The Dispensationalism Moniker....

In the book "Forsaking Israel" Dr. Larry Pettegrew spends a little time on the term "Dispensationalism." He notes that, "Dispensationalists have always been aware of dispensations in Scripture, but so have other theological systems." See page 203. 

He further cites Todd Magnum who believes that, "1936 was the first time that dispensationalists accepted the label 'dispensationalism' for themselves." It is further suggested that this label was accepted "only reluctantly", and in response to criticism written against them by Northern Presbyterians. According to Pettegrew, because of the baggage this term carries, 

Some have proposed that we call this system "futuristic premillennialism," and others have suggested "restorationism," i.e., the system that believes in the restoration of a redeemed Israel to the center of God's plan. Another possible good name is "biblical covenantalism" because this system is not built on the foundation of dispensations, but on the major biblical covenants... (page 204)

In a brief footnote Dr Pettegrew acknowledges that the term was coined by Dr Paul Henebury and notes Paul's blog, Dr Reluctant. I wish he had said more here. But Dr Pettegrew has to move on as this is a tangential point (perhaps) and he must cover a lot more territory. By the way, the term Futuristic Premillennialism is what is suggested in MacArthur and Mayhue's Systematic Theology "Biblical Doctrine."

Further reading:

About Dr Reluctant

Replacement Theology: Is it wrong to Use the Term?

The Parameters of Meaning in Order

Biblical Covenantalism

A Review of David Platt's Book Before You Vote

Some clear thinking here, IMO...

Two Books on Israel & Circular Reasoning

Two posts ago I mentioned the book "Forsaking Israel." I've done a speed-run through some sections and am now going through it properly. The authors (especially Larry Pettegrew) have produced a book which everyone should get. Pettegrew's efforts outlining how quickly the Early Church Fathers adopted Replacement Theology (even where they were premil), and how Covenant Theology shaped Israel and eschatology, make for fascinating reading.

The other book is "The Message of the Psalter" by David C. Mitchell. You can find out more on his website. Years ago I began reading the Psalms regularly for comfort. Almost immediately I noticed the eschatological elements. Mitchell's book explores this. 

I talk a little more about both books HERE

Circular Reasoning:

Someone took a shot at a pretrib prophecy commentator. Popular pretrib presenters tend to draw the attention of the Rapture Police. The critic devised a graph demonstrating his "circular reasoning" regarding the Great Multitude (GM) and the Great Tribulation (GT). It goes roughly like this - because the church doesn't go through the GT, the GM of Rev 7 can't be the (raptured) church...because it doesn't go through the GT. 

It's clever, but unfair, given that potshots like this don't present a target's full reasoning. One could make similar claims about the critic's deductions and pre-understandings regarding Rev 7, the rapture, resurrection and the GM (and a host of other areas for that matter). 

I discuss some of these issues HERE and HERE.

It's Time We Talked About Antisemitism In The Church!

Book Review: Forsaking Israel

I've only just begun going through this book. But so far it is very good. Its treatment of the Olivet Discourse (including rapture timing) and numerous other issues makes it well worth reading. I plan to refer to it in future articles:

Forsaking Israel contains years and years of research and study on behalf of Pettegrew and some other distinguished colleagues at Shepherds Theological Seminary. The book is divided into two main sections. The main thrust of the first section is church history, and a discussion of the Church Fathers and why Israel began to be neglected in early church history. This section of the book also includes one of the most detailed analyses of the history of Covenant Theology and how the theology itself contributed to a downplaying of Israel as God’s chosen people...keep reading