"The Shepherds Way" E.W.King: Defining "Earth Ages" & "Dispensations"

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Defining "Earth Ages" & "Dispensations"

Defining Dispensations

The Bible gives seven basic time periods, each different in length which are introduced by a covenant or “agreement” given by God to His people.

These time phases are called “dispensations”. The Greek word for dispensation is oikonomia. It comes from a verb which basically means “to manage” or “regulate” time. God has “dispensed” these portions of time as programs, like school classes for His people.

In a dispensation God tests man in respect to a specific revelation of His will. Each dispensation showing how God is working out His purpose through differing economies. Theologically we also talk about “ages”. We make a distinguishing difference between “dispensations” and “ages” here. We say that an “age” stands for a period of time between two great physical changes on the earth’s surface while a “dispensation” stands for a covenantial probationary period between God and His people.

The Bible clearly outlines “Seven Major Dispensations” and “Three Earth Ages”.

Eric William King (June 2nd 2020)