A brief comparison of
Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology

(A supplement to "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth")

In order to comprehend the entirety of God's revelation to mankind in the Bible, over the years, believers have developed systems or frameworks for understanding the Bible. The two most widely held, of these frameworks are Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology.

With many variations, Covenant Theology (also known as Reformed Theology, because it embraces the teachings of the reformers, such as John Calvin) is the view of most of the mainline denominations (eg., Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, and many "holiness" groups such as the Nazarenes).

Dispensational Theology, is the primary view held by most Baptists and by many "Bible" churches, which emphasize scripture over tradition. However, "Reformed Baptists" and several other groups follow Covenant Theology.

The editor of this website holds to the Dispensational view. A more complete description of "the Seven Dispensations" is provided in the lesson by that name, in the study entitled "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth". However, before beginning that study, it might be helpful to take a brief look at Covenant Theology, in order to appreciate the differences.

Both systems (Dispensational and Covenant theology) are held by true believers, including some very well known and influential pastors, teachers and authors, in both camps.

The primary question, that distinguishes these groups, is not: "What must I do to be saved?"
But rather: "Which framework provides the most accurate understanding of God's Word?"
Of course, a misunderstanding of the Bible can lead to missing the way of salvation.
 
Covenant Theology-
 
Therefore, under Covenant Theology...
  • NT principles are read back into the OT.
    For example, the "filling" of the Holy Spirit is applied equally to NT and OT believers.
    [But if this is the case, why did Jesus say that after His ascension, He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell with and within those who believe in Christ, and never leave them (John 14:16-18)? Whereas, in OT times, the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily for special enabling (eg., Samson, Judg 14:19; 16:20).]
  • OT practices are read forward into the NT.
    This leads, for example, to the practice of infant baptism (and also to the concept of "baptismal regeneration") - In the OT, the sign of the Covenant was circumcision. Whoever lacked this sign was cut-off from God's people. In the NT, the external sign is baptism, which, like circumcision may be administered to infants, to make them Sons of the Covenant.
         [However, this practice and understanding is contrary to "believer's baptism" as taught in the NT, and as illustrated in the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38).]
  • OT prophecies and promises, made to Israel, are applied to the Church.
    [As previously mentioned, under Covenant Theology, the Church is seen as the continuation of spiritual Israel. God has rejected national Israel, because they rejected their Messiah. Therefore, the promises which God spoke to Israel have been given to the Church, instead. Thus, the Church displaces (or replaces) the nation of Israel as the recipient of God's promises. (This is known as "Replacement Theology.")
         These ideas flow from misunderstanding of certain scripture passages, such as Gal 6:16 (where some miss-identify the Church as "the Israel of God") or, Acts 7:38 where Israel is referred to as "the 'church' in the wilderness." This verse uses the Greek word 'ekklesia', which is frequently used of the NT Church, which is a body of individuals who are 'called out' (the literal meaning of the word) of the world to be joined to Christ. However, the common usage of this Greek word was in reference to any assembly or gathering of people, often for secular or political reasons. In the context of Acts 7:38, Moses was addressing such a gathering of the nation, as he proclaimed God's Word and foretold the coming of Christ. But at that time, the congregation, did not receive God's Word. Therefore, it could hardly be equivalent to the NT Church. Furthermore, Paul teaches, in Ephesians (eg., 3:3-7), that the NT Church is something new, which was not previously revealed in the OT.]
  • Christ's earthly Kingdom is Spiritual and Present (rather than Physical and Future).
    According to the Covenant view, ever since His death and resurrection, Christ has been reigning from heaven over His Kingdom on earth. His followers are in the process of bringing the world under His complete dominion, which will be realized prior to His return to take His people into the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
         [However, this runs counter to the scriptural teaching that "evil men shall wax worse and worse" (2Tim 3:13), and that apostasy will cover the earth prior to Christ's return: "when the Son of man cometh, shall he find [the] faith on the earth?" (Luk 18:8). The view that the world is becoming a better place, also conflicts with the evident downward spiral in the current affairs of this world.]
 
Dispensational Theology (a very brief overview in contrast to Covenant Theology) -
Dispensational Theology agrees, with Covenant Theology, that Salvation, in every age, is by Grace through Faith...
But observes that...
 
Therefore, according to Dispensational Theology...
  • Scripture must be understood in the context of each dispensation
    (taking into consideration: to whom the message was originally given, and how they would have understood it, in the light of God's revelation, up to that time). Looking back, with the revelation that we have received, we often see pictures (or "types") of Christ, which the people, at that time, could not fully appreciate. We should not assume that they saw what we can see now. We should not assume that NT revelation was understood by believers in OT times (eg., 1Peter 1:10-12).
  • Scripture must be understood according to the natural (literal) reading.
    For example, God's unique promises to Abraham cannot be claimed by any "Tom, Dick or Harry." Likewise, God's promises to Israel are intended for that nation, not for the Church (or vice versa).
  • God's purposes for Israel and the Church are distinct and ongoing.
    In the process of time, God would bless all nations through Abraham's seed (ultimately fulfilled through Christ in His Church). But Israel, the great nation which has descended from Abraham, also continues. God will fulfill His unique promises to Israel (Jeremiah 31:35-37; Romans 11:1,2).
         The promises of God to the nation of Israel will be fully realized at the time that they recognize and receive the One who has already made the New Covenant for them (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Zech 12:9- 13:1
         But even now, it is evident that God has preserved Israel through centuries of diaspora, in the face of many enemies who sought their destruction. It is also evident that, in recent years, He has partially restored them as a nation, to their Land, in the Holy City, with their own language, and with increasing strength, just as He said He would do, prior to the realization of their full salvation (eg. Eze 37:1-14; Zech 12:1-9; Rom 11:25,26). [However, to many who embrace 'Replacement Theology,' Israel has no right to be in their land. The partial restoration of the nation is an embarrassment to their theological system. In their view, Israel's removal would promote world peace. But that view contradicts God's program as outlined in biblical prophecy.]
  • Christ's earthly Kingdom is Future and Physical (while His Spiritual Kingdom has already begun).
    Whereas He presently waits on His Father's throne in Heaven, Jesus Christ will descend bodily from heaven to rule from David's Throne over all the earth. It is He (not the church) who will judge and dispose of wickedness in all its forms (including the apostate church). It is He who will restore the world which sinful men have destroyed, and who will establish His reign of righteousness over the whole earth.
 
For a more complete understanding of the Dispensational viewpoint, click on the link below.

Return to Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, Chapter 2 - The Seven Dispensations
Return to the Table of Contents for "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth."
Return to the Intro & Resource Menu.

Go to The Book opening page.