God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

LESSON 2: MAJOR HAPPENINGS OF THE THREE DISPENSATIONS 1. HOW LONG IS THE FIRST DISPENSATION? 2000 years, from Adam to Abraham. 2. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT BIBLE EVENTS DURING THIS TIME? Adam's sin, 4000 B.C Enoch translated, 3000 B.C (Genesis 5:24). Noah's ark and the flood, 2500 B.C. (Genesis 6 through 9). The tower of Babel and the confusion of languages (Genesis 11). 3. WHO WERE THE PATRIARCHS? This is the title that is given to those men of ancient times who walked with God and were the head of their families. Generally, the men who lived during this first dispensation were called patriarchs. 4. HOW DOES GOD REVEAL HIMSELF DURING THE FIRST DISPENSATION? We see God the Father revealed during the first dispensation. 5. WHAT IS THE KEY THOUGHT OF THE FIRST DISPENSATION? The flood of water to judge the sin of the earth. This is an illustration of the Christian's water baptism. 6. HOW LONG IS THE SECOND DISPENSATION? 2000 years, from Abraham to Jesus' crucifixion. 7. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT BIBLE EVENTS DURING THIS TIME? God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis), 2000 B.C. The Exodus, Moses and the 10 Commandments (Exodus), 1500 B.C. The Period of the Judges (Judges). The Period of the Kings and Prophets, beginning with Saul (1 Samuel). David, Solomon and building the Temple, approximately 1000 B.C. The Division of David's Kingdom (Kings and Chronicles). Captivity and Restoration of the Jews (Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah). 8. WHAT IS THE KEY THOUGHT OF THE SECOND DISPENSATION? From Abraham to Christ we find the SHEDDING OF BLOOD commanded. Both in the circumcision of every male Israelite and in the animal sacrifices whose blood brought atonement, we find that the key thought is blood sacrifice. This is an illustration of the Christian's salvation experience through the blood of Christ.

71