I'm having a hard time figuring out what the definition of 'dispensation' is that people don't like. I think I might not even support their definition of the term 'dispensation' - but nobody wants to define the term:sleep:
Meanwhile here is Ed's essay on God's Economy:
The word 'dispensation' has to mean what these verses say:
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God's Economy:
Dispensation in the NT, KJV1769 family of editions (bolding by Ed):
1 Corinthians 9:17 (KJV1769):
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.
Ephesians 1:10 (KJV1769):
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 3:2 (KJV1769):
If ye have heard of the
dispensation of the grace of God
which is given me to you-ward:
Colossians 1:25 (KJV1769):
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;
The Holy Spirit hasn't shown me a lot more than is here. I do know the Greek word being translated here as 'dispensation' is the Greek word from which we get 'economy'.
I do know (IN SUMMARY OF THE BIBLE off the top of my head) that this is what the economy of God is like:
Bible Prophetic times:
'hour' = the appropriate time
'day' = the appropriate time
or '1 day' = 1,000 years
'½-week' = 3½-years
'1 day' = 'week' = 7 years
'month' = the appropriate time
year = the appropriate time
Other 'economy of God facts':
the blind see
the dead live
the deaf hear
the lame leap like deer
the first is last
the last is first
Jesus Saves (totally!)
God Rules!!
Frequently the Bible discusses what
is to be is discussed in either present tense (is done) or past tense (done already done).
So a study of Greek tenses is generally frustrating. Us human type people can only do one day at a time. God can do every day at a time - I think God may have invented all the days at the same time?
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Now that this topic is in the
All other Religions Forum, we already had a discussion going on for Baptists & all over at this topic:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?t=54854&page=9
feel free to join us, especially if you have a definition of the term 'dispensation'