Ultra-dispensationalism is a theological view within dispensationalism that divides biblical history into more dispensations or epochs than traditional dispensationalism. While traditional dispensationalism typically sees seven dispensations, ultra-dispensationalism can see as many as thirteen dispensations.
The key distinguishing feature of ultra-dispensationalism is its view on when the Church age begins. Traditional dispensationalism sees the Church beginning at Pentecost in Acts 2. However, ultra-dispensationalism believes the Church only began later, either with Paul’s ministry or after the close of the book of Acts. As a result, ultra-dispensationalists view the disciples and other followers of Jesus before Paul as part of an earlier dispensation governed by the law and the kingdom program promised to Israel.
Some of the key beliefs in ultra-dispensationalism include:
– The Four Gospels and parts of Acts are for Israel under the law, not for the Church. The Sermon on the Mount and other kingdom teachings don’t directly apply to the Church.
– Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper were part of the earlier program for Israel and are not ordinances for the Church.
– The Great Commission was intended for the apostles and not directly intended for the Church. The Great Commission along with signs and wonders do not apply in the same way today.
– The Church only began after God’s program for Israel was suspended. The Body of Christ began either with Paul or after the close of Acts.
– Paul is the apostle and pattern for the Church. His epistles alone contain the doctrine and practice for the Church age.
Ultra-dispensationalism emerged in the late 19th century through the teachings of E.W. Bullinger and Charles Welch. Later proponents have included J.C. O’Hair, Charles Baker, Otis Q. Sellers, and Cornelius Stam. While still a minority view, ultra-dispensationalism continues to have adherents today. Critics argue it creates artificial and unbiblical distinctions between Scripture intended for all believers.
Here is an overview of the key dispensations often seen in ultra-dispensationalism:
### Patriarchal Dispensation
– From Adam to Abraham
– Period of promises and covenants with patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob
– Genesis 1-11
### Mosaic Dispensation
– From Moses to Christ’s death
– Time of the Law given to Israel
– Includes the prophets through John the Baptist
– Exod 19 – John 20
### Grace Dispensation
– From the cross to Acts 9
– Time of Jewish remnant offered grace and messianic kingdom
– Kingdom offered by Peter and the disciples
– Matt 3 – Acts 9
### Parenthetical Dispensation
– From Paul’s conversion in Acts 9 to the close of Acts
– The time of Paul’s Acts ministry when the Jewish nation is set aside
– Acts 9-28
### Mystery Dispensation
– From Acts 28 to the Rapture
– The true Church age governed by Paul’s prison epistles
– Eph 3:1-9
### Tribulation Dispensation
– 7-year tribulation after the Rapture
– Time of judgment but also Israel restored
– Rev 6-19
### Millennial Kingdom Dispensation
– 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth
– Kingdom promises to Israel fulfilled
– Rev 20:1-10
Beyond these broad dispensations, some ultra-dispensationalists also see finer epochs and transitions like a “Pentecostal Dispensation” from Resurrection to Ascension, or a “Transition Period” in Acts where Israel overlaps with the Church.
### Issues with Ultra-Dispensationalism
There are several issues critics raise with ultra-dispensationalism:
1. **Artificial divisions** – The sharp divides between dispensations in ultra-dispensationalism can appear artificial. Other dispensationalists see more continuity between dispensations.
2. **Pauline priority** – The emphasis on Pauline teaching alone overlooks revelation given by Christ (Matt 23:1-3), Peter (1 Pet 1:22-25), and James (Jam 2:14-26) for all believers.
3. **Church beginning** – Most evangelicals see the Church beginning in Acts 2, not later in Acts or Paul’s epistles. Nothing in Acts or Paul necessitates such a late start for the Church.
4. **Baptism and Communion** – Ultra-dispensationalism denies baptism and communion for the Church, despite Christ commanding both and the early Church observing them.
5. **Kingdom teachings** – Ultra-dispensationalism denies the relevance of Christ’s kingdom teachings like the Sermon on the Mount, going against what the rest of Scripture says.
6. **Great Commission** – Saying the Great Commission was only for the apostles goes against its general scope and the practice of evangelism in Acts.
So in summary, ultra-dispensationalism seeks to divide biblical history into more epochs than other dispensationalists. Its key unique point is seeing the Church only beginning with Paul or later, rather than the traditional view of Acts 2. While ultra-dispensationalism has some committed advocates, most critiques see it as creating unnatural divides in Scripture that should be read as a consistent whole. Understanding the unity of God’s redemptive plan is an important key in making sense of His progressive revelation.