Contrast of Two Systems: Covenant Theology & Dispensationalism

System Distinctives Dispensationalism is a theology of distinctions. Salvation history is divided by God into different stages (Gk., oikonomia, Lat., dispensatio). Although all salvation occurs by faith in God on the basis of the Cross, in different dispensations the content of faith has varied according to the revelation then given. Covenant Theology, in contrast, emphasizes uniformity. • All salvation takes place under the premises of the Covenant of Grace. • The Church = Israel. What makes a dispensation? There are two primary characteristics of a dispensation: 1. God’s governing activity 2. Man's (specific) responsibility What makes a dispensation? There are two primary characteristics of a dispensation: 1. God’s governing activity . . . two parts; a. His self-revelation b. His grace 2. Man’s (specific 1) responsibility . . . two parts a. to acknowledge and submit to 1.a. b. to depend on 1.b. Why do the dispensations change? Man’s failure on both counts! a. he does not acknowledge God’s self-revelation as “the authority” and he seeks “autonomy.” b. he ignores or presumes on God’s grace. God sends judgment . . . then . . . God sends more (progressive) revelation and new avenues of grace!