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Dispensation Theology Discussion
This thread is not for those who are "faint of heart" (so to speak).
Firstly, I am not a proponent of dispensational teaching, but do seek others learning and understanding about it. That is ... people believe differently for reasons ... what are those reasons and what biblical support and historical support is there for those reasons.
The Schofield bible is referenced herein, the reason for this is because classic dispensationalism began with John Nelson Darby. Darby was succeeded by the theologian C. I. Scofield. and then of course there was the wide distribution of the fictional Left Behind series of books based on dispensational teachings. Some of the "roots" of dispensational teachings.
Many are not aware of the magnitude of the error of modern dispensationalism.
Nor do many realize how widespread is the influence (stemming from)the Scofield Reference Bible and it's proponents.
Many teachers of truth are not alert to the trend of the times in the religious world. New issues (and or forgotten ones) must be faced. Errors must be exposed.
It is important to visit and/or re-visit history as well. People have forgotten and/or are not aware of the "roots" of certain theologies/teachings (especially "protestants") ... that is ... where did the different teachings come from? How did they "evolve". Being ill informed/not informed/confused ... stemming from their own laziness or ignorance (or both) to do research on their own. Not all ... but many.
Dispensationalism - Wikipedia
The teaching of Schofield and Darby (either in part or in whole) has/is being taught in various denominations to varying degrees, whether the actual Schofield bible is used within these denominations or not.
It is understood there are various view points on the topic(s). The goal here is to provide information regarding the topic(s). That is information. Please leave personal comments, remarks out of the discussion(s). Everyone is free to believe what they believe. This thread is after the why.
*** In an effort to try and hopefully provide a more "organized" method of discussion and the ability to more easily follow them ... please quote the numbered referenced paragraph (along with it's title) at the beginning of all your response(s) and whether you agree or disagree. One topic point per post please ... Then adding additional information/narrative regarding that topic point, while providing biblical scripture references to support your biblical viewpoint. If providing historical information, include those links as well. ***
The following is certainly not an exhaustive study but rather bringing forth seven points for discussion as a starting point.
I am prayerful all will at least visit or revisit any actual scripture posted by anyone and think deeply upon them ... His Word is truth and is always the means by which we are to discern His truth.
With all that being said, I put for the following points for discussion, individual research, study and consideration:
1. Meaning of Dispensationalism
In the Bible the word "dispensation" never refers to a period of time. Invariably its meaning is "a stewardship," "the act of dispensing," "an administration." Read the four New Testament texts in which the word "dispensation" is found: 1 Corinthians 9:17 - Ephesians 1:10 - Ephesians 3:2 and Colossians 1:25 . Weymouth's translation of
1 Corinthians 9:17 reads: "A stewardship has nevertheless been entrusted to me."
The plan of the ages is a gospel plan. God's dealings with man have been ever the same. Faithful Abel and Enoch, Abraham and Moses, were all "saved by grace." Their lives were marked by obedience to God's commandments. By "faith," they obeyed (out of love) ... and also true of today (and in the future) God's remnant church is a church (all believers) who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
New Living Translation
This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands (out of love for Him and for no other reasons) and maintaining their faith in Jesus.
John 14:15
New Living Translation
“If you love me, obey my commandments. (doing so out of love of Him)
2. Antinomian
Antinomian (definition) 1 : one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace (1a) the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.
— Says the Scofield Bible - "The law is a ministry of condemnation, death, and the divine curse." ( Scofield Bible - PDF commentary provided herein for reference if wanted) But your Bible and mine says that the "law is holy, and the commandments holy, and just, and good." Three times Paul, exclaims "God forbid," as he guards against the error of antinomianism Romans 3:31 Galatians 3:21 Romans 7:7 - When the Holy Spirit declares that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul," it seems unthinkable for anyone to call it a "ministry of condemnation".
3. The Antichrist
The dispensationalist has reversed the historic Protestant position in regard to the antichrist, and it's teaching stems from the counter reformation with two of it's major proponents and teachings being from Francisco Rebira and Manuel Lacunza
Francisco Ribera - Wikipedia
and Manuel Lacunza
Manuel Lacunza - Wikipedia
Rebira and Lacunza declared that the antichrist was a man yet to come who would rule for three and one-half years at a future period of "tribulation." Dispensationalists are being proponents of these teachings or at least some of them.
4. "Secret Rapture"
The teaching regarding "secret rapture," or the silent taking away of the church before the time of trouble. Note well the sequence of events in Matthew 24:30 and Matthew 24:31 The gathering of the elect (verse 31) follows the coming of Christ in glory and power (verse 30). There is a misleading of the use of the words "parousia" and "apokalupsis." The very word translated "coming" in Matthew 24:27 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15 is the Greek word "parousia." "Lightning," "voice," "shout" are words which describe the "parousia."
5. Return of Jews
The teaching of the hope of the restoration of the Jewish nation at Jerusalem. The promises to the Jewish nation were all conditional on obedience. God did all that He could ever do for the Jews in sending them His prophets and finally His Son. He did not cast away His people. The very first Christian churches in apostolic times were made up almost entirely of Jews. The Israel of God, to whom the promises are made, is spiritual Israel. To Abraham and his seed belong the promises. "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." It is not based on the blood inherited through Abraham ... but through the blood of Christ ... those are His Israel ... His people.
Read Romans 4:13; Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:29; Romans 4:8-12, 17; Galatians 3:7-9. Then read Hosea 13:9, 10, 14, and other Old Testament prophecies, to see that the hope of the ages for Israel (His people) was through the resurrection from the dead.
6. Postponement of the Kingdom
More than one hundred times did the Lord Jesus refer to the kingdom; only twice to the church. His message was a kingdom message. "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Matthew 3:2 was the message of John the Baptist. It was also the burden of Jesus, of the twelve, and of the seventy who were sent forth as the ministers of Jesus Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Luke 10:9 - The door of entrance into the kingdom is not through racial inheritance, but through the new birth John 3:3, 5 - Citizenship in the kingdom of grace belongs to Gentiles as well as to Jews. Ephesians 2:19 - Even now we are translated into the kingdom of grace Colossians 1:13 . We have been brought out of darkness into His light.
At the second coming, the saints enter the kingdom of glory Daniel 7:27. The Scofield teachings, postpones the "kingdom" to an age to come and makes it a possession of natural Jews rather than that of all who are in Christ.
7. "Second Chance"
The teaching of a more favorable opportunity for salvation during the millennium is in error. "Behold, now is the accepted time." The world is now having its "second chance." Beyond the grave there is no hope of salvation Isaiah 38:18 . Before the second coming of Christ, probation's hour will have closed for eternity Matthew 13: 38-43 - Matthew 25:31-46 Revelation 22:11, 12
Edited: Moderators, if this post is not in the correct place, please move it.
This thread is not for those who are "faint of heart" (so to speak).
Firstly, I am not a proponent of dispensational teaching, but do seek others learning and understanding about it. That is ... people believe differently for reasons ... what are those reasons and what biblical support and historical support is there for those reasons.
The Schofield bible is referenced herein, the reason for this is because classic dispensationalism began with John Nelson Darby. Darby was succeeded by the theologian C. I. Scofield. and then of course there was the wide distribution of the fictional Left Behind series of books based on dispensational teachings. Some of the "roots" of dispensational teachings.
Many are not aware of the magnitude of the error of modern dispensationalism.
Nor do many realize how widespread is the influence (stemming from)the Scofield Reference Bible and it's proponents.
Many teachers of truth are not alert to the trend of the times in the religious world. New issues (and or forgotten ones) must be faced. Errors must be exposed.
It is important to visit and/or re-visit history as well. People have forgotten and/or are not aware of the "roots" of certain theologies/teachings (especially "protestants") ... that is ... where did the different teachings come from? How did they "evolve". Being ill informed/not informed/confused ... stemming from their own laziness or ignorance (or both) to do research on their own. Not all ... but many.
Dispensationalism - Wikipedia
The teaching of Schofield and Darby (either in part or in whole) has/is being taught in various denominations to varying degrees, whether the actual Schofield bible is used within these denominations or not.
It is understood there are various view points on the topic(s). The goal here is to provide information regarding the topic(s). That is information. Please leave personal comments, remarks out of the discussion(s). Everyone is free to believe what they believe. This thread is after the why.
*** In an effort to try and hopefully provide a more "organized" method of discussion and the ability to more easily follow them ... please quote the numbered referenced paragraph (along with it's title) at the beginning of all your response(s) and whether you agree or disagree. One topic point per post please ... Then adding additional information/narrative regarding that topic point, while providing biblical scripture references to support your biblical viewpoint. If providing historical information, include those links as well. ***
The following is certainly not an exhaustive study but rather bringing forth seven points for discussion as a starting point.
I am prayerful all will at least visit or revisit any actual scripture posted by anyone and think deeply upon them ... His Word is truth and is always the means by which we are to discern His truth.
With all that being said, I put for the following points for discussion, individual research, study and consideration:
1. Meaning of Dispensationalism
In the Bible the word "dispensation" never refers to a period of time. Invariably its meaning is "a stewardship," "the act of dispensing," "an administration." Read the four New Testament texts in which the word "dispensation" is found: 1 Corinthians 9:17 - Ephesians 1:10 - Ephesians 3:2 and Colossians 1:25 . Weymouth's translation of
1 Corinthians 9:17 reads: "A stewardship has nevertheless been entrusted to me."
The plan of the ages is a gospel plan. God's dealings with man have been ever the same. Faithful Abel and Enoch, Abraham and Moses, were all "saved by grace." Their lives were marked by obedience to God's commandments. By "faith," they obeyed (out of love) ... and also true of today (and in the future) God's remnant church is a church (all believers) who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
New Living Translation
This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands (out of love for Him and for no other reasons) and maintaining their faith in Jesus.
John 14:15
New Living Translation
“If you love me, obey my commandments. (doing so out of love of Him)
2. Antinomian
Antinomian (definition) 1 : one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace (1a) the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.
— Says the Scofield Bible - "The law is a ministry of condemnation, death, and the divine curse." ( Scofield Bible - PDF commentary provided herein for reference if wanted) But your Bible and mine says that the "law is holy, and the commandments holy, and just, and good." Three times Paul, exclaims "God forbid," as he guards against the error of antinomianism Romans 3:31 Galatians 3:21 Romans 7:7 - When the Holy Spirit declares that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul," it seems unthinkable for anyone to call it a "ministry of condemnation".
3. The Antichrist
The dispensationalist has reversed the historic Protestant position in regard to the antichrist, and it's teaching stems from the counter reformation with two of it's major proponents and teachings being from Francisco Rebira and Manuel Lacunza
Francisco Ribera - Wikipedia
and Manuel Lacunza
Manuel Lacunza - Wikipedia
Rebira and Lacunza declared that the antichrist was a man yet to come who would rule for three and one-half years at a future period of "tribulation." Dispensationalists are being proponents of these teachings or at least some of them.
4. "Secret Rapture"
The teaching regarding "secret rapture," or the silent taking away of the church before the time of trouble. Note well the sequence of events in Matthew 24:30 and Matthew 24:31 The gathering of the elect (verse 31) follows the coming of Christ in glory and power (verse 30). There is a misleading of the use of the words "parousia" and "apokalupsis." The very word translated "coming" in Matthew 24:27 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15 is the Greek word "parousia." "Lightning," "voice," "shout" are words which describe the "parousia."
5. Return of Jews
The teaching of the hope of the restoration of the Jewish nation at Jerusalem. The promises to the Jewish nation were all conditional on obedience. God did all that He could ever do for the Jews in sending them His prophets and finally His Son. He did not cast away His people. The very first Christian churches in apostolic times were made up almost entirely of Jews. The Israel of God, to whom the promises are made, is spiritual Israel. To Abraham and his seed belong the promises. "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." It is not based on the blood inherited through Abraham ... but through the blood of Christ ... those are His Israel ... His people.
Read Romans 4:13; Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:29; Romans 4:8-12, 17; Galatians 3:7-9. Then read Hosea 13:9, 10, 14, and other Old Testament prophecies, to see that the hope of the ages for Israel (His people) was through the resurrection from the dead.
6. Postponement of the Kingdom
More than one hundred times did the Lord Jesus refer to the kingdom; only twice to the church. His message was a kingdom message. "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Matthew 3:2 was the message of John the Baptist. It was also the burden of Jesus, of the twelve, and of the seventy who were sent forth as the ministers of Jesus Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Luke 10:9 - The door of entrance into the kingdom is not through racial inheritance, but through the new birth John 3:3, 5 - Citizenship in the kingdom of grace belongs to Gentiles as well as to Jews. Ephesians 2:19 - Even now we are translated into the kingdom of grace Colossians 1:13 . We have been brought out of darkness into His light.
At the second coming, the saints enter the kingdom of glory Daniel 7:27. The Scofield teachings, postpones the "kingdom" to an age to come and makes it a possession of natural Jews rather than that of all who are in Christ.
7. "Second Chance"
The teaching of a more favorable opportunity for salvation during the millennium is in error. "Behold, now is the accepted time." The world is now having its "second chance." Beyond the grave there is no hope of salvation Isaiah 38:18 . Before the second coming of Christ, probation's hour will have closed for eternity Matthew 13: 38-43 - Matthew 25:31-46 Revelation 22:11, 12
Edited: Moderators, if this post is not in the correct place, please move it.
Last edited:
