Revised November 2, 2013
Copyright © 2013
On the really important doctrines, both covenant theologians and dispensationalists are united. Both schools uphold the inspiration of scripture, honor Christ as the Son of God and only savior, and preach salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Both covenant theology and dispensationalism can be considered ways of organizing and interpreting scripture. Both hold to the central themes of the reformation and thus the theology of both schools could be described as "reformed."
Covenant theologians, however, generally claim their history extends back through Calvin to Augustine (354-430) and other church fathers. Since the reformation was in some ways a reestablishment of Augustinianism, covenant theologians tend to apply the label of "reformed" only to themselves, and would not apply that label to dispensationalists. (Covenant theology is also known as "Federalism.") Covenant theologians generally consider dispensationalism both recent and novel.
Dispensationalists admit that certain unique aspects of their system stem from John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethren of the early 1800s, but they do not see this an an embarassment. They argue that many false doctrines have very long histories, and not all true doctrines were developed instantly by the early church.
The following table identifies selected points of difference between the two systems.
| Covenant Theology | Issue | Dispensationalism |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant: an agreement (conditional) or pledge (unconditional) | 1. Definition of terms |
Dispensation: a revealed system of commands/promises regulating human affairs; an administration |
Two covenants are listed:
|
2. Divisions |
Typically seven dispensations are listed:
|
| Continuity from the fall through the present. God interacts with mankind essentially the same throughout time. Stresses God's sovereignty. | 3. Emphasis |
Several distinguishable arrangements each involving new revelation, new expectations (tests), failure and judgment. |
| Throughout history the Holy Spirit has indwelt true believers. | 4. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit |
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is limited to New Testament believers. |
| The church is the continuation of national Israel. Many (if not all) of the promises to the nation of Israel are fulfilled spiritually in the church. | 5. The church and Israel |
The church is distinct from the national Israel. The church age (the current dispensation of grace) is parenthetical. God will again in the future deal with the nation of Israel. |
| Most covenant theologians are amillennial, identifying the millennium with the current church age. (Some are premillennial.) | 6. Eschatology |
The church age (the dispensation of grace) is parenthetical. God will deal with the nation of Israel during the millennium. Many dispensationalists are also pretribulational. |