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What is a dispensation in the Bible?

A dispensation is an era of time during which man is tested with respect to obedience to some definite revelation of God’s will. The Greek oikonomia speaks of the administration of an age. Salvation is always by faith in the same Redeemer, but the way God administers and reveals His plan changes from age to age — which is why we must rightly divide the Word to know which promises apply to us.

Also asked: What is the meaning of oikonomia in the Greek New Testament? · What does it mean to rightly divide the Word of God and how does this impact my understanding of Bible promises?
Also asked, more loosely
How does God's plan of salvation change over time and how do I understand which promises apply to me?

Source: The Basics The Basics, Unit 2, Lesson 2-2 — The Base–The Church

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appears on 3 pages of The Basics · cited by 1 other question

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