Teaching summary
In this sermon, Leonard Rola challenges the traditional interpretation of dispensationalism, emphasizing that biblical covenants, not dispensations, govern God's interactions with mankind. He argues that the term "dispensation of grace" has been misinterpreted and should instead be understood as "administration" or "stewardship" of grace. The message highlights how the promise given to Abraham was never annulled by the law and that grace will never fail or be replaced. Paul’s writings are examined to support the idea that the gospel is a continuation of God's covenant of grace rather than a separate dispensation.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 3:1-7: "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Romans 4:25: "Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification."
Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Romans 10:4: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."
Deuteronomy 28:15-68: (Referenced as the list of curses under the law.)
Galatians 3:13-14: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Romans 8:11: "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding Paul’s Epistles
- Paul’s Bondage to Christ: Freedom from the Law
- The Misinterpretation of "Dispensation"
- The Error of Dispensationalism
- Covenants vs. Dispensations: What the Bible Really Teaches
- The Promise Given to Abraham: A Covenant That Never Ends
- Walking in the Kingdom: Living by Faith, Not Sight
- Conclusion: Grace Never Fails
Introduction: Understanding Paul’s Epistles
Leonard Rola opens by discussing how he spends most of his time studying the Pauline epistles, as they reveal the realities of the new creation in Christ. He emphasizes that Paul had the deepest understanding of the gospel, the new covenant, and the believer’s union with Christ. The more he studies Paul’s writings, the more he realizes he is only scratching the surface of its richness.
Paul’s Bondage to Christ: Freedom from the Law
Paul refers to himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" in Ephesians 3:1. However, Rola clarifies that Paul was not a prisoner in the traditional sense but was bound to Christ by his faith. The term "prisoner" here signifies devotion rather than literal bondage. Paul, once bound by the law, is now bound to the anointed Jesus, who set him free. Galatians 5:1 states, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
The Misinterpretation of %22Dispensation
Rola argues that the word "dispensation" in Ephesians 3:2 is a mistranslation. Many translations use this word because they are influenced by dispensationalist theology. However, the Greek term "oikonomia" more accurately translates to "administration" or "stewardship." Paul was not introducing a new period of grace that would eventually end but rather explaining his role in administering the gospel of grace.
The Error of Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism teaches that history is divided into different periods where God changes how He interacts with mankind. Rola challenges this, stating that dispensationalism is a doctrine of failure, where each "dispensation" supposedly fails and requires God to introduce a new one. He contrasts this with Paul’s teaching that Romans 10:4 declares, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."
Covenants vs. Dispensations: What the Bible Really Teaches
Rola explains that instead of dispensations, the Bible speaks of covenants. The covenant of promise given to Abraham was never annulled by the law. Galatians 3:13-14 states, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law… That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ." The law was a temporary system that was replaced by grace, but the promise remains.
The Promise Given to Abraham: A Covenant That Never Ends
The promise to Abraham, as seen in Galatians 3, was based on faith and remains intact. Jesus' ability to heal was proof that this promise was still in effect, even while the law was in place. Rola uses Deuteronomy 28 to show that under the law, Israel faced curses when they disobeyed. However, Christ redeemed believers from these curses, proving that the promise of grace was superior.
Walking in the Kingdom: Living by Faith, Not Sight
Paul emphasizes that believers have been transferred into the kingdom of Christ. Romans 8:11 reminds us that "the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you." Rola encourages Christians to walk in this power, recognizing that they are citizens of God’s kingdom and not bound by earthly limitations.
Conclusion: Grace Never Fails
Rola concludes by reiterating that grace is eternal and will never be replaced by another system. Dispensationalism distorts the gospel by suggesting that grace will end. Instead, Paul teaches that Ephesians 3:6 declares that "the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." Grace is the final, unbreakable covenant of God.
We hope this article has blessed you. If this message has encouraged you, share it with others so they may also grow in the knowledge of God’s grace.