WHAT IS DISPENSATIONALISM?

1 The Bible offers a systematic interpretation of his- Understanding the basics of dispensational thought tory that covers the entire scope of history from is crucial for a correct understanding of the Bible. beginning to end that includes the what and the The reason for this is that at its core, Dispensation- why. It is essential for every Christian to have an alism is fueled by its unwavering commitment to understanding of how to rightly divide the Word a consistently applied literal, grammatical- historical of God. To do this, it is necessary for Christians to interpretation of Scripture. I applaud Paul Miles understand and appreciate the long accepted view and the various contributors of What is Dispen- of dispensationalism that has always been evi- sationalism?

2 For their bold, yet easy to understand dent in the Biblical text. Paul Miles and his team explanation of the basic strands of thought with- of capable authors provide a valuable resource for in dispensational theology. While not every point those who are not theologians by writing in clear, raised in the book will find wholesale agreement readable, language what is necessary to understand among dispensationalists a fact highlighted by the about dispensationalism and how it helps people presentations of the various New Covenant views . understand the correct interpretation of Scripture. the reader will still find in these pages a collection Dr. Stan Ponz of helpful essays intended to introduce believers to President, Florida Bible College the nuances of dispensational thought.

3 Cory M. Marsh This book has a rare combination of being a prim- Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Southern er on dispensationalism , while at the same time California Seminary, contributing author and editor a dialog between different views on specifics. The of Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational chapters clarify theological positions, while the ap- Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy pendices and additional materials give responses both to opposing views and newer research within Where did we come from? Where are we going? dispensationalism . More than 20 authors, with Paul What should we be doing in the meantime? These Miles as general editor, give the readers a compre- are questions that everyone asks and the answers are hensive and easy to understand presentation of dis- laid out clearly in God's Word.

4 Unfortunately, many pensational theology. believers are missing out in the Christian life be- Jan ki Andreasen cause they do not have a foundational understanding Pastor, Give Baptistkirke, Give Denmark of the Bible. If you struggle with big questions, then this book could bring you some insight that will help Past generations of Christians were often famil- you benefit more from your personal Bible study. iar with the term dispensationalism , and under- Georg Hagedorn stood its importance, even if they did not always Director of Christlichen Medienvertriebs, agree with every facet of what it taught. Today, D sseldorf Germany, and Field Representative, however, most believers either have no idea what The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry dispensationalism means or are confused about its significance in interpreting Scripture.

5 What Is Dis- While dispensationalism is one of the most help- pensationalism? seeks to fill these gaps and to demon- ful tools that Christians have for reading and un- strate the vast contribution that the dispensational derstanding their Bibles, it is also one of the most approach to Scripture offers. This volume will un- controversial and opposed teachings in Christen- ravel the misconceptions, present up-to-date schol- dom today. Many of the attacks come in the form arship, and challenge every reader to rightly divide of straw man arguments that misrepresent actual the Word of Truth as dispensationalists have al- dispensationalism . What is dispensationalism ? is an ways sought to do. Highly Recommended.

6 Important resource for setting the record straight Dr. Gary E. Gilley and defending a plain reading of Scripture. Senior Pastor, Southern View Chapel, Dr. Gary Gromacki Springfield Illinois, and book review editor for the Professor of Bible and Theology, Journal of Dispensational Theology Calvary University, Kansas City Missouri WHAT IS dispensationalism ? PAUL MILES. EDITOR. WYNNEWOOD, OKLAHOMA. What is dispensationalism ? Copyright 2018 by Grace Abroad Ministries ISBN: 978-1-947022-05-8. LCCN: 2018913055. Editor: Paul Miles Cover Design: Olena Miles Typesetting: Nataliia Oliinyk Illustrations: Paul Miles and Nataliia Oliinyk Except as otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version.

7 Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Published by: Grace Abroad Ministries Box 15. Wynnewood, OK. Printed in the United States of America Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the expressed written consent of the publisher. To the hungry sheep, who look up and are not fed CONTENTS. 13 INTRODUCTION. 1 20. 32. HOW DID WE GET THE BIBLE? Daniel Starcevich Article: Why is the Gospel of John different? Steve Dehner 39 Graceful Debate: When was the Book of Revelation written? Eduardo Perez, Kenneth Yates 2 44 WHAT IS GRAMMATICAL- H ISTORICAL. HERMENEUTICS? Ron J. Bigalke 50 Article: Can we trust the biblical manuscripts? Daniel Starcevich 3 70.

8 86. WHAT ARE DISPENSATIONS? Daniel Goepfrich Article: Should we still wait for the kingdom? Don Trest 4 94 WHAT ARE THE COVENANTS? Quentin McCart 8. 110 Article: Has the Church replaced Israel in the covenants? David Olander 115 Graceful Debate: Who participates in the New Covenant? Terry Zeyen, Tim Hoelscher, Matthew Bryce Ervin 5 122 WHAT IS THE BIBLE ABOUT? Patrick Belvill 132 Article: How does doxological centrality help us understand God, the Church, and the future? Don Trest 138 Article: Is the kingdom "already and not yet?". Philippe R. Sterling 6 146 IS THE OLD TESTAMENT RELEVANT TODAY? David Criswell 154 Article: Why were there animal sacrifices? Joshua D. Meier 7 164 HOW WERE PEOPLE SAVED BEFORE JESUS CAME?

9 Bob Bryant 166 Article: If we are saved by grace, then why should we be good? Anthony B. Badger 176 Article: Was the Sermon on the Mount a gospel presentation? Paul Miles 8 180 HOW IS JESUS' MINISTRY PART. OF THE BIBLE'S STORYLINE? Paul Miles 184 Article: What defines the kingdom? David Olander 9. 192 Article: What was the purpose of miracles? David James 9 204 WHAT IS THE CHURCH? Steven R. Cook 208 Article: Do Christians still perform miracles? David James 221 Graceful Debate: When did the Church begin? Bret Nazworth, Randy White 10 224 WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE? Robert Vacendak 230 Article: Did the Bible foretell the reestablishment of Israel? Dan Starcevich 11 250 HOW DOES dispensationalism IMPACT.

10 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY? David James 264 Article: How does God administer grace to mankind? Stephen R. Lewis 266 Article: What does it mean that Israel is elect? David Olander 277 Graceful Debate: How old is the Universe? Steve Dehner, David Criswell 12 280 HOW DO COVENANTS RELATE TO. THE KINGDOM? Daniel Goepfrich 294 Article: What are amillennialism and postmillennialism? Bob Vacendak 10. APPENDICES. A 304 IS dispensationalism NEW? William Watson B 320 WHEN DID CHRIST DIE? Robert Courtney C 330 WHAT IS COVENANT THEOLOGY? David James D 342 WHAT IS PROGRESSIVE dispensationalism ? David James 357 SCRIPTURE INDEX. INTRODUCTION. What is dispensationalism ? In short, it is a school of thought that results from reading the Bible plainly and there- fore recognizes a distinction between Israel and the Church and sees the glory of God as the main purpose of history.