Dispensationalism is a way of understanding the Bible that recognises God has worked with humanity in distinct periods of history, called dispensations. In each period, God reveals His will, humanity is tested, humanity fails, and God’s grace is displayed.

No. Salvation has always been by grace through faith. People in every age are saved by trusting God, based on the work of Christ—even if they did not yet know all the details.

A dispensation is a God-given stewardship—a way God administers His purposes at a particular time in history. Dispensations show God’s orderly plan, not different gospels.

Because the Bible does.

• Israel is God’s earthly people, with specific promises about land, nationhood, and a future kingdom.
• The Church is God’s heavenly people, formed at Pentecost and made up of all believers in Christ today.

The Church does not replace Israel. God will faithfully fulfil His promises to both.

Dispensationalists believe:

• Jesus will return at any moment to take His Church (the Rapture)
• A future Tribulation will follow
• Christ will return bodily to earth
• Jesus will reign in a literal, future kingdom for 1,000 years
• God’s promises to Israel will be fulfilled exactly as written

No. While the term is modern, the principles come directly from Scripture and were clearly articulated in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It reflects a consistent commitment to taking God’s promises at face value.

It:

• Keeps the gospel of grace clear
• Helps the Bible make sense as a unified whole
• Protects God’s faithfulness to His promises
• Encourages a confident hope in Christ’s return
• Guards against allegorising Scripture

It shouldn’t be. Dispensationalism is not about speculation or controversy, but about trusting God’s Word as written and rejoicing in His faithfulness across history.