Dispensationalism holds to several key tenets:
The belief in a distinction between Israel and the Church. According to this view, God has different plans and purposes for these two groups.
The belief that God has worked in different ways throughout history through distinct periods or “dispensations.” These periods are characterized by different ways of relating to God and different expectations from God.
The belief in a pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth.
The belief in a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. This means that believers will be taken up to heaven before a period of great tribulation on earth.
The belief in a literal interpretation of biblical prophecy. Dispensationalists believe that prophecy should be interpreted literally and that the promises made to Israel will be literally fulfilled.
The belief in the centrality of Christ and the gospel. While dispensationalism emphasizes distinct periods of God’s work in history, it ultimately centers on the redemptive work of Christ and the salvation available through faith in him. See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4