There are two main theological systems concerning God’s dealings with men throughout history based on dispensations of time & covenants. Both systems can be thought of as “frameworks” for interpreting Scripture. Theological systems are developed by men based on what they believe (or want to believe) is taught in Scripture.
The BIG question:
Which of the above theological systems can most clearly found in Scripture? One of them? Both of them? Neither one? Let’s take a look.
From the Grace Ambassadors Web site:
“If we believe the Bible to be God’s Word then we must make it the sole authority of truth above all else. ‘Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division’ is simply another way of saying that the Bible is our final authority.”
NOTE: The Grace Ambassadors, as well as a few other organizations/groups teach as THE true biblical doctrine, a form of Dispensationalism. This author is NOT taking sides, but merely asking questions.
Other Questions:
1. Does the Bible explicitly teach dispensational ’ism’? No, but it can be implied if you want to develop a theological system around specific time periods in the history of the church. That is exactly what John Nelson Darby did in the 19th century.
2. Does the Bible explicitly teach covenants? Yes, and with very minor variations, theologians are generally in agreement concerning the various covenants that are found in the Bible. The terms Old and New “Testament” actually mean Old and New “Covenant”. Generally speaking, the OT represents a covenant of works, while the NT represents a covenant of grace. The Old Testament also contains specific covenants (contracts) established by God with specific people (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David).
3. Do the Grace Ambassadors really hold the Bible as their final authority? Obviously not.
4. So what? Do I need to label myself as a Dispensationalist or Covenant theologian? No. I need to be faithful in proclaiming the message of the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4) to the lost and dying world around me.
The Battle Cry 
The Grace Ambassadors asked the question “Are We Under any Covenants?” on their FB Page and linked to an article with the same name. My immediate response was “Yes” and I briefly explained the OT covenant of works and the NT covenant of grace. In my mind it was a no brainer! I was asked to read the article. So I did and learned that I was wrong! In that article was this answer:
“The covenants were between God and Israel regarding their future redemption as spoken of by the prophets since the world began. However, Gentiles in time past as well as those in the body of Christ today are not a part of the covenants.”
With my head spinning like Linda Blair’s in that movie, I looked up passages using the terms ‘covenant’ and ‘testament’ since those terms mean basically the same thing. I had a 10 passage list from the OT & NT and added both Strong’s and Thayer definitions for Hebrew and Greek, thinking I was being clever!
I looked at my list and realized that every verse was only spoken to Jews, according to Mid-Acts Dispensationalists (MAD), and totally useless for discussion with them (the MAD ones)! I did respond with the following questions:
1. How do the following passages spoken by the Apostle Paul fit in to all of this?
Rom 4:1-3 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (KJV)
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (KJV)
2. Where did the teachings of Mid Acts Dispensationalism (Acts 13) come from?
So goes the conversation. . .
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