𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝘃𝘀 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗠 — 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛

CALVINISM vs DISPENSATIONALISM — RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

INTRODUCTION

Much confusion in Christianity does not come from denying the Bible, but from mixing what God has divided.

Calvinism seeks unity through theological systems, while Dispensationalism seeks clarity through biblical distinctions.
The question is not “Which system sounds logical?”
The question is “What did God reveal, to whom, and when?”

Today we will examine 9 Pauline, alliterated truths that show why Dispensationalism best honors the Word of God.

DISTINCTION — ONE PEOPLE vs TWO PEOPLES
Romans 9:4–5; Ephesians 3:6 (KJV)

A. Israel has earthly promises
B. The Church has heavenly promises
C. God works with each distinctly
Dispensational Insight:
Israel ≠ Church. Confusing them confuses prophecy, doctrine, and hope.

DEFINITION — ALLEGORY vs LITERALITY
Romans 11:26–29; Revelation 20:1–6 (KJV)

A. Calvinism spiritualizes prophecy
B. Dispensationalism reads prophecy plainly
C. God means what He says
Pauline Truth:
If resurrection is literal, so is the kingdom.

DIRECTION — COVENANTS vs REVELATION
Ephesians 3:1–5; Galatians 1:11–12 (KJV)

A. Calvinism roots doctrine in covenants
B. Dispensationalism roots doctrine in revelation
C. Paul received a mystery never revealed before
Foundation:
The Church revealed with Paul’s gospel, not Abraham’s covenant.

DESTINY — TRIBULATION vs TRANSLATION
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 5:9 (KJV)

A. Calvinism places the Church in wrath
B. Dispensationalism removes the Church before wrath
C. Wrath is for Israel and the nations
Right Division:
The Rapture is for the Body, not Israel.

DESIGN — SINGLE RETURN vs SEPARATE COMINGS
Titus 2:13; Revelation 19:11–16 (KJV)

A. Calvinism merges the Rapture and Revelation
B. Dispensationalism separates them
C. Christ comes FOR His saints, then WITH His saints
Pauline Hope:
Our blessed hope is upward, not earthly.

DURATION — SYMBOLIC vs SPECIFIC
Revelation 20:2–7; Isaiah 11:1–9 (KJV)

A. Calvinism allegorizes the millennium
B. Dispensationalism affirms a literal 1,000 years
C. Christ will reign on earth as promised
Scriptural Consistency:
Promises to Israel require a literal kingdom.

DETERMINATION — LIMITED vs LIBERATED SALVATION
1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (KJV)

A. Calvinism limits the atonement
B. Dispensationalism proclaims salvation for all
C. Faith is the issue, not election
Paul’s Gospel:
Christ died for all—salvation is offered freely.

DOCTRINE — SYSTEMATIC vs SCRIPTURAL
Colossians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

A. Calvinism defends theological frameworks
B. Dispensationalism submits to biblical flow
C. Scripture interprets Scripture
Safeguard:
Doctrine must follow revelation, not tradition.

DECLARATION — REPLACEMENT vs RESTORATION
Romans 11:1–2, 25–27 (KJV)

A. Calvinism replaces Israel with the Church
B. Dispensationalism restores Israel to prophecy
C. God keeps His promises
Paul’s Warning:
God has not cast away His people.

CONCLUSION

Calvinism emphasizes theology.
Dispensationalism emphasizes timing.
The issue is not intelligence—but interpretation.
When Scripture is rightly divided, confusion disappears and Christ is exalted.

CALL TO ACTION

Study the Word rightly divided
Stand firm in Pauline grace doctrine
Look up for your blessed hope
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

FINAL THOUGHTS

God keeps promises
Israel still matters
The Church is heavenly
Prophecy is literal
Grace is complete
Wrath is coming
The Rapture is imminent
Christ reigns forever
Right division brings clarity