Over the years I’ve benefited from reading Covenant Theologians. Still do. The ones I tend to read take much of their material from the older saints and the Puritans. When it comes to Christ, the Trinity, the Five Solas etc, these people have nourished me. I am indebted to them
Mathison on Dispensationalism
But when it comes to Israel, the church, eschatology and dispensationalism, I believe the CT community needs reforming. No pun intended. The reason for this post is a recent article by Keith Mathison on Ligonier. Note that Mathison is a postmillennialist, and I enjoy reading the articles on his blog.
The post I’m referring to is titled “What is Dispensationalism?” But does he understand dispensationalism? Sadly, I think he makes assertions not supported by a plain understanding of Scripture. You can read him HERE.
Michael Vlach on Dispensationalism
Michael Vlach has written several books which I recommend. See his blog. He has another book pending which discusses typology in depth. I mention this because CTs tend to interpret texts concerning national Israel (and others) using a typological grid. Vlach also has written an article called “Dispensational Theology.” I recommend reading it after Mathison’s piece,
Dispensationalism is an evangelical theological system that addresses issues concerning the biblical covenants, Israel, the church, and end times. It also argues for a literal interpretation of Old Testament prophecies involving ethnic/national Israel, and the idea that the church is a New Testament entity that is distinct from Israel…continue reading
I’d also suggest reading Vlach’s 2012 response to a conversation between R. C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson – “How Two Covenant Theologians View Dispensationalism.”
The 95 Theses Against Dispensationalism
Some years ago Ken Gentry and Jerry Johnson formulated 95 theses against dispensationalism. Among the objectors were “former dispies.” Whenever this occurs one is supposed to get the impression that someone leaves a system because it is faulty. In response, I’d point to several former evangelicals who migrated to Roman Catholicism.
Dr. Reluctant (Paul Henebury) took time and pains to answer each of these “theses.” You can read it all HERE.
A serious issue I have with the Reformed CT Community is that it obfuscates God’s promises to Israel. It does this in various innovative ways. Sadly, it views Israel-centered prophecy through the lens of its formulated covenants and assumptions regarding the identity of “True Israel.” The problem is – can God’s promises to national Israel be changed into something the original recipients would not recognize? This is an important question.
For more on this topic see Paul Henebury’s recommended “The Words of the Covenant.”
See also “Dispensationalism: A Step Up for the Israel of God“
Maranatha!
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