Dispensationalism vs Covenant Theology Part 2

What is a Dispensationalist?

Not, “what is Dispensationalism?” but rather, “what is a dispensationalist?” What qualities or characteristics embody a dispensationalist?

Trait #1: A commitment to a specific interpretative method (how we read Scripture: hermeneutics): a plain grammatical, historical interpretation.

Example: Galatians 6:14-16: The Israel of God

Trait #2: A dispensationalist sees a distinction between the program God has for Israel, and the program He has for the Church in the New Testament. Israel will receive a literal kingdom when Messiah returns.

Trait #3: A dispensationalist tends to see all of human history as divided into distinct “Dispensations.” These are distinctive periods of history - you might call them epochs, eras, or ages where God gives people specific responsibilities. These responsibilities may change from one dispensation to another.

Trait #4: What’s not emphasized in my distinctives is the precise number of dispensations. More important is to see distinctions in God’s plan - a progressive unfolding. Everything does not fit neatly into one box, as covenant theology would like to see.

Critiques of dispensationalists:

Some dispensationalists of the past have emphasized the distinction between Israel and the Church far too strongly, even suggesting Heaven might have a division of the two peoples, or that there are two New Covenants. This is erroneous.

Because dispensationalism sees many prophecies as yet future, dispensationalists have rightly been criticized for seeing prophecy fulfilled, or nearly fulfilled, in all manner of contemporary, worldwide events. We need to be balanced in our zeal for the Lord’s return.

Some fringe dispensationalists have believed that “all Israel will be saved” in Romans 11 means that Israelites do not necessarily need to repent and believe the Gospel. This is a serious soteriological error.

Application

God commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We should also pray for the salvation of His chosen people Israel while still praying for others as well. It’s not an either/or, it’s a both/and.

When evaluating theological systems or frameworks, you should accept as true everything a system says that directly lines up with Scripture. But don’t accept everything else as well. Truth over tribe.

God has chosen that His glory will most prominently be displayed through His grace towards sinful, rebellious mankind. Perhaps the greatest example of God’s patient mercy and grace will be displayed in His restoration of Israel.