Post on 17-Jan-2016
“WRITE THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN, AND THE THINGS WHICH ARE, AND THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THIS.”
REVELATION 1:19
The Revelation:Dispensation of Times
Introduction
A dispensation in the Bible is a period of time in which God dealt/deals with man a certain way.
There are 8 dispensations that are commonly agreed between many Christian scholars.
Dispensations
ANTEDELUVIAN AGES
2 Before the Flood
Age of Innocence
Genesis 1 - 2
Age of Conscience
Genesis 3 - 9
Then the eyesof both of them were opened…Gen 3:7
Expelled
Genesis 3:24
So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Age of Conscience
Genesis 3 - 9
POSTDELUVIAN AGES
6 After the Flood
Age of Human Government
Genesis 10-11
Age of Promise
Genesis 12-50
Age of the Law
Exodus - Malachi
Age of the Grace
Matthew – Rev 3
Age of the Righteousness
Age of Holiness
Seven Churches of Asia MinorRevelation 2 - 3
The messages are to be interpreted: Historically Pastorally Practically
Application: Immediate (for them then) Ongoing (for us now) For the church in general For the individual
Dispensational Application
Each church represents a period of time in church history from the close of Acts to the to the rapture.
Ancient History: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos
Mediaeval History: Thyatira
Modern History: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Dispensational Application
Structure of the Letters(Sevenfold pattern)
1. A commission to the messenger of the church.
2. A character description of Christ.
3. A commendation (except for Sardis and Laodicea).
4. A censure (except for Sardis and Philadelphia).
5. A correction with various imperatives.
6. A challenge.
7. A covenant promise: a facet of Christ Himself and is a gift to every member of the body of Christ.
Ephesus
Commendation: Rejects evil Perseveres Patience
Criticism: Love for Christ is no longer fervent
Instruction: Do the works you did at first
Promise: Tree of Life