Dispensational beliefs arose in the mid 19th century as a relatively new way of viewing redemptive history as divided into multiple ages called dispensations in which God interacts with his chosen people in different ways. I think dispensationalists also believe in a rapture of believers before the great tribulation and before the general resurrection.
It contrasts with the older approach of Covenant Theology, which views both Old Testament and New Testament believers as being saved by grace through faith in God's promise and provision.
John Darby and the Plymouth Brethren developed dispensation theology in the mid-19 century, but the term wasn't coined until 1928.
Relevant to the question to Israel's status, dispensationalists often view the Jews as being saved by God in a different manner than the Christians in the church age. I don't understand their beliefs in detail, but they often believe a political nation-state of Israel is necessary, sometimes with a third temple and the resumption of Jewish temple sacrifices, prior to Jesus return. Thus some dispensation Christians are keen to get a red heifer to help the Jews resume sacrifices.
Dispensational beliefs arose in the mid 19th century as a relatively new way of viewing redemptive history as divided into multiple ages called dispensations in which God interacts with his chosen people in different ways. I think dispensationalists also believe in a rapture of believers before the great tribulation and before the general resurrection.
It contrasts with the older approach of Covenant Theology, which views both Old Testament and New Testament believers as being saved by grace through faith in God's promise and provision.
John Darby and the Plymouth Brethren developed dispensation theology in the mid-19 century, but the term wasn't coined until 1928.
Relevant to the question to Israel's status, dispensationalists often view the Jews as being saved by God in a different manner than the Christians in the church age. I don't understand their beliefs in detail, but they often believe a political nation-state of Israel is necessary, sometimes with a third temple and the resumption of Jewish temple sacrifices, prior to Jesus return. Thus some dispensation Christians are keen to get a red heifer to help the Jews resume sacrifices.
For details, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispensationalism, particularly on how dispensational belief dovetails with Christian Zionism.