What is Mid Acts Pauline Dispensationalism?
- dispensationofgrac
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Synopsis
Dispensationalism is a framework for viewing Scripture and God's plan.
Right division is the main study tool to interpret the Bible that we use in dispensationalism. It comes from 2 Timothy 2:15.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Dispensationalism recognizes that there are multiple programs throughout the plan of God for the world where various things change such as the manner in which God deals with man and how man is saved.
The process of right division separates the various programs from one another. The ultimate purpose of doing this is to know which program we live in so we can better understand where to find proper doctrine meant for us without blending in doctrine from other programs.
An example of this would be understanding that the Levitical Law does not apply to the Body of Christ. Failing to rightly divide Israel’s program with the body of Christ's program today will lead to either confusion or an unnatural blend (a Christian trying to follow the law)
The most important division is between PROPHECY and MYSTERY.
Without rightly dividing these, your theology and doctrine will blend in a way it is not supposed to.
The entirety of Scripture can be placed in one of these two programs. This is what largely separates Dispensationalists from Covenant Theologians. Covenant Theologians usually stick to the two Testaments (Old and New) in the Bible to determine which parts are for us today and which parts were for times past whereas Dispensationalists recognize that even in the New Testament, there are critical divisions that need to be recognized in order to get proper doctrine.
PROPHECY: The parts of scripture that speak of Israel’s place and destiny in God's plan and the promised Kingdom.
MYSTERY: The parts of scripture that speak of the Body of Christ and the special dispensation of grace that we enjoy now. It’s called mystery because Paul made it clear that it was a new thing kept secret since the world began.
As mentioned, Dispensationalism sets itself apart by how it approaches mainly the NT.
Differentiation #1
Most Christian sects adhere to Covenant theology which teaches that PROPHECY is Old Testament and MYSTERY/CHURCH is New Testament. However, mid acts dispensationalism states that mystery teaching is unique to Paul, meaning the purpose, teachings and doctrine for the church today is found exclusively with Paul in his letters. Romans - Philemon alone contains the doctrine that applies to God's people today. Whereas Matthew - John and then Hebrews - Revelation deals with PROPHECY, or Israel’s place in God's plan. So what does this mean? It means that, and I beg you to stay with me, that applying the teachings of the Hebrew letters, meaning Matthew - John and Hebrews - Revelation, will cause friction. Not only is it not meant for us today, but it is impossible to follow the teachings of Jesus on earth and his disciples side by side with the message revealed to Paul by the resurrected Lord.
Do we discount and ignore the earthly ministry of Jesus or the letters written by Peter, James, John and the boys? Certainly not. All scripture is profitable and meant for study. On top of that there are universal wisdoms and truth found in all 66 books that are applicable to all people in all ages.
But when it comes to instructions for the Christian today, that alone is found with Paul.
If you really start to separate this is you mind, you will see the differences in the message Jesus brought while on earth vs the message He gave to Paul after Israel rejected Him. And this leads to differentiation #2
Differentiation #2
Another key separation is the recognition of two main gospels in the New Testament: the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace.
Gospel of the Kingdom: The prophetic kingdom of heaven come earth that has been promised to Israel since exodus 19.
Gospel of Grace: Salvation by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
This is the main hurdle for people - Jesus on earth preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, NOT the Gospel of Grace. Jesus came to establish the Davidic Kingdom of heaven on earth so all of his teachings had nothing to do with the Body of Christ and this dispensation of grace but rather had the purpose of calling Israel to belief and repentance so that the Kingdom may be presented to them. But after the final rejection of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the stoning of Stephen in Acts, the kingdom was put on pause and a new thing was revealed, never before prophesied about or revealed, and given to Paul to dispense to the world. So grace is offered freely to the world and now there is no jew or gentile but only members of the body of Christ.
There will come a day in the future where Kingdom PROPHECY will resume - the church will be taken out, the kingdom program as started by Jesus’ earthly ministry resumed, the Tribulation will commence to bring judgment to the world, and then the Davidic Kingdom of heaven as prophesied will be established on earth with Jesus as its king sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem. This is what we call the 1000 year millennial kingdom. The church will have already taken hold of our destiny which is heavenly places, while Israel is finally established in its earthly kingdom. Then a final battle, final judgment, and then the fullness of times with a new heaven and a new earth that God will create for all eternity.
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