Dispensationalism, Some History
Objectives
- Students will recognize that dispensationalism is not a new doctrine.
- Students will look for ways in which dispensational thinking should impact their day to day life.
Opening
- What are examples of items for which the latest and greatest is desirable?
- Why do we want the latest and greatest?
- What warning is given in Hebrews 13:9?
- We need to be wary of the latest and greatest doctrines.
Main Body
A New Fad
I once had a friend approach me to tell me that he was surprised to learn that all the theology in the Left Behind book series was invented within the last few hundred years. According to this friend, this presented a significant problem with my eschatology. After all, how could I believe that no theologian in 1600 years had discovered my eschatological doctrines. Wasn't it likely that instead the apostles never intended for us to see these doctrines? At the time I had no good response but now I understand that my friend was really misinformed. In fact, the eschatological doctrines present in the Left Behind book series have very early support in church history. In this lesson we will argue that dispensationalism is not a modern invention, but a modern label applied to foundational doctrines of the New Testament that had very early acceptance in the Church.
- Is it necessarily true that all an early doctrine is more true than a later doctrine?
- No, in fact, we know that false doctrines crept into the church very early. In fact, 1 John 4:1-6 appears to be a challenge to the false doctrine of doceticism, the denial of Christ's humanity. Proto-gnostic doctrines seem to be the target of Collisions 2, and Baptismal Regeneration was taught very early in the history of the church despite passages like Ephesians 2:8-9.[1] An early doctrine is not necessarily a good doctrine.
More about History
We have argued that it is a fallacy to argue that all early doctrines are correct and all late doctrines are false. That being said, it is also not the case that all doctrines associate with dispensationalism are late doctrines.
Many argue that dispensationalism began with John Nelson Darby (1800-1882). In particular, Darby considered Isaiah 32 and decided that some prophecies for Israel had yet to be fulfilled. In Darby's view, the Church and Israel were distinct entities with distinct programs. In particular, Darby argued for a "rapture" of the Church that would remove the Church from earth and allow God's program for Israel to resume. It is worth noting that some have taken this to argue that the rapture was invented by Darby. Historical research demonstrates that the doctrine of the rapture predates Darby.[2]
- What biblical doctrine is taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:17?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is what we commonly us to defend the rapture. A natural question arises, did the early church see this as evidence of the rapture? Ephraem of Syria (C. 306-373) taught that their would be a pre-tribulational rapture of the church.
For all the saints and Elect of God are gathered, prior to the Tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins [3]
. However, we can go even earlier in Church History. In The Shepherd of Hermas and early 2nd century church text we see a pre-tribulational removal of the ChurchGo therefore, and declare to the elect of the Lord His mighty works, and tell them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation which is to come. If therefore ye prepare yourselves beforehand, and repent (and turn) unto the Lord with your whole heart, ye shall be able to escape it, if your heart be made pure and without blemish, and if for the remaining days of your life ye serve the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will set them straight. [4]
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is what we commonly us to defend the rapture. A natural question arises, did the early church see this as evidence of the rapture? Ephraem of Syria (C. 306-373) taught that their would be a pre-tribulational rapture of the church.
