The Three Dispensational Timeline: Time Past, But Now, and Ages to Come in the Context of the Triune God

Introduction

The Scriptures (KJV) offer a clear understanding of God's plan for humanity, unfolding in distinct phases: Time Past, But Now, and Ages to Come. These dispensations, though rooted in divine revelation, are progressively revealed through the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each playing an integral role in different epochs of history. As we explore the dispensational timeline, we will see how God's eternal purpose is carried out, culminating in His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

This article delves into the Three Dispensational Timeline, examining its biblical foundation, the role of the Triune God in each stage, and its significance for believers today. We will also include non-biblical references that complement the biblical worldview to give a well-rounded perspective on time, history, and divine purpose.

I. Time Past: God's Plan in Old Testament History

The first dispensation, referred to as Time Past (Ephesians 2:11-12), focuses on God's dealings with Israel, beginning with creation and extending through the Old Testament up until the coming of Christ. This period primarily emphasizes the Father’s sovereignty in establishing covenants, laws, and commandments to guide humanity.

1. Creation and the Fall

   • In Time Past, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Through the Father’s creative power, life began, and Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden. The fall of man through sin (Genesis 3) sets the stage for God’s unfolding redemptive plan.

   • The Father’s authority is evident in the patriarchal period, where the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) demonstrates God’s promise to establish a chosen nation, Israel.

2. The Law and the Prophets

   • The giving of the Law through Moses (Exodus 20) defines Israel’s relationship with God in the Old Testament. The Father establishes guidelines for living in righteousness, anticipating the need for future redemption.

   • The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, pointing forward to the dispensational shift that would bring grace through Christ.

Non-Biblical Reference: The philosophical works of Augustine, particularly City of God, align with the concept of God's sovereign plan in history. Augustine argued that all human history is under God's providence, moving towards a divine purpose.

II. But Now: The Age of Grace and the Church

The phrase But Now represents the current dispensation of grace, where salvation is available to all through the sacrificial work of Christ. This era began with Christ’s crucifixion and continues through the present age, marked by the Church’s mission and the Holy Spirit’s work.

1. The Incarnation and Redemption Through Christ

   • But Now signifies the work of the Son, Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the Law and offer salvation to humanity (Romans 3:21). Christ's death, burial, and resurrection opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled to God by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

   • The Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) reveals how Christ's work on the cross transitioned humanity from the legalistic demands of the Law into the dispensation of grace. The Church, established through Christ, becomes the central focus in this period, preaching the message of reconciliation to the world (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

2. The Holy Spirit and the Church

   • In this dispensation, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role as Comforter and guide (John 14:26), dwelling in believers and empowering the Church to fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel (Acts 1:8). This age is characterized by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the ongoing sanctification of believers.

Non-Biblical Reference: The writings of C.S. Lewis, particularly in Mere Christianity, emphasize the current dispensation of grace, highlighting the transformative power of Christ’s work and the Holy Spirit’s role in sanctification. Lewis described how Christianity brings individuals into harmony with God, reflecting the Church's mission in the age of grace.

III. Ages to Come: The Future Kingdom and Eternity

The final dispensation, Ages to Come, refers to the prophetic period described in Scripture, where God's plan culminates in Christ’s return, the millennial reign, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. This period reflects the final phase of the Triune God’s plan, where Christ reigns as King and the Father’s ultimate will is realized.

1. The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign

   • In Ages to Come, Christ will return to establish His millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6). The prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30-31) anticipate the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, where Christ will rule with justice and righteousness.

   • The Son's reign will be characterized by peace and restoration, fulfilling the Father’s promises to Israel and to the world.

2. The New Heaven and New Earth

   • The final stage of Ages to Come concludes with the creation of a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-4). Here, the Father’s original plan for a perfect creation will be fully realized, and believers will dwell with God in eternal peace.

   • The Triune God will be fully revealed in this final state of redemption, with believers living in perfect unity with Him forever.

Non-Biblical Reference: In The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri explores the journey of the soul towards God, reflecting on divine judgment and the eventual restoration of the cosmos. This parallels the biblical vision of Ages to Come, where justice, peace, and divine order are restored through Christ's reign.

The Role of the Triune God in Dispensational Timelines

Throughout these dispensations, the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—works in harmony to accomplish the redemption of humanity. Each person of the Godhead takes an active role:

• The Father: Initiates the divine plan in Time Past, revealing His will through covenants and the Law.

• The Son: Accomplishes redemption in But Now, fulfilling the Law and bringing grace.

• The Holy Spirit: Empowers and sanctifies believers during the current dispensation, preparing them for the Ages to Come.

Conclusion

The Three Dispensational Timeline—Time Past, But Now, and Ages to Come—reveals God’s eternal plan for humanity, expressed through the Triune God’s work throughout history. Each dispensation builds upon the previous one, culminating in the final restoration of all things. As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded of the sovereign, just, and loving nature of God, who guides history toward His ultimate purpose: the redemption of His people and the restoration of creation.

Understanding these dispensations not only gives us insight into God's plan but also highlights the central role of Christ and the Church in the present age, urging believers to live with purpose and expectation for the coming Kingdom.

Biblical References (KJV)

1. Ephesians 2:11-12

   • Context: This passage highlights the distinction between the past (the state of being without Christ) and the present grace available through Him, setting up the Time Past dispensation.

2. Genesis 1:1

   • Context: The creation of the world by God the Father, marking the beginning of the Time Past dispensation, where God’s creative power is revealed.

3. Genesis 3

   • Context: The fall of man through Adam and Eve's disobedience, introducing sin into the world and laying the groundwork for God's future redemptive plan.

4. Genesis 12:1-3

   • Context: The Abrahamic Covenant, where God promises to make Abraham’s descendants a great nation, forming the basis for His covenantal relationship with Israel in Time Past.

5. Exodus 20

   • Context: The giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, which defined Israel's conduct and relationship with God during the Time Past dispensation.

6. Romans 3:21

   • Context: A shift from the Law to grace, symbolizing the beginning of the But Now dispensation, where Christ’s sacrifice allows for righteousness apart from the Law.

7. Ephesians 2:8-9

   • Context: Salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing the current dispensation where salvation is freely given through Christ’s work, not through works of the Law.

8. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

   • Context: The Gospel message detailing Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, central to the But Now dispensation of grace for both Jews and Gentiles.

9. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

   • Context: The ministry of reconciliation given to believers during the current age, calling all to be reconciled to God through Christ, a hallmark of the But Now dispensation.

10. John 14:26

• Context: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, who will guide believers in this present dispensation of grace.

11. Acts 1:8

• Context: Jesus commissions the disciples, promising the Holy Spirit's empowerment for evangelism, marking the Church's mission in the But Now period.

12. Revelation 20:1-6

• Context: The prophecy of Christ's millennial reign during the Ages to Come dispensation, where He will rule with justice and peace.

13. Daniel 7:13-14

• Context: Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man receiving a kingdom, pointing to the future reign of Christ in the Ages to Come.

14. Matthew 24:30-31

• Context: Jesus speaks of His Second Coming and the gathering of His elect, a key event in the Ages to Come dispensation.

15. Revelation 21:1-4

• Context: The creation of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people in eternity, marking the culmination of the Ages to Come dispensation.

Non-Biblical References

1. Augustine, City of God

   • Context: Augustine’s theological perspective on human history, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over the course of history and humanity’s movement towards divine fulfillment, which aligns with the dispensational view of Time Past.  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45304  

2. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

   • Context: Lewis’ exploration of Christian doctrine, focusing on the transformative work of Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the themes of the But Now dispensation, particularly regarding grace and sanctification.  https://www.cslewis.com/us/books/paperback/mere-christianity/9780060652920 

3. Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy

   • Context: Dante’s poetic depiction of the soul’s journey toward God, reflecting themes of judgment and divine order, which correspond with the Ages to Come dispensation, where justice and restoration are central to Christ’s reign and the new creation.  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8800