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10th.
From the day of Pentecost to Israel's rejection in Acts 28:
11th.
The prison ministry of Paul called "the dispensation of the mystery."
12th.
Commences with the recognition of Israel and is characterized by wrath.
13th.
Occupies the thousand year reign of Christ. The millennium.
14th.
Occupies the period that follows the millennium unto the great white throne.
15th.
Completes the series commencing with the new creation and ending with "God all in all."
In one sense of course numbers 4-10 might be included under one head, from the call
of Abraham to the rejection in Acts 28:, but we feel that the divisions suggested will
make the unfolding of the purpose clearer. While we keep before our mind the divisions
of the Word, and note the different aspects of truth that are peculiar to each dispensation,
it will be well to remember that underlying all dispensations are one or two items of the
greatest importance that enter the first dispensation and remain until the last. We refer to
sin and death. Without the awful presence of sin and death the dispensational unfolding
of God's purpose could never have taken the form it has done. Accompanying sin and
death are varying manifestations of law, grace, mercy and judgment. In some
dispensations one will be found more prominent than another, so that one dispensation
will be known as that of law, although grace and mercy are very evident in many of the
dealings recorded.
We shall devote our attention, the Lord willing, to the consideration of these fifteen
dispensations, and we believe that when these are seen in their large outlines, the difficult
and detailed study of the dispensation more closely to do with ourselves will be entered
with greater profit.
Without promising to reply personally to letters on this subject, should any point need
further clearing up as we go along, a card or letter from any enquirer will be kept in mind
and if possible dealt with in its place in the series.
#6.
The Primal Creation (Gen. 1: 1).
pp. 169 - 173
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1: 1).
"We according to His promise look for a new heaven and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Pet. 3: 13).
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth" (Rev. 21: 1).
Between these two sets of Scripture rolls the great purpose of the ages, occupying "the
heavens and the earth which are now" (II Pet. 3: 7). Gen. 1: 1 is severed off from the
rest of the Bible. It is unique. At Gen. 1: 2 we enter into a sphere of darkness and chaos,
which will never be removed until the true light of righteousness shines forth in the new
heavens and earth where the "former things" have passed away. For the sake of those for
whom these "fundamentals" are written we must explain Gen. 1: 1 and 2 a little more in
detail.