Do you know the difference between dispensationalism and covenant theology? If not, you’re not alone. Many people are confused about the two systems of theology.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between these two doctrines. We will start by explaining what dispensationalism is, and then move on to covenant theology. We will end with a comparison of the two doctrines.
What is Dispensationalism?
Dispensationalism is a system of theology that divides history into dispensations, or periods of time. Each dispensation has different rules and regulations.
Dispensationalists believe that the church is a separate entity from Israel, and that God has different plans for each group.
What is Covenant Theology?
Covenant theology, on the other hand, views history as one continuous story. God has one plan for all of humanity, and the church is seen as an extension of Israel. Covenant theologians believe that God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in the church.
The purpose of covenant theology is to explain how the Bible fits together with one continuous story that is ultimately about God’s plan to redeem his people.
The Difference Between Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology
So, what are the key differences between these two doctrines?
First, dispensationalism views history as a series of dispensations, while covenant theology views history as one continuous story.
Second, dispensationalism believes that the church is a separate entity from Israel, while covenant theology believes that the church is an extension of Israel.
Third, dispensationalism views God’s promises to Israel as being fulfilled in Israel, while covenant theology believes that God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in the church.
7 Types of Dispensations in the Bible
There are seven main dispensations in the Bible, which are listed below.
1. The dispensation of Innocence
This dispensation began with the creation of the world and ended with the sin of Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3)
2. The Dispensation of Conscience
This dispensation began with the sin of Adam and Eve and ended with the flood. (Genesis 3-8)
3. The Dispensation of Human Government
This dispensation began with the flood and ended with the call of Abraham. (Genesis 9-11)
4. The Dispensation of Promise
This dispensation began with the call of Abraham and ended with the exodus from Egypt. (Genesis 12 to Exodus 19)
5. The dispensation of law
This dispensation began with the exodus from Egypt and ended with the death of Moses. (Exodus 20 to Numbers 10)
6. The Dispensation of Grace
This dispensation began with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and will end with his return. (Acts 2 to Revelation 20)
7. The Dispensation of the Kingdom
This dispensation will begin with the return of Jesus Christ and will end with his final judgment. (Revelation 21 to the end)
7 Types of Covenants in the Bible
1. The Edenic Covenant
The Edenic Covenant is the first covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Adam and Eve shortly after they were created. The purpose of this covenant was to provide for their needs and to protect them. (Genesis 1)
2. The Adamic Covenant
The Adamic Covenant is the second covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Adam and Eve after they sinned. The purpose of this covenant was to provide a way for them to be forgiven and to return to fellowship with God. (Genesis 3)
3. The Noahic Covenant
The Noahic Covenant is the third covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Noah after the flood. The purpose of this covenant was to protect Noah and his family and to provide for their needs. (Genesis 6-9)
4. The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant is the fourth covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Abraham. The purpose of this covenant was to make Abraham the father of a great nation and to give him a land. (Genesis 12-17)
5. The Mosaic Covenant
The Mosaic Covenant is the fifth covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Moses. The purpose of this covenant was to provide a way for the Israelites to be forgiven and to return to fellowship with God. (Exodus 20-24)
6. The Davidic Covenant
The Davidic Covenant is the sixth covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and David. The purpose of this covenant was to establish David’s dynasty and to give him a kingdom. (2 Samuel 7)
The Davidic Covenant center around three major components: the promise of an eternal throne, the promise of a righteous king, and the promise of God’s presence.
7. The New Covenant
The New Covenant is the seventh covenant in the Bible. It was made between God and Jesus Christ. The purpose of this covenant is to provide a way for people to be forgiven and to return to fellowship with God. (Jeremiah 31)
This is an unconditional covenant established between God and all of mankind who choose to accept Christ as their Savior.
Summary
Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology are two ways of understanding the Bible. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately it is up to the individual to decide which one they prefer.
So, which doctrine is correct? That is a question for each individual to answer. But, hopefully, this has helped to clear up some of the confusion surrounding these two doctrines.
Dispensationalism and covenant theology are two systems of theology that differ in their views of history, the church, and God’s promises to Israel.
But, at the end of the day, both doctrines are based on the same foundation: The Bible. So, whichever doctrine you choose to believe, make sure that your theology is founded on the Word of God.
Do you think one doctrine is correct over the other? Why or why not? What parts of each doctrine do you agree with? Disagree with? Share in the comments below!