Principles of Dispensational Bible Study
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind, not only when I am studying Dispensationalism itself, but whenever I am studying the Bible. Dispensationalism is a powerful tool when used properly, but like any concept or doctrine, can be misused to our detriment.

 

1. What is the Dispensational Context?
What Dispensation does this occur in? What has been revealed by God to these people to this point?

 e.g. Psalm 51:11 refers to events which are impossible under the present dispensation
 
 
2. What is the Dispensational Applicability
Does this apply directly or indirectly to me?
e.g. should a Christian keep the Sabbath, or keep the Law?

 
3. Do I Understand the Dispensational Impact?
How does this affect my understanding of this dispensation? Am I confusing dispensational obedience with salvation?

 e.g. am I falling into the idea that keeping the Law was the way to salvation for Israel
 
 
4. Is There an Inter-Dispensational Principle?
Is there a principle at stake that spans dispensations?
e.g. 1 Sam 2:30 is an eternal principle, but material blessings for obedience are primarily a promise under the Law

 
5. Are There Dispensational Parallels?
Does this present concept have any parallel to some or all of the dispensations?

e.g. some people see a parallel between 7 dispensations and the 7 days of creation.

 
6. Have I Adopted Too Many Dispensations or too much Dispensationalism?
Have I fallen into Ultra-Dispensationalism?  Am I using dispensational distinctives as an excuse for disobedience to the Word of God? Am I building doctrine on dispensational parallels or typology?

e.g. a Christian doesn’t have to keep the Sabbath, so it isn’t important if I go to church!
 

This article was written by Shawn Abigail. More material on Dispensationalism can be found on http://www.storm.ca/~sabigail