Understanding God’s Program Through Right Division
When we study the Bible, we often see it as one big book with one general message—and that’s true. But the Word of God also reveals different dispensations, or distinct ways God has dealt with mankind throughout time.
Paul helps us see this clearly in Ephesians 2:7–13, where he divides God’s plan into three key time periods:
“That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace… Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh… But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
— Ephesians 2:7,11,13
Let’s look closely at these three phrases:
TIME PAST — When Israel was God’s chosen people
Ephesians 2:11–12
“In time past… ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel… having no hope, and without God in the world.”
In Time Past, God’s program centered around Israel. Gentiles were “afar off.” God made covenants and promises specifically to the nation of Israel — the covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David.
During this time, God’s blessings flowed through Israel. To be blessed, a Gentile had to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).
Salvation was of the Jews (John 4:22).
The Messiah was promised to sit upon David’s throne (Luke 1:31–33).
Under this program:
• There was a distinction between Jew and Gentile.
• The gospel was called the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:23).
• Water baptism, signs, and the law were part of God’s dealings.
This continued through Christ’s earthly ministry and the early Acts period (Acts 2–7), where Peter preached repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
BUT NOW — The Dispensation of the Grace of God
Ephesians 2:13 & 3:1–9
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.”
Here we step into something completely new — something kept secret since the world began (Romans 16:25).
When Israel fell through unbelief (Romans 11:11), God revealed a new program through the Apostle Paul — the Dispensation of Grace.
Under this program:
• There is no more distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28).
• Salvation is by grace through faith alone, without works, law, or rituals (Ephesians 2:8–9).
• We are saved by the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
• The message is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).
In this present age, God is not forming a nation—He’s forming a new creature, the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23), a heavenly people with a heavenly calling.
This is why Paul calls it “the mystery”—truths that were hidden in God until revealed to him (Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26).
AGES TO COME — When Christ reigns and God’s purpose is fulfilled
Ephesians 2:7
“That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
After this present age of grace ends (at the rapture of the Church), God will resume His prophetic program with Israel (Romans 11:25–27).
In the Ages to Come:
• The Body of Christ will be with the Lord in heavenly places (Philippians 3:20–21).
• Israel will enter her promised Kingdom on earth (Isaiah 2:1–4; Zechariah 14:9).
• Christ will reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4).
• God’s purpose in both heaven and earth will finally be fulfilled (Ephesians 1:10).
The Key to Understanding the Bible
When you rightly divide “Time Past,” “But Now,” and “Ages to Come,” confusion disappears and the Bible becomes a living map of God’s plan.
• No more mixing the promises to Israel with the doctrine for the Church.
• No more claiming Israel’s law while living under grace.
• No more trying to fit prophecy into the mystery.
Paul tells us plainly:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15
Conclusion:
The Bible is not a random collection of stories — it’s a divine timeline revealing God’s purpose in Christ for heaven and earth.
• In Time Past, God dealt through Israel.
• But Now, He’s offering salvation freely to all by grace through faith.
• In the Ages to Come, He will complete His plan and establish His glory forever.
When you see this, you begin to understand where you fit in God’s plan — not under law, not under prophecy, but under grace.
“For ye are not under the law, but under grace.” — Romans 6:14
