3 - The History of Dispensational ­Theology – Part 1

Dispensationalism is a system of theology (not a hermeneutical approach) that believes the Bible teaches God’s single plan for history is accomplished through Israel and the church for the purpose of His glorification. This theology arises from a consistent use of the grammatical-historical hermeneutic, also known as literal interpretation. While salvation of mankind is of extreme importance, it is accomplished within the broader purpose of the glorification of God, which is demonstrated through the various administrations of dispensational arrangements of history and also encompasses the angelic realm. Jesus Christ is the hero of history by leaving heaven and humbling Himself as a Man, winning the victory at the cross, rising from the dead, ascending to heaven, taking His bride at the Rapture, returning triumphantly at the Second Coming, and reigning for a thousand years from Jerusalem. Traditional dispensationalism attempts to systematize biblical teaching for the purpose of glorifying God through Jesus Christ. History is seen as a progression of ages in which God tests mankind, man always fails, and God judges humanity, but always provides a grace to the elect.