Grace: The Age of the Church and the New Covenant
The sixth dispensation, Grace, begins with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This dispensation, often referred to as the "Church Age," marks a dramatic shift in God's plan for salvation. Unlike the previous dispensations, where God's people were governed by the Law, the Grace dispensation introduces a new way of relating to God—through faith in Jesus Christ and the unmerited favor (grace) that God freely extends to humanity. This period spans from the coming of Christ to His second return, and it emphasizes God's grace as the means of salvation, not human effort or obedience to the Law.
The foundation of the Grace dispensation is rooted in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross serves as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness of sins to all who place their faith in Him. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage underscores the central theme of the Grace dispensation: salvation is not earned by works, but is a free gift from God, given out of His love and mercy.
The grace of God is contrasted with the Law of the Old Testament, which demanded perfect obedience. The Law revealed humanity's inability to meet God’s perfect standard and showed that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). The Grace dispensation, however, reveals that while humanity is incapable of achieving righteousness on its own, God’s grace through Jesus Christ provides a way for forgiveness and eternal life. This grace is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike, making the gospel message a universal invitation to salvation.
A key component of the Grace dispensation is the coming of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' ascension into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live righteous lives, guides them in understanding Scripture, and equips them for ministry. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a vital aspect of the Church Age, as it ensures that believers are not left to navigate their spiritual journey on their own. Instead, they have divine assistance in living out the Christian faith.
The Grace dispensation is also marked by the establishment of the Church, which becomes the community of believers who have placed their faith in Christ. The Church is the body of Christ, a spiritual family where all believers are united in Christ, regardless of their background or nationality (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, calls the Church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded. The Church is entrusted with spreading the gospel and advancing God's kingdom on earth.
One of the most profound aspects of the Grace dispensation is the concept of sanctification—the process by which believers are transformed into the image of Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers grow in holiness and become more like Christ in their attitudes, actions, and character. This process is not instantaneous, but it is a lifelong journey that begins the moment a person places their faith in Christ and continues until they are glorified in eternity.
The Grace dispensation also emphasizes the hope of Christ's return. Christians live with the anticipation that Jesus will return to establish His kingdom, bringing ultimate justice and peace. This future hope shapes how believers live today, calling them to faithful obedience, love, and service to God and others.
In conclusion, the Grace dispensation is a time of God’s unmerited favor, where salvation is offered freely to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike the previous dispensations, which emphasized works or adherence to the Law, this period highlights the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers. The Grace dispensation also underscores the importance of the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission and eagerly awaiting Christ’s return. Through grace, humanity is offered redemption, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live out their faith in a fallen world.