Last Sunday after our worship service my Christian brother, Ben Gallardo, and I found ourselves indulging in one of my favorite activities - a discussion on theology and the meaning of certain aspects of theology. Somehow our discussion centered on a subject that is often ignored, overlooked, and/or misunderstood - Dispensationalism - or Dispensational Theology.
Wow, what does that long word mean - and how does it apply to our Christian life?
Dispensationalism is a belief system, or method of interpreting the Bible, which centers around the fact that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, literal Written Word of God. The other side of the coin from Dispensational Theology is Covenant Theology, the Bible interpretation system favored by those in Reformed and Calvinistic churches - most often reading the Bible from an allegorical, metaphorical, and symbolic point of view - not as the literal Written Word of God.
Most believers are not familiar with the meaning of "Dispensational Theology" and "Covenant Theology." So, what is the difference between the two and where does your church stand on these differing, divergent theologies?
For me, the biggest stumbling block in Covenant Theology is the way proponents of that teaching view the nation Israel and the church. Simply stated, in Dispensational Theology we view Israel and the church as two distinct entities. Israel is the chosen people of God and distinct from the church. You might view Israel as the wife of God, the unfaithful wife. And the church is the faithful promised bride of Christ.
All in the church have His promise of eternal life in Christ. While the seven year Tribulation, the time of Jacob's Troubles, has been fore-ordained by God as the time when He will bring a remnant of His chosen people, Israel, His wife, into the family of God.
In Covenant Theology, they teach that the nation Israel has been replaced by the church. Where Israel was the "physical" chosen people of God, in this teaching they are no more. They have been replaced by the "spiritual" people of God, the church. To support that teaching they also deny that the Day of Pentecost 33 AD was the beginning of the Christian church. They see the church, the body of Christ, as starting back in the Old Testament - even though it was never mentioned there.
The apostle Paul, the most prolific writer in the New Testament, tells us the church was a mystery in the Old Testament - only to be manifested in the Incarnate God, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.
This teaching of Covenant Theology regarding Israel is most often referred to as Replacement Theology, i.e., the church replaced Israel as the chosen people of God. That teaching only encourages anti-Semitism - as we have seen when several major Protestant denominations who support Covenant Theology - encouraged people to boycott Israel and asked corporations to not trade with Israel.
Denominations which have made this anti-Semitic decision against Israel include: United Methodist Church USA – Presbyterian Church USA – British Methodist Church – United Church of Canada – South African Council of Churches – Malaysia Council of Churches – Church of Sweden – World Council of Churches Central Committee. They do this because they support Replacement Theology, i.e., the heart of Covenant Theology.
Dispensational Theology is interpreting Biblical history as defined periods, or ages of time, which represent different ways that God deals with mankind. Classical dispensationalists such as C. I. Scofield identify the Day of Pentecost, in the second chapter of Acts, as the start of the church, the body of Christ, (a new people of God) - distinct from Israel as the historical chosen nation of God.
Most dispensationalists identify seven dispensations:
Where Dispensationalism typically views Scripture unfolding in a series of seven “dispensations” - the particular means God uses to deal with man and creation during a given period in redemptive history - Covenant Theology looks at Scripture through the grid of Covenants. Covenant Theology defines two major covenants: the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace. A third covenant is sometimes mentioned; namely, the covenant of Redemption.
Covenant Theology defines the period from the Creation to Adam's fall as the Covenant of Works - for Adam is "working" for the Lord taking care of His creation.
Covenant Theology defines the Covenant of Grace starting after Adam's fall - and lasting until Christ comes again, either Post-Millennial (after the Millennial Kingdom), or Amillennial (no Millennial Kingdom) - just in time to take us all into Eternity.
Covenant Theology sometimes defines a Covenant of Redemption - but that takes place in heaven and only exists within the three Persons of the Trinity.
In most of our Christian fellowships in America, we often find two distinct types of persons. And by saying this I am not casting aspersions on anyone. It is just that some folks are more comfortable assuming the position, "I am a believer who wants to simply love God, study His Word, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want to get into a lot of heavy discussions."
While other persons, like myself, want to dig deeper so that we may be stronger witnesses for the Lord. Personally, I love to study, discuss, and write about theology, prophecy, and other aspects of our Christian faith. Some may ask, "Bill, why do you bother spending a lot of time studying and writing about all this stuff - when you admit that none of it affects our salvation?"
That is true. Discussions of such issues as prophecy ~ different theologies ~ varying beliefs such as baptism method and timing, communion methods and frequency, tithing, etc. ~ six days of Creation versus millions of years ~ and many other interesting subjects truthfully do not directly affect our salvation. So why discuss them?
Glad you asked. If you are a professional athlete, a combatant such as a boxer, wrestler, a military soldier whose very life may depend upon your physical strength and conditioning - will you slack off, tell yourself that you have done enough and there is no sense working too hard? I don't think so. You will be diligently working to gain your maximum strength and capabilities. Why? Because when you go into battle - you know that those extra efforts may be the difference between life and death.
And your extra knowledge of God's Word and His message of salvation - may be the difference between spiritual life and death for the person to whom you are witnessing. Will that person believe and be saved? Or walk away, disbelieving? Are you prepared to do battle for the eternal soul of that person?
Most of us are familiar with the terms "Liberal Christian" and "Conservative Christian" - even though we may not necessarily be able to explain the differences And we often hear people discussing the difference between Calvinists and Arminians - and often using the term "Calvinist" as a stone to be thrown at a Conservative Christian, i..e., "You're a Calvinist Fundamentalist Bible-basher!" Yes, I have been called all those and more.
Even though I could never be a Calvinist nor an Arminian, the Calvinist label has been thrown at me many times over the years on different forums and social media. Why? Because I will stand and defend our Christian faith. That is called apologetics, defending the faith.
Now I would like to offer you several resources to help you better understand Dispensational and Covenant Theologies. The first three are short videos which clearly address this issue:
1. Dispensations - Chuck Missler (3 minutes)
2. Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism -Greg Koukl (8 minutes)
3. What is the difference between dispensationalism and covenant theology? -John Barnett (19 minutes)
And the virtual text book on Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology is "Dispensationalism Today" by Dr.Charles Ryrie. I have had this book in my personal library for years - and I have downloaded the PDF format version. When reading I prefer the hard copy book. But when I am quoting from the book, I prefer the PDF version in my archives so that I can copy/paste without errors. If you are interested in an indepth study of these methods of Bible interpretation, I highly suggest you download this book. The price is right: FREE!
4. Dispensationalism, Revised And Expanded - Charles C. Ryrie - PDF Format
I realize that I have dumped a load of information and resources on you. I pray that, as you and I continue to mature in our knowledge of His Word, this blog has been helpful to you. Let us all strive each day to become better witnesses for Him as we live out His Great Commission - "Go, Make disciples, Teach them, Baptize them. . . . Be My witnesses in all the world" (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Wow, what does that long word mean - and how does it apply to our Christian life?
Dispensationalism is a belief system, or method of interpreting the Bible, which centers around the fact that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, literal Written Word of God. The other side of the coin from Dispensational Theology is Covenant Theology, the Bible interpretation system favored by those in Reformed and Calvinistic churches - most often reading the Bible from an allegorical, metaphorical, and symbolic point of view - not as the literal Written Word of God.
Most believers are not familiar with the meaning of "Dispensational Theology" and "Covenant Theology." So, what is the difference between the two and where does your church stand on these differing, divergent theologies?
For me, the biggest stumbling block in Covenant Theology is the way proponents of that teaching view the nation Israel and the church. Simply stated, in Dispensational Theology we view Israel and the church as two distinct entities. Israel is the chosen people of God and distinct from the church. You might view Israel as the wife of God, the unfaithful wife. And the church is the faithful promised bride of Christ.
All in the church have His promise of eternal life in Christ. While the seven year Tribulation, the time of Jacob's Troubles, has been fore-ordained by God as the time when He will bring a remnant of His chosen people, Israel, His wife, into the family of God.
Deuteronomy 7:6, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth."
Genesis 12:1-3, "Now the LORD had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' "
God's message to King David: 2 Samuel 7:16, "And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."
And God does not change His mind as we see in Malachi 3:6a, "For I am the LORD, I do not change; . . ."
In Covenant Theology, they teach that the nation Israel has been replaced by the church. Where Israel was the "physical" chosen people of God, in this teaching they are no more. They have been replaced by the "spiritual" people of God, the church. To support that teaching they also deny that the Day of Pentecost 33 AD was the beginning of the Christian church. They see the church, the body of Christ, as starting back in the Old Testament - even though it was never mentioned there.
The apostle Paul, the most prolific writer in the New Testament, tells us the church was a mystery in the Old Testament - only to be manifested in the Incarnate God, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.
Romans 16:25-27, "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith - to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."
From Pastor David Guzik's commentary on Romans: According to the revelation of the mystery: Paul means this as the whole plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Though God announced much of the plan previously through prophecy, its final outworking wasn't evident until revealed by God through Jesus.
This teaching of Covenant Theology regarding Israel is most often referred to as Replacement Theology, i.e., the church replaced Israel as the chosen people of God. That teaching only encourages anti-Semitism - as we have seen when several major Protestant denominations who support Covenant Theology - encouraged people to boycott Israel and asked corporations to not trade with Israel.
Denominations which have made this anti-Semitic decision against Israel include: United Methodist Church USA – Presbyterian Church USA – British Methodist Church – United Church of Canada – South African Council of Churches – Malaysia Council of Churches – Church of Sweden – World Council of Churches Central Committee. They do this because they support Replacement Theology, i.e., the heart of Covenant Theology.
Dispensational Theology is interpreting Biblical history as defined periods, or ages of time, which represent different ways that God deals with mankind. Classical dispensationalists such as C. I. Scofield identify the Day of Pentecost, in the second chapter of Acts, as the start of the church, the body of Christ, (a new people of God) - distinct from Israel as the historical chosen nation of God.
Most dispensationalists identify seven dispensations:
1. Innocence ~ Genesis 1:1–3:7 ~ Prior to Adam's fall
2. Conscience ~ Genesis 3:8–8:22 ~ Adam to Noah
3. Government ~ Genesis 9:1–11:32 ~ Noah to Abraham
4. Promise ~ Genesis 12:1–Exodus 19:25 ~ Abraham to Moses
5. Law ~ Exodus 20:1–Acts 2:4 ~ Moses to Christ
6. Grace ~ Acts 2:4–Revelation 20:3 ~ Church age which began at Pentecost 33 AD
7. Kingdom ~ Revelation 20:4–20:6 ~ Millennial Kingdom which has yet to come.
Where Dispensationalism typically views Scripture unfolding in a series of seven “dispensations” - the particular means God uses to deal with man and creation during a given period in redemptive history - Covenant Theology looks at Scripture through the grid of Covenants. Covenant Theology defines two major covenants: the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace. A third covenant is sometimes mentioned; namely, the covenant of Redemption.
Covenant Theology defines the period from the Creation to Adam's fall as the Covenant of Works - for Adam is "working" for the Lord taking care of His creation.
Covenant Theology defines the Covenant of Grace starting after Adam's fall - and lasting until Christ comes again, either Post-Millennial (after the Millennial Kingdom), or Amillennial (no Millennial Kingdom) - just in time to take us all into Eternity.
Covenant Theology sometimes defines a Covenant of Redemption - but that takes place in heaven and only exists within the three Persons of the Trinity.
It is important to recognized that Covenant Theology interprets Scripture based upon two or three inferred covenants. These covenants are not explicitly found within the Bible:
Covenant theology holds to two or three theological covenants. They believe there is a Covenant of Works (between God and Adam) - a Covenant of Grace (between God and the elect, some say all of fallen humanity) - and possibly a Covenant of Redemption (among the Members of the Godhead). None of these are found in the Bible. Concerning the Covenant of Works, Hodge states directly that it “does not rest upon any express declaration of the Scriptures.” — Charles Ray, “Systematic Theology and Premillennialism,” The Conservative Theological Journal, Vol. 8 No. 24, August, 2004, 165-191, p. 168.
http://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/137.htm?x=x
In most of our Christian fellowships in America, we often find two distinct types of persons. And by saying this I am not casting aspersions on anyone. It is just that some folks are more comfortable assuming the position, "I am a believer who wants to simply love God, study His Word, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want to get into a lot of heavy discussions."
While other persons, like myself, want to dig deeper so that we may be stronger witnesses for the Lord. Personally, I love to study, discuss, and write about theology, prophecy, and other aspects of our Christian faith. Some may ask, "Bill, why do you bother spending a lot of time studying and writing about all this stuff - when you admit that none of it affects our salvation?"
That is true. Discussions of such issues as prophecy ~ different theologies ~ varying beliefs such as baptism method and timing, communion methods and frequency, tithing, etc. ~ six days of Creation versus millions of years ~ and many other interesting subjects truthfully do not directly affect our salvation. So why discuss them?
Glad you asked. If you are a professional athlete, a combatant such as a boxer, wrestler, a military soldier whose very life may depend upon your physical strength and conditioning - will you slack off, tell yourself that you have done enough and there is no sense working too hard? I don't think so. You will be diligently working to gain your maximum strength and capabilities. Why? Because when you go into battle - you know that those extra efforts may be the difference between life and death.
And your extra knowledge of God's Word and His message of salvation - may be the difference between spiritual life and death for the person to whom you are witnessing. Will that person believe and be saved? Or walk away, disbelieving? Are you prepared to do battle for the eternal soul of that person?
Most of us are familiar with the terms "Liberal Christian" and "Conservative Christian" - even though we may not necessarily be able to explain the differences And we often hear people discussing the difference between Calvinists and Arminians - and often using the term "Calvinist" as a stone to be thrown at a Conservative Christian, i..e., "You're a Calvinist Fundamentalist Bible-basher!" Yes, I have been called all those and more.
Even though I could never be a Calvinist nor an Arminian, the Calvinist label has been thrown at me many times over the years on different forums and social media. Why? Because I will stand and defend our Christian faith. That is called apologetics, defending the faith.
Now I would like to offer you several resources to help you better understand Dispensational and Covenant Theologies. The first three are short videos which clearly address this issue:
1. Dispensations - Chuck Missler (3 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au6_lG_Euks
Dr. Chuck Missler's career is distinguished. While serving as CEO and Chairman of technology companies in Southern California, serving on the Board of Directors of advanced technology companies with the likes of William E. Simon (former Secretary of Treasury), General David C. Jones (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), Admiral Tom Hayward (Chief of Naval Operations) and Dr. Edward Teller, (Scientific Advisor to the President) - he was also involved as a consultant in highly sensitive advanced technology projects, and on the Board of Directors of the Computer and Communications Industry Association in Washington D.C.
In the 1970s, while still in the corporate world, Chuck began leading weekly Bible studies at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California - where thousands of cassette tapes of his Bible studies were distributed. At the same time he was one of the founding members of the Biblical Research Center, and in 1973 he established Koinonia House to create and distribute materials to stimulate, encourage, and facilitate serious study of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, He also helped start the Bible web site, BlueLetterBible.org, which has been indispensable to me in my writing ministry.
2. Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism -Greg Koukl (8 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLT1FEzjz_E
Greg Koukl, Founder and President of "Stand to Reason" - a Christian ministry whose goal is to equip Christians with knowledge, wisdom, and character - focusing on the basics, the fundamentals of theology and ethics, and the fundamental tools of thought. He received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), graduating with high honors - and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.
3. What is the difference between dispensationalism and covenant theology? -John Barnett (19 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5E1FA5kCFk&t=153s
Dr. John Barnett has been teaching the Word of God for 30+ years. Born and raised in Michigan, John has studied at Michigan State University, Bob Jones University (B.S., B.A., M.A., M. Div.), The Master's Seminary (faculty and Th. M. work), Dallas Theological Seminary (Dr. of Biblical Ministry) and with Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship.
He has served over 30 years in the pastorate, and also as a Seminary Professor of Theology, Church History and the English Bible. His work reflects the background of the Scripture from the ancient biblical world, the history of the church, and the daily life in far corners of the planet. In 1998 a new ministry called Discover the Book Ministry was launched to provide electronic copies of Pastor John's audio, video, and text studies free of charge to pastors, missionaries, and other believers.
And the virtual text book on Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology is "Dispensationalism Today" by Dr.Charles Ryrie. I have had this book in my personal library for years - and I have downloaded the PDF format version. When reading I prefer the hard copy book. But when I am quoting from the book, I prefer the PDF version in my archives so that I can copy/paste without errors. If you are interested in an indepth study of these methods of Bible interpretation, I highly suggest you download this book. The price is right: FREE!
4. Dispensationalism, Revised And Expanded - Charles C. Ryrie - PDF Format
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjSota25ffbAhVOMqwKHXsUBe0QFggrMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fshopeshop.org%2FSearchable%2520Riches!%2FAuthors%2FRyrie%2C%2520Charles%2FDispensationalism.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2dDgBgyRJuxIyWI3nhlany
Dr. Charles Caldwell Ryrie (1925 – 2016), American Bible scholar and Christian theologian. He served as professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of Doctoral Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, and as president and professor at what is now Cairn University.
He received his B.A. from Haverford College, his Ph.D from the University of Edinburgh, and his Th.M. and Th.D. with high honors from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has served as president of Philadelphia College of the Bible (now Cairn University), taught at Westmont College, and Midwest Bible & Missionary Institute.
I realize that I have dumped a load of information and resources on you. I pray that, as you and I continue to mature in our knowledge of His Word, this blog has been helpful to you. Let us all strive each day to become better witnesses for Him as we live out His Great Commission - "Go, Make disciples, Teach them, Baptize them. . . . Be My witnesses in all the world" (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
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