The Dispensation of Promise stands as an important era, explaining the covenantal relationship between God and humanity. From the call of Abraham to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, this dispensation marks a significant phase in divine revelation and the establishment of God’s redemptive plan.
I have been expounding to us on the 7 Dispensations of the scripture. I have written on the Dispensation of Innocence, Conscience, and Human Government. In this article, we will unravel profound insights into God’s faithfulness, human response, and the unfolding of salvation through history.
At the heart of the Dispensation of Promise lies the covenant God made with Abraham. In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and embark on a journey of faith. Through this covenant, God promises to bless Abraham, make his name great, and bless all the families of the earth through him.
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
Genesis 12:1-3
2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Also Read: THE 7 DISPENSATIONS OF CREATION – THE AGE OF HUMAN GOVERNMENT
This covenant is reiterated and expanded upon in subsequent encounters, culminating in the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17:1-14). The covenant with Abraham establishes the foundation for God’s relationship with the nation of Israel and anticipates the fulfilment of God’s redemptive purposes through the Messiah.
The Patriarchs, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, are the main characters in the story of the Dispensation of Promise. God keeps His word despite their transgressions and failings. Through the fidelity of Abraham, the obedience of Isaac, and the struggle of Jacob with God, we see the divine planning of events that result in the growth and preservation of the chosen people. God’s promises are renewed to Abraham’s descendants, Isaac (Genesis 26:1–5) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13–15), demonstrating the consistency and continuation of these promises.
The peak of the Dispensation of Promise occurs with the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Through miraculous signs and wonders, God delivers His people from bondage and establishes them as a nation. The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai marks the inauguration of the Mosaic Covenant—a covenant that supplements and mediates the promises made to Abraham. The Law serves as a guardian and tutor until the time of fulfilment in Christ – [Galatians 3:24-25 “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”] – demonstrating both the holiness of God and the inability of man to attain righteousness through works alone.
Primary to the Dispensation of Promise is the interplay between God’s faithfulness and man’s response. Despite man’s rebellion, God remains faithful to His promises, demonstrating His love and sovereign grace. Abraham’s faith is credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), serving as a model for subsequent generations to trust in God’s faithfulness. Yet, human response is not passive but involves active obedience and trust in God’s Word.
The person and actions of Jesus Christ constitute the final realization of the Dispensation of Promise. Jesus, who is identified as the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), represents the fullness of God’s purpose of redemption. Jesus establishes a new covenant founded on higher promises by fulfilling the promises provided to Abraham through His atoning death and resurrection (Hebrews 8:6). All of God’s promises find their “yes” and “amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20), extending an invitation to all peoples to partake in the benefits of salvation by faith.
In conclusion, The Dispensation of Promise stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, human frailty, and salvation history. Through the covenant with Abraham, the lives of the Patriarchs, the exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Law, we witness the divine revelation of God’s redemptive purposes. The fulfilment of these promises in Christ invites us to participate in the ongoing story of God’s grace, calling us to respond in faith and obedience
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