Bible Discussion Thread

Dispensations: A summary of my understanding. Please forgive the incompleteness.

We start with creation and the Garden of Eden where sin did not exist until Adam and Eve fell into sin.

We then enter a period where we read about a few becoming saved, like Able, Enoch, Noah and his family, and a few others as God was "saving" apart from any earthly organization.

We come to the period of God establishing and working within the Nation of Israel as the corporate representation of His Kingdom and the custodian of the GOSPEL, the BIBLE. And where, despite Israel's nearly constant rebellion against God, a remnant chosen by the "election of grace" became saved. And Israel was the Human vehicle in which God, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, came to "BE THE GOSPEL". God's dealing with National Israel would end when Christ went to the Cross and the "veil of the Temple was rent from top to bottom".

Then came the Church Age beginning with Pentecost where local churches became God's corporate representation of His Kingdom, with the mandate to bring the Gospel to the world. But the churches also, like National Israel, were often times in rebellion against God as many have presented a WORKS/GRACE gospel where mankind is ultimately in control of who, how, and when a person becomes "saved"; and where many worldly practices were introduced. So God's Judgment would come upon the organized churches as it did upon National Israel. 1 Pet 4:17

This Judgment upon the churches begins the Great Tribulation where True Believers are commanded to flee the churches. Matt 24. But God is saving a "great multitude that no man can number", Rev 7:9, as the True Gospel goes forth from individuals and ministries apart from the local churches. This is called "THE LATTER RAIN".

Christ will then return to Resurrect/Rapture ALL TRUE Believers, begin Judgement Day, destroy this sin-cursed earth and create New Heavens and New Earth where those saved will live and reign with Christ Eternally.