Dispensationalists commonly divide history into the following seven dispensations: Though modern dispensationalism insists that the revelation in these dispensations is cumulative and progressive, in the application of this revelation, dispensationalists inevitably compartmentalize. It is a system that divides God’s plan as it is unfolded in history and prophecy into various ‘dispensations.’ Scofield’s definition of a dispensation is standard: ‘A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to his obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God.’ In each of these chronological compartments: a distinct revelation is given men are tested by this revelation judgment follows upon the failure of men with reference to this stewardship. The most characteristic understanding of it is from what its theological tag, ‘dispensationalism,’ implies. May God spare us from a vindictive spirit, dishonest reporting, and ignorant misrepresentations!īefore we turn to survey the history of dispensationalism, it is in order that we at least give a brief statement as to what dispensationalism is. Often, there is a failure to recognize that though the presuppositions of dispensationalism, if carried to their logical conclusion (as is sometimes the case), may have a damning effect, there are many who are blessedly inconsistent with their own presuppositions, and who have truly understood and experienced the doctrines and power of the gospel. Many are ineffective in dealing with dispensationalism because they miss the mark in understanding what it is, or because they are responding to a dogma held only by a few or held primarily by earlier dispensationalists. However, this does not minimize what we are now about to endeavor. We trust that as you give diligence to the studies of Biblical and systematic theology, the principles embedded upon your souls through these disciplines will enable you to cut a straight course in dealing with this error. Though we will enter into refutation, our primary aim is identification. In the lectures to follow we will then turn to consider its presuppositions and a few of the features that almost invariably emerge as part of the teaching and practice of dispensationalists. In order to do this, we will begin with a survey of the historical genesis and development of dispensationalism (as presented in this paper). Our basic desire is to gain a working acquaintance with its essential features and of the difference between these basic presuppositions and the Word of God. We cannot hope to thoroughly examine all of its tenets. My own experience bears witness to the truth of what I say.īecause dispensationalism has had such a widespread effect, the sheer bulk of the material makes it very difficult to adequately treat the subject in a few short lectures.
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So pervasive is its effect on those who have become its pupils, that even those who have come to see the error of its basic presuppositions testify that dispensational cobwebs have remained in their thinking for a long time after the initial sweeping took place.
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It is usually the case that those who embrace its teachings as a system are affected in almost every area of their theological thinking. Turn on the radio and you will hear a steady diet of this teaching being broadcast from most evangelical stations.ĭispensationalism has a pervasive influence not only extensively, but also intensively. The teaching of dispensationalism has successfully crossed the boundaries of most major Protestant denominations. We live in an era flooded with dispensational preaching, books, schools, and even study Bibles. It is scarcely possible that those who labor in the gospel will be able to escape the necessity of ministering to those who have been influenced by modern dispensationalism.