October 20th: Dispensationalism
Speaker: Robert Aboagye
INTRODUCTION
Dispensationalism is system of theology / biblical interpretation for how to read and apply Scriptures.
DEFINITION
The key person associated with Dispensationalism is John Nelson Derby, but name “Dispensational / Dispensationalism” comes from the famous C.I. Scofield Bible – first published in 1909.
According to Scofield: “A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture.” E.g.:
· Innocence (Gen 1:1 - 3:7)
· Conscience (Gen 3:8 - 8:22)
· Law (Exodus 20:1 - Acts 2:4) – this was circa 1500 years
· Grace (Acts 2:4 - Rev 20:3) – supposedly where we are now
Correct view how God deals with Man is Covenant Theology – not in epochs of time, rather there are solemn Covenants / promises made by God – C. of Grace, C. of Works, C. with Israel, C. with David, etc.
Key aspects of Dispensationalism:
4 to 7 dispensations – periods and specific manner of God’s dealing with Man; literalistic as much as possible interpretation of Scripture – plain sense only (especially Israel prophecy and O.T. promises);
* Distinction and separation between Israel and the Church
* Premillennial understanding of Eschatology / Last Days / Last Things.
HISTORY
Have already mentioned C.I. Scofield and his famous reference Bible. But before him early in 19th century Britain amongst Plymouth Brethren movement, which was led by men such as John Nelson Darby.
An evangelist named Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871-1952) established Evangelical Theological College, which later became Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). DTS very significant in spreading Dispensationalism worldwide. It is typically sixth largest seminary in America, and with circa 1000 seminarians yearly.
On the more popular side of things: Hal Lindsey’s book, The Late Great Planet Earth, and Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind book series and films.
Overall, Dispensationalism has progressed in three general ages:
(1) Classical or Traditional Dispensationalism (1830-1940s)
(2) Revised Dispensationalism (1950s-1986) – spiritual character of some prophecies started to be accepted
(3) Progressive Dispensationalism (1986-present) – half way across to Reformed Covenant Theology, and several key historic views discarded, e.g. Premillennialism, Two kingdoms (Israel / Church). A key name here would be theologian Robert L. Saucy, Professor of Systematic Theology (Biola University) and NASB scholar.
Interestingly, John MacArthur would historically have claimed to be a Dispensationalist, but his written theology and views are often aligned with non-Dispensational views. He has even written and openly criticised notable Dispensational writers such as Chafer, Hodges, Ryrie and Scofield.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
· Viewing Bible history through/in dispensations causes not understanding how God works and “thinks”
· Being Premillenial as opposed to being Amillenial very crucially gives people the incorrect view that there is a second chance for rebellious souls. In fact, the ‘Left Behind’ book series picture exactly this...
· Distinction between Israel and the Church causes people and churches to, firstly, be overly infatuated with things happening in nation of Israel; but, secondly, to be under-concerned with the Church.
USEFUL TEXT (available in Bookshop): ‘Israel in Prophecy’ William Hendriksen
· Literal as possible interpretation of Scripture causes people to miss out where passages describe and picture spiritual blessings and realities of N.T. Church
· The literalistic view of Scriptures also impede Gospel preaching (as O.T. passages are cut off)
· Dispensations and distinction between Israel and Church cuts off O.T. Law from N.T. Believers – including Lord’s Day and even aspects of the Moral Law (leading on to “carnal Christians”)
ECCLESIOLOGY (DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH)
Dispensational doctrine notably has:
· Two distinct programmes in history – one for Israel and one for the Church
· The Church age is a ‘mystery’ (Eph 5:32) and also a “parenthesis” [interlude] during which God has temporarily suspended His primary purpose with Israel
So, how would we refute and correct someone’s views regarding these various points??
Acts 2:16-17 c.f. Joel 2:28; Acts 15:13-17 c.f.. Amos 9:11,12
· OT prophecies for Israel in Last Days are being fulfilled in N.T. Church & quoted by Apostles Heb 11:39-40
· As amazing as OT saints were, their “kingdom” not complete / entire without the NT Church Rom 11
· Branches that are broken off are unbelieving Israelites and good branches are believing Israelites
· The wild branches grafted on are believing Gentiles. NOTE – there is only one tree! Gal 3:29
· Dispensationalists see seed of Abraham as only the physical offspring of Abraham.
· Gal 3:16 explains “Abraham’s offspring” is Jesus Christ (literal physical descendant); but Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, united to Christ, we too are Abraham’s offspring
THE LAST THINGS
These have been covered in recent weeks in D.C. Just to remind: The key to understanding coming to a good conclusion on how the End Times works is not to start in Revelation, and notably Rev 20.
DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
Dispensationalists typically followed a semi-Pelagian / Arminian view:
· Regeneration depends upon man’s faith. Holy Spirit and God’s grace still needed to “complete” salvation & new life, and also to persevere in Christian life; but all commences with Man’s choice.
· Dispensationalists tend to reject limited atonement – holding instead Christ’s redeeming work made it possible for everyone to be saved, though it did not actually secure the salvation of anyone
· Interestingly, Classic Dispensationalists not consistently Semi-Pelagian / Arminian and do hold to eternal security (which Revised Dispensationalists do not hold to). Even if persists in unconfessed sin.
