she was far too young to be having these fears. We talked her through it both times, asking her questions about why she was afraid this would happen to her. She did not know. She was crying each time. We would pray about it. 

The third time she came I grabbed the book Basics of the Faith because I knew there was a chapter on Promises of God. I quickly found it in the contents and turned to the chapter and skimmed the promises. I found the section on Anxiety/Worry. With my arm around Ali, we read the verses and the short, but illuminating explanations. 

When we finished we prayed. As she walked away she took the book. I said, "Where are you going with the book?" She said, "I want to keep these promises by my bed." She carefully placed the bookmark that came with the book on the page of promises and left the room. 

A few days later I saw her with the book at bedtime. She was reading it, but not the promises section. Instead, she was reading the first chapter, which is about God. I thought about something my older son Jonathan had said a few weeks before. "Dad, the chapter on God is more than basic. It is a little hard to get through." I do not think he got past that chapter. I hoped Ali would not think that.

I forgot about all these things. Four weeks passed. I was downstairs passing by an adjacent room. It was dark, but I glanced and saw Ali huddled up under a desk with her book light and a book. I looked closer to see what book she was reading. It was Basics of the Faith! This shocked me. I did not think that she would keep reading this book. I immediately was thanking God for His work in her life. I walked closer in the dark room to take a picture. She was now in the middle of the book. It was obvious from the page wear that she was reading it chapter by chapter. I quietly left the room.

Later that day I saw the book sitting on some of her things. It's pages, well-worn on every side, and the cover with some creases and curled edges, beckoned me to open it. When I could not resist I opened the book to the cover page. There I read the words, "Sept 09, 2023, Ali who owns this book." That was the day we first opened the book to read Promises of God. My heart was warm with more thanks to God for His incredible gift!

Perhaps this book can help you or your children too. I know that all of us parents want one thing for our children more than anything; for them to walk with the Lord, and to seek out His treasures.

Welcome to the Bible blog. This is a place where I will share stories, thoughts on passages, answers to questions, and practical application of doctrine. There is no set timing to when I will post, but when there is something of particular interest, I will post it here for your enjoyment and insight. Many conversations take place in my seminary courses that include things I have never heard, read, or thought about. I hope to share some of those conversations. 

Check back soon to see what is new.

Soli de gloria,
​Jeremy