The Bible reveals God’s plan for humanity through a series of dispensations; distinct periods in which God deals with mankind in specific ways. One of the most significant of these is the Dispensation of Grace, also known as the Church Age, which began after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and continues until His return for the Church at the rapture. This age is marked by God’s unmerited favor toward all who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, apart from the works of the Law.

What is a Dispensation?

The Apostle Paul uses the word “dispensation” in his writings. In Ephesians 3:2, he states, “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:”

The word dispensation translates the Greek word oikonomia, meaning stewardship, administration, or management. In biblical terms, it refers to God’s distinct manner of governing humanity during a specific period of time. Each dispensation involves revelation from God, man’s responsibility to respond, humanity’s inevitable failure, and finally, God’s judgment and provision of grace.

The Dispensation of Grace is unique because it is not centered on the Law of Moses, nor upon a covenant with Israel, but rather upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. Salvation is now offered freely by faith, apart from the works of the Law.

The Foundation of Grace in Christ

The Dispensation of Grace began at the cross of Calvary, where Jesus Christ bore the sins of the world. His resurrection ushered in a new way for men and women to approach God. No longer was access to God mediated through priests and sacrifices under the Old Covenant; instead, Christ Himself became the once-for-all sacrifice.

Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

This is the heart of the Dispensation of Grace: believers are no longer bound by the Old Testament system of commandments and ordinances for justification. Instead, they are justified freely by God’s grace through faith.

Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes this truth, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Salvation in this dispensation is a divine gift. It cannot be earned through rituals, law-keeping, or human merit. Grace exalts Christ alone as the Savior.

The Mystery of the Church

Paul often referred to the Church Age as a mystery hidden in past ages but revealed in his ministry. In Colossians 1:25–27, he explains, “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

This mystery is the inclusion of Gentiles and Jews together in one body, the Church, through faith in Christ. No longer does Israel alone hold the role of God’s chosen nation through whom the world must approach Him. In Christ, all believers are united in one spiritual body regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or heritage.

Galatians 3:28 confirms this, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Church, then, is the centerpiece of the Dispensation of Grace, God’s called-out people, sealed by the Holy Spirit, awaiting Christ’s return.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Another key feature of the Dispensation of Grace is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Under the Old Covenant, the Spirit came upon certain individuals for specific tasks. But in this age, every believer receives the Spirit permanently at the moment of salvation.

Ephesians 1:13–14 teaches, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

The Spirit is both the seal and guarantee of the believer’s eternal inheritance. This ministry of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of the present age, empowering believers to live holy lives and equipping the Church to fulfill its mission.

Man’s Responsibility in the Dispensation of Grace

Every dispensation involves a human responsibility. In this present age, man’s responsibility is to believe the gospel and live out the new life in Christ. Paul summarizes the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

This gospel is the foundation of saving faith. To reject it is to reject the very grace of God offered in this age.

Believers are also called to walk in holiness, not to earn salvation, but as a response to God’s grace. Titus 2:11–12 reminds us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Thus, grace not only saves it transforms.

Man’s Failure and the Coming Judgment

As with all dispensations, humanity has largely failed to respond properly to God’s revelation. Instead of receiving the free gift of salvation, many continue to reject Christ and rely on human wisdom, religion, or works.

2 Timothy 3:1–5 describes the increasing apostasy of the last days of this dispensation, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Ultimately, this dispensation will end in judgment. When Christ raptures His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), the world will enter the Tribulation, a time of unprecedented wrath and judgment upon those who have rejected God’s grace.

The Glory of God’s Grace

The Dispensation of Grace magnifies God’s mercy and kindness toward sinners. It is a time when God patiently withholds His judgment and extends His offer of salvation to all.

Romans 5:20–21 exclaims, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Grace is greater than sin, and this age demonstrates the triumph of God’s love through the cross of Christ.

Conclusion

The Dispensation of Grace is the present age in which we live, a time when God offers salvation freely through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is marked by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the unity of the Church, and the preaching of the gospel to all nations. While humanity’s failure to embrace this grace will lead to judgment, God’s purpose in this age is clear: to glorify Christ and to extend His mercy to all who will believe.

As Paul triumphantly proclaims in Ephesians 3:21, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

The message of the Dispensation of Grace is one of hope, redemption, and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.