Dispensation - a definition

One of the simplest ways of understanding about the dispensations of Scripture is to relate the idea to the different dispensations or administrations which we encounter today.

At the present time we are living in a particular political administration, it may be a Conservative or a Labour administration. After the next General Election we may find ourselves living in a changed administration if the opposition party gets into power.

Now, some laws will remain in force which governed us before the change of administration but some laws will be repealed and others will take their place. It is the same with God's administrations in the Bible. Some rules or instructions transcend any change in dispensation but sometimes some rules will change.

Some of the old ones will no longer be applicable and new ones will come into force. If we continue to 'obey' rules or laws which are no longer in force, we may fall foul of the law, either the law of the land, or, in the case of Scripture, God's 'rules' for our lives.

Hence we can appreciate that it may be very important for us to recognise a change in government or administration (dispensation) if we are to keep in step with the times and with the rules and regulations which apply in any particular time.

The process of "rightly dividing the word of truth" will enable us to do this, with regard to Scripture, and to show ourselves unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. May God Himself help us to honour His Word in this way and so to lay ourselves completely open to that which His Holy Spirit might wish to reveal to our hearts.