Posts tagged ‘dispensationalism’
The Problem with Dispensationalism? Part 1
I’ve been doing a great deal of research for an upcoming book I’m writing concerning various views of Dispensationalism. What is absolutely amazing to me is how often people misrepresent not only aspects of Dispensationalism, but misunderstand what people like Ryrie, Chafer, Walvoord and of course Scofield and others have said.
I went to one site today and it was anti-Dispensational in many ways. However the most intriguing aspect of the site was when a line of text that connected to the cursor which said, “Premillennial Dispensationalism is a False Religion.” Wherever you moved the cursor, that line of text would follow.
I’m used to being referred to as a heretic, etc. However, if people really understood Dispensationalism, as opposed to commenting or critiquing it based on their misconceptions, there would be much less vitriol spewed from those who are opposed to Dispensationalism.
I’ve decided to take a few Blogs and post some of my thoughts regarding some of the misconceptions and misrepresentations that I’ve run across either in books or here on theh ‘Net.
In this Blog, I’m going to take up the alleged problem regarding salvation as understood by Dispensationalism.
The specific charge is that Dispensationalism teaches two methods of salvation. This is based primarily on two things:
- one note from Scofield’s Study System Bible on John 1:17
- the naming of the Dispensation of Grace, which seems to suggest that grace was not involved (as much, or at all), in previous Dispensations.
Regardless of how often Scofield’s note has been clarified, for some it just doesn’t matter. Dispensationalism is now accused of “hiding” itsreal meaning, under a blanket of subterfuge. Sadly, this is essentially the only note that Scofield wrote that was questionable. His entire body of work (not only in the remaining notes and articles found within the 1909 edition of the Scofield Study System Bible), but all told, clearly indicate Scofield’s believes regarding grace and salvation.
Ryrie has tried his hand at clarifying, as has Walvoord, as has Chafer and others, yet the failure to understand persists. This same situation exists regarding the Dispensation of Grace.
Because it is named thusly, it appears to say that no grace (or much less) was available in previous Dispensations. This is patently untrue. However, rather than present the same arguments that have been presented by others in attempts to help those with a lack of understanding understand, I’m going to try a different tact. I am going to take a quick look at Covenant Theology and see where we end up.
Covenant Theology has at its core, two specific covenants (some opt for three). They are:
- The Covenant of Works
- The Covenant of Grace
It is also understood that theologians like Berkhof break these covenants down into subdivisions so that by the time he is done, there are actually four or five covenantal parts he relates to various aspects of Scripture.
Be that as it may, for the Covenant of Works, the belief is that Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden and given one rule. It was that rule that had to be obeyed. Failure to obey would cost them eternal life. Berkof also states that though there is no explicitly stated reward (eternal life), it is implied in the covenant.
First of all, it is not universally agreed that this was a covenant at all. A conditional covenant (which is what Covenant Theology teaches), has TWO parties to the covenant. Also in a conditional covenant is such that BOTH parties are given the opportunity to agree or disagree. This is the case when Moses presented the aspects of the Law. In the book of Exodus 19-24, we see the entire process, which covers numerous chapters. It is essentially a ceremony and it ends with the opportunity of the Israelites to agree or disagree with the tenets of the covenant. They did so, and Moses sprinkled them with blood. The people had said “Everything the LORD has said we will do,” (Exodus 24:3b). Immediately after this, Moses wrote down everything the Lord had said. This clearly a covenant.
The situation with Adam and Eve was not a covenant, but simply a rule that God gave to Adam. It was no different than a parent setting down the rules for their child. A rule does not a covenant make.
But for the sake of argument, let’s say that Covenant Theology is correct and this was a Covenant of Works. In that case, according to Covenant Theology, Adam and Eve were required to earn their salvation. Did you catch that? Adam and Eve needed to gain salvation through their own work. Interestingly enough, this is the exact same charge that Covenant Theology directs at Dispensationalism; that Dispensationalism teaches two methods of salvation.
So the question really becomes whether or not Adam and Eve actually had to earn their salvation at all? Let’s see…Adam and Eve were given instructions about what to do in the garden, to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. They were also told to avoid eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
The Covenant Theologian states that they disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, and because of that, they lost their chance at eternal life. So because of their failed effort here, they lost out. It was truly based on work. Covenant theologians such as Berkhof and Shedd believe that this was a one of a kind test that required work on the part of Adam and Eve. Immediately after this, God instituted grace, from that point onward, which of course led up to the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
However, if we look closely at Adam and Eve, I would submit that while they did disobey, the reason they disobeyed was due solely to their lack of belief. In other words, at first, they believed that God was truthful regarding the forbidden fruit. Their belief in His Word of truth kept them from transgressing His law.
Then Satan comes along and gets them to doubt God’s stated Word. They caved in and wound up disbelieving God’s spoken Word. The One who had created all, and cannot lie, was now being called a Liar by Satan. This was believed by Adam and Eve. Because their belief was no longer based in God and His Word, the action of disobedience was simply a natural outworking of their lack of faith in God’s Word.
The sin of disobedience then, was the result of their lack of faith. James makes this clear in James 1:15 “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
Eve lusted after the fruit, then wound up following the desire that lust produced. The outward sin was a foregone conclusion, because it had begun within.
So in actuality, Dispensationalism believes that Adam and Eve sinned because the faith (or belief) they had in God had been questioned, and their allegiance changed from God to Satan. That was actually the sin and it went to its natural conclusion.
Yet, there is no doubt whatsoever that within Covenant Theology, the Covenant of Works is just that; salvation is based on human effort. After this, things changed so that grace became the essential principle since.
Because Dispensationalism chose the name the Dispensation of Grace for the time of Christ, it appears implicitly stated that grace was absent prior. This is not at all true, and all that is required is to read notes and articles in Scofields Study System Bible, as well as Chafer’s and Ryrie’s books on salvation, and grace. Beyond that, Chafer’s Systematic Theology makes it absolutely clear what his beliefs are regarding grace, and salvation.
In spite of the charges put forth by Covenant Theology, it would appear that two methods of salvation, are clearly taught within that system, as opposed to Dispensationalism.
Dispensationalism does not, nor has it ever taught two methods of salvation.
Next up, we will discuss the actual various meanings of the Dispensations (as opposed to what Covenant Theology believes they stand for).
Covenant of Works
How many things seem to be occurring today that can easily be described as things which only take place during the End Times? Now I realize that of course not everyone believes in the End Times. Many think it’s all a bunch of nonsense, created by people who want nothing more than to either 1) make a fast buck feeding on people’s fears, or 2) feed on people’s fears.
However, some things simply cannot be ignored and for the astute individual who tends to notice things in society, it would appear that the world is in a bit of an upheaval. There are many opinions and searching hard enough will allow anyone to find an opinion with which they agree. The reality though is that I do not want an opinion. I want to know what the Bible teaches and to me, it certainly appears as though many aspects of God’s Word are coming to fruition. Only time will tell if it is the Bible that’s coming true, or simply the overworked imagination of people who want to believe it.
Preterists are individuals who believe that much of prophetic discourse has already occurred, with the Tribulation/Great Tribulation having occurred in A.D. 70, when forces of Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple. If that’s the case, then we have nothing to worry about, do we? Preterists (and many Covenant Theologians) also believe that Jesus “returned” during that period of time, in judgment against Israel and the Jewish people. This is one of the large reasons these folks also believe that God has washed His hands of Israel completely and permanently. In so doing, He is now concerned with the Church, which is believed by many to be the New Israel.
Preterism, an offshoot of Covenant Theology has only been around for a few decades. Covenant Theology itself really began in earnest in the early 1600s and was popularized mainly by Louis Berkhof. The main tenets consist of two covenants (some say a third is included, but this is rare): Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace. The former offered salvation to Adam and Eve based solely on works. They were to obey God and had they done so, they would have been granted eternal life. Once they fell through the sin of disobedience, Covenant Theologians say that God instituted the Covenant of Grace, which has been the overarching covenant since then.
The Dispensationalist, on the other hand, believes that God’s method of salvation has always been the same; based on faith and never works. Adam and Eve transgressed God’s law outwardly (a work) due to what they believed inwardly. At first, they believed God, evidenced by avoiding the forbidden fruit. The Tempter came along and induced them to conclude that God was a liar. At this point, they opted to believe Satan, while at the same time, choosing to disbelieve God. This disbelief was an inward attitude, which merely manifested itself in the outward act of actually eating the fruit.
God’s salvation has always been based on faith. It was never works. I realize that Covenant Theologians often point to C. I. Scofield and his poorly worded note for John 1:17, in which he states, “As a dispensation, grace begins with the death and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 3. 24-26; 4. 24, 25). The point of testing is no longer legal obedience as the condition of salvation, but acceptance or rejection of Christ, with good works as a fruit of salvation…”[1] (emphasis mine)
This particular (and unfortunate) bolded phrase was modified in later editions to reflect the truth of God’s Word and the actual meaning of Scofield. It is extremely unfortunate that he wrote this as he did, without proper clarification, because it certainly appears as though he is stating that obedience directly connects to and results in, salvation. This is not true and can be clearly seen by the rest of his study notes included throughout the Scofield Study System Bible.
It is unfortunate that his position was not clarified prior to the publication of the 1909 version of his study Bible. It would have been good had he stated his position more unmistakably by making the distinction between obedience within the arena of, and because of the exercise of faith. As I have shown throughout this book so far, the reason people were counted righteous at all had to do with their attitude before God, which was the result of their faith in Him and His Word. This right attitude is what enabled God to credit their faith as righteousness, looking ahead to the cross of Christ. It was also from this right attitude that the proper obedience flowed. Obedience stems from having the right faith, not the other way around. Scofield certainly knew and taught that and it is unfortunate that he failed to explain it more clearly in that note he wrote for John 1:17.
His verifiable understanding of salvation is seen at the front of this very same 1909 edition of the Scofield Study Bible. In a short, one-page article he wrote titled “A Panoramic View of the Bible,” he states “(5) From the beginning to end the Bible testifies to one redemption. (6) From beginning to end the Bible has one great theme – the person and work of the Christ.”[2] Here, as well as in other portions of his notes, his full understanding of salvation can be easily grasped.
The tragedy is that in spite of all attempts to prove that the Dispensationalist does not believe that God has two different methods of salvation, it seems to be to no avail, as many continue to assess and charge the Dispensationalist with believing just that. It is clear however, that the Covenant of Works does express salvation in terms of man’s effort in having to earn it. One wonders then, why there is such a seeming sanctimonious attitude with many Covenant Theologians regarding what they believe to be the error, or even heresy as some say, within Dispensationalism, when their own system is the one that actually teaches two methods?
In spite of this, things will continue most likely as they are, with many Covenant Theologians continuing to believe that Dispensationalism is heresy, in spite of the fact that it is the Covenant Theologian who believes and espouses two methods of salvation; one based solely on works (prior to the fall), and one based solely on grace (after the fall).
Like the error taught regarding salvation, many within the Covenant Theological system also err seriously when it comes to the area of Eschatology, or the study of End Times. Their use of the allegorical method of interpreting Scripture, places them in the position of being the subjective determiner of Scriptural truth. This is in spite of the fact, that the symbolism used within Scripture is either explained in that particular passage, or somewhere else in the Bible, leaving no room for idle imaginations.
In the end, each person must come to their own conclusions regarding what the Bible says about the End Times. Has all of it already taken place except possibly the last few chapters of Revelation, or is much of is still ahead of us? The way this world seems to be moving, appears to be a clear enough indication that it is yet before us. Should this give rise to panic and fear? Only if you are not a Christian. Christian, what about your attitude and demeanor? Now is the time to be about our Father’s business and this will not happen if we are concerned only about what the world has to offer us, which is nothing permanent. We need to walk in the Spirit and seek to glorify Him. This can only be done by submitting ourselves to Him in order that His will might be done in and through us. That is our calling. May we respond in humble submission.
[1] Rev. C. I. Scofield, D.D. Scofield Study Bible (New York: Oxford University Press, 1909, 1917), v
[2] Rev. C. I. Scofield, D.D. Scofield Study Bible (New York: Oxford University Press, 1909, 1917), 1115
The Searing Storm of Socialism
I find it fascinating that this country, after having been a democracy since its inception, is now on a fast-track to Socialism! The absurdity of this is that there are people who actually believe that Socialism works! This in spite of the fact that it has never worked anywhere in the world before.
Frankly, I think this is all a stunt to simply take what people earn and give to others. It’s another form of Robin Hood, with Obama being Robin and he’s certainly taking what he can, in order to give to the “hood.” In a short time, he has literally taken over many of the banking institutions, GM, as well as others, and now wants to create healthcare for everyone. As more than one senator has asked, where is the money coming from to put this plan into action? Obviously, it is coming from those of us who pay our taxes year in and year out.
What I also find interesting is that ever since Obama took office, not ONE peep has been heard from two of the most loudmouthed individuals representing the African American community. That’s right, I speak of none other than Jackson and Sharpton. Where have these guys been hiding? Is it possible that the White House door has been open for them all the time? If so, how has the press not found out about it? Oh, that’s right, Obama doesn’t feel he needs to share that knowledge with the public, even though it is the public that owns the White House. I realize Bush did this, but he wasn’t right either.
It is exceedingly interesting how fast and far left this country is moving. However, when all is said and done, it is occurring only because God is directing things. As a Christian, I am commissioned by God to pray for the leaders of this country and the world. I have no fear that Obama will actually ruin anything. What he accomplishes while in office will be what God ultimately wants accomplished and the reality is that as we move toward the final stage of the End Times, God’s designed ends will come to fruition. Care to know what they are? Read Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation, or you can read “Footsteps of Messiah,” or “Return of the Antichrist,” by Patrick Heron.
Ex-Christians and Bible Study
Two of my newest books are hot off the press and they are both topics that are near and dear to my heart. “The Anti-Supernatural Bias of Ex-Christians” is a look into the world of those who state unequivocally that they are were in fact committed Christian. Now however, they have not only turned their back on Christianity, but have become atheists in many cases as well! How does this happen? This book explores the process and takes some time to review John W. Loftus’ book on how he left the faith.
My other book titled “Interpreting the Bible Literally (Is Not as Confusing as It Sounds)” and deals with interpreting Scripture. Is there more than one way to do that? There are certainly conflicting opinions, but surely there cannot be more than one meaning to God’s Word. This book details the use of a hermeneutic that provides consistent results all the way through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, including prophetic areas of Scripture.
In this day and age, it is more important than ever for Christians to know what is going on in the world. Are we living in the time of the “great apostasy” when droves of people who considered themselves to be Christians, simply walk away from Christianity?
Can we know for sure that God has one intended meaning throughout Scripture? If so, there must be a way for us to determine HIS meaning, for HIS Word. It should not be left up to chance and it certainly should not be left up to the whims of allegory.
For more information on ordering the two books shown here (or any of the upcoming books), please check out our site at: http://www.studygrowknow.com
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- The Anti-Supernatural Bias of Ex-Christians…
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- Interpreting the Bible Literally (Is Not as Confusing as It Sounds)
The Middle East Madness
Recently, President Obama gave a speech in Cairo, in which he seemed to ignore the character of specific nations with respect to how they view Israel. The difficulty is that what President Obama attempted to hide during his election campaign has now come to the fore. It is apparent that Obama is a Muslim and prefers to cater to the Muslim world, even if it means tossing Israel under the bus, so to speak.
For many decades, Israel has only had the United States to rely on for support in her war against terrorists. This will obviously be changing now that President Obama has taken the reigns of this country. It was not too many years ago that it seemed a bit rare to hear much about the trouble in the Middle East. Within the last few years, things seem to have taken a turn in which the situation has ramped up. The rhetoric continues to fly from both sides, and in spite of the concessions made by Israel, it appears that the Arab world will have none of it.
To the Arab world, the fact that Israel has a presence in the Middle East at all is not something appreciated or wanted. In fact, it is obvious that if Israel could be kicked out of the Middle East altogether, most, if not all in the Arab world would be ecstatic about that. With President Obama’s vision for the Middle East and his insistence that a two-state solution is the only solution, with Jerusalem being split into two parts as well, the Arab world may get its wish.
Of course this begs the question of what God wants and will achieve. Many Christians today are under the unfortunate delusion that God finished with Israel years ago; in A.D. 70 to be exact. This was the time when Rome stormed Jerusalem and destroyed it, taking with it the Temple that Herod designed. True to Christ’s prophetic words, not one stone was left standing on itself (cf. Matthew 24). The Romans removed each stone to get at the gold.
It was this event that was the fulfillment of what Christ indicated would occur and it was this event that many believe is where God permanently parted ways with Israel. These folks state unequivocally that Israel is done; over. God has no plan or purpose for Israel any longer and has now switched His attention to the Church. Of course this assumes a couple of things:
- That God will break His promises (cf. Abrahamic, Land and Davidic Covenants of the Old Testament), thereby making Him a liar
- God has no previous knowledge that Israel would get to the point where He would have to create another entity at all
Certainly, God is not a liar. He does not break His covenants and since the Abrahamic Covenant (as well as the Land and Davidic) is unconditional in nature, there is no way that these covenants could be broken unless God broke them. The many anti-Zionist voices today cry louder and louder at the humanity of lives lost in the Middle East conflict that has been boiling below the surface for years. Unfortunately, these same folks seem to have absolutely no feelings for the Israelis involved in the conflict; only for the Arabs, or Palestinians. This form of anti-Semitism is just as wrong today as it was during Hitler’s day. Anti-Semitism is never wrong, yet for the anti-Zionist, what matters to them is that the Palestinians are treated fairly.
People can do all they can do for either side, but the truth remains that ultimately, it is God who has decided. He certainly does not need anyone’s help to bring about His dictates. He has gotten the world this far, based on His prophetic council from the past. Will He continue to work in the midst of that situation, fighting for His people, His land and His Holy city, or will He allow it to take “its own course” (whatever that means)?
If God has no further plans for Israel, then those who stand with her are wasting their time and breath. If on the other hand, God still stands with Israel, then all those who stand against her are in actuality standing against God. It is obviously important to know what the Bible teaches about Israel’s future, if there is one at all.
Certainly, the Bible teaches one thing, and either those who believe that God is done with Israel are correct in their understanding, or those who believe that God still stands with Israel are correct in the way they interpret Scripture. Time will certainly reveal all things. Regardless of how vociferous people get in their support for one side or the other, God is the final Determiner of what occurs in that area of the world, just like He is the final Determiner of what takes place in every other part of the world.
The United States now has a new president; one who seems to be fully enamored by the failed socialistic policies of other countries. He appears also to be a Muslim, fully in favor of those who fight against Israel. The reality though is that God place President Obama in his current position, so it would appear that God has plans and purposes that He will accomplish through our president. I pray that all of God’s plans become a firm reality and I look forward to seeing how things will unfold.
StudyGrowKnow 