💭The Apostle Paul Debunks the Theory of 'Dispensational Salvation'
What is Dispensational Salvation?
It is a theological framework created by men to define differing means of salvation across time. According to this system, the method by which souls are saved supposedly varies from one dispensation to another. Here's a simplified outline of its teaching:
1. Before the death of Christ – Salvation by Faith + Works
2. After the death of Christ – Salvation by Faith Alone
3. After the rapture, before Christ’s second advent – Again, Faith + Works
However, the Apostle Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Ghost, clearly refutes this theory. Consider the following passage:
📜Romans 1:16–17 (KJB)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Here, Paul references the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk:
📜Habakkuk 2:4 (KJB)
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
The Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to expound upon this verse to affirm the consistency of God's saving righteousness throughout time—“from faith to faith.” The same faith-based righteousness spoken of in the prophets is revealed in the gospel of Christ. If salvation under the Law was by faith plus works, then what righteousness is Paul referring to as having already been “revealed”?
Clearly, the Holy Spirit illuminated to Paul that the general pattern of salvation for all time—before, during, and after the giving of the Law—is by faith alone.
Let’s consider more Scripture that confirms this truth:
📜Romans 10:5–8 (KJB)
“For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise…
The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.”
Even Moses, the lawgiver, acknowledged a righteousness based on faith that was already “in the heart.” Paul affirms that this principle of justification by faith did not begin with the cross—it predated it.
📜Hebrews 4:2 (KJB)
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
📜Hebrews 11:7 (KJB)
“By faith Noah… became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
📜Hebrews 11:39 (KJB)
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”
The writer of Hebrews (whether Paul or another) confirms this same pattern of salvation: faith before the Law, faith during the Law, faith after the Law. The gospel was preached to Israel, just as it is preached to us today. That gospel was only profitable to those who responded in faith—not those who simply observed rituals or ordinances.
Hebrews 11 provides a genealogy of faith—from Abel to Noah to Abraham and beyond—all who were declared righteous not by works, but by believing God. Paul builds on this in Romans 4 and Galatians 3:
📜Romans 4:9 – “…faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.”
📜Romans 4:11 – “…that he might be the father of all them that believe…”
📜Romans 4:16 – “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace…”
📜Galatians 3:11 (KJB)
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
This isn’t a new revelation, but something that should have already been evident. God saves sinners—past, present, and future—on the basis of faith. The content of that faith may have increased in clarity over time, but the principle has never changed.
Now, since the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God commands all men everywhere to place their faith specifically in His Son:
📜Romans 10:9 (KJB)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Final Thought
We don’t need to rely on complex theological systems or speculative charts—we have the sure word of Scripture. Let’s not be afraid to respectfully identify and refute doctrinal errors. If a teaching—even from a well-meaning brother—contradicts what the Bible says plainly, then it must be corrected by the Word of God.
I’ll choose to remain a Bible believer, not a system follower. The gospel is clear, consistent, and eternal. Place your faith in the Scriptures, and you’ll always land on solid ground.
With love in Christ,
Brother Carlos🙏😉
