Dispensationalism and the New Covenant

1979 (unpublished) | drstevej

[drstevej]

I wrote this article as a doctoral student at Westminster Seminary in 1979. Progressive dispensationalism is a later development.

I post this as background for understanding the development of dispensational views of the New Covenant.

[drstevej]

Ping. Dispensational perspectives on the New Covenant as I saw it in 1979.

[drstevej]

Ping. Dispensational perspectives on the New Covenant as I saw it in 1979.

[Jerry_M]

From the article footnotes:

This is a pejorative term (after all, who wants to be an ultra anything?).

I am quite happy that my new pistol is a Springfield Ultra Compact. Nothing perjorative there!

At the same time, it would bother me not one bit to be considered an Ultra Christian.

[drstevej]

You are ultra perceptive! -- Steve

[Jerry_M]

That's not perjorative, is it?

[drstevej]

Hardly. It is an acknowledgement of your point!

[Jerry_M]

Oh, I forgot ("mean" Calvinists do that, you know).

I should have had a "smiley"!

;>)

[Jerry_M]

Since it is just you and me here at present, how about this latest e-mail I received. It is a new twist on the old Nigerian scam, and is one of the worst examples of dishonoring God that I have seen in some time now:

***Message Follows***

Dear Beloved in Christ

It is a privileged to hear from God and it gives me joy to relate my testimony to you haven received instruction from God through divine revelation.

I was once a Moslem before and also a retired military top officer in Nigerian Army that served under the past military regime. I was the financial secretary to the Armed Force Ruling Council (AFRC) during the regime of late head of the state then, (Late General Sanni Abacha rtd.). I am also privilege to be the chairman of the contract award committee then under the past military regime, with my position then, and due to the profit / commission that we do receive from all the subsequent contracts which we have awarded to people and also to ourselves after executing the contract then, I then realized and acquired the total sum of twenty million America dollars ($20,000,000USD). And my planned then is to invest this money in Abroad when I retire but immediately I got retired, I was converted from Moslem to Christian when I was preached the words of God through my cousin Pastor Osaretin Ogundele. I then gave my life to Christ and became a born again Christian. It is written in 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new

However, since I gave my life to Christ, I started having disturbed mind, because some times I think of the souls I killed when I was a soldier , hence the need for me to seek the face of God for forgiveness. After fasting and prayer through Divine Revelation, then the Almighty God revealed to me that the only way I can be perfect, have rest of mind and also receive the forgiveness of God in order to have eternal life, is only when I follows the will of Bible which is the commandment of God, as matter of fact after a careful reading of Holy Bible to know the commandment God which I will always follow in order to be counted as one of the good follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I then discovered these followings chapters and verses in the Holy Bible, firstly in the scripture of MATTHEW 19:21 Jesus said if thou will be perfect: go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. In reference to the scripture of MARK 10:21. Even it is written in 1 CORINTHIANS 16: 14 that we should let all our things be done with charity, while MATTHEW 6: 1-6 says that we should give alms but in secret and not openly for people to know who gives out the alms. To mention just but few and as a matter of fact also, this few chapters and verses in the Holy Bible is enough for me to know what is right for me to do so that I will be counted among of people who follows the commandment of God in order to see the face of God for forgiveness of my sins as there is no gain for a man who inherited the all good of this world but can not enter the kingdom of God.

Also since then, I have been thinking of the particular thing to do for my God, before the present civilian president of my country now set up a panel (Honourable Oputa Panel) to probe the Bank Account of the past Military officers, thus I quickly withdrew all my money out of my Bank Account and deposited the money in a finance and security company for safety in order to avoid being seized by the federal Government of my country.

Also my initial planned immediately after my conversion is to sow half of this money into any reliable ministries abroad for the purpose of God's work while the remaining half will be for my investment on any profitable Christian business, as It is written in 2 CORINTHIANS 9: 6 that He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully, as it is also written in the book of PROVERBS 21:13 that Whosoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. But owing to the recent treat issue from the Presidency to inspect all deposits in finance security companies all over the country in a bid to stop all the money moves to abroad through the security companies around the nation, hence the need for me to quickly move this money out from my country, and I am now anxiously want this money to be moved out of my country as quick as possible to any reliable Ministry abroad, so this is reason why I am contacting you or your ministry for the assistance. I have been making arrangement on how to come over to your country with my family for thanksgiving, but you need to assist me to receive this money from the finance and Security Company in cash first before I can be able to come over. Should be incase the nature of your work will not permit you for the assistance incase you are always too busy, then I will want you to use your trusted status which the people of God reposed on you to be their leader / their pastor to kindly recommend a believer / a God fearing minded person who can be of help in assisting me to receive this money from the security company for the purpose of sowing it into the work of God and also for my investment, because I am praying fervently and I will try my possible means to avoid inherited all good things of this world so that I can be able to inherit the Kingdom of God in my life after.

Consequence upon your response that you are ready to assist me, then the details will be given to you on how you will be able to receive the fund in your country from the security company.

I will be coming over to your ministry with my family for thanksgiving as soon as the money is being received by you over there in your country.

Let honest and trust be our watchword throughout this transaction, your co-operation, understanding and your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

I pray to ALMIGHTY GOD to give us life and strength and great Wisdom of Solomon to live in order to expand His kingdom. According to the book of JAMES 1:5 that If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen. HEBREWS 13: 25

HEBREWS 13: 15
For those in Christ

Yours faithfully in Christ

Bro. Samuel Elijah

***End of Message***

I wonder how many unsuspecting folks will fall for this new flavor? Think that there is an especially hot place in hell for this crook?

[drstevej]

***I will be coming over to your ministry with my family for thanksgiving as soon as the money is being received by you over there in your country.***

He thinks you are the turkey!

[Matchett-PI]

"..as I saw it in 1979 ...I wrote this article as a doctoral student at Westminster Seminary ... In the final analysis the critical issue is not simple consistency of a theological "package” but rather fidelity to the biblical texts. Therefore, dispensationalists should welcome and furthermore initiate more extensive exegesis of the key texts. Dispensational commentaries on the Epistle to the Hebrews, for example, are just too few and far between to suit this writer.".

Thanks for posting the article you wrote 23 years ago based upon how you "saw it" then. I perceive that you had misgivings about the various dispensationalist views back then because there were just too few commentaries on the "Epistle to the Hebrews" to suit you.

Am I right -- did you have the misgivings that I detect for the reason you stated -- and if so, do you still have them?

I agree with you about what the critical issue is.

I'm going to post a separate thread on Amillennialism by William Kilgore. (I don't agree with his view on Rom.11 or on his annihilistic view on hell, but I agree with just about everything else he writes on the subject we've been discussing).

Here are excerpts of Kilgore's comments:

What does Scripture teach?

The first point to be recognized and acknowledged is that whenever Scripture speaks of "the Kingdom of God," "the Kingdom of Heaven," or "the Kingdom of Christ," it is the same Kingdom.

These are not different "kingdoms," but synonyms for the same reality (despite claims made by some dispensationalists).

A comparison of the synoptic Gospels reveals quite clearly that whether referred to as "of heaven" or as "of God," one Kingdom is in view (e.g., Mt. 4:17/Mark 1:14-15; Mt. 5:3/Luke 6:20).

Further, it is this same Kingdom that is given to the Messiah in Daniel 7:13-14 (cf. Mt. 12:28; cp. Luke 22:16 with 22:30) -- "the kingdom of Christ" (Eph. 5:5).

Daniel interprets Nebucchadnezzar's dream of the great statue in Daniel 2. The statue represents his own kingdom and some that would follow. Then, in verse 44, we read:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." (NKJV)

That this description does not square with the dispensationalists' "kingdom" should be obvious.

The kingdom spoken of by Daniel is set up before the Second Coming of Christ ("in the days of these kings") - that is, during His first coming!

Furthermore, this kingdom will plainly last far longer than a mere 1,000 years. So what gives?

Psalm 110:1-2 is the foundational passage for the New Testament picture of the Kingdom.

The Messiah sits at God's right hand - this was fulfilled in Christ's resurrection, exaltation, and ascension (Acts 2:29-36).

This is to be "until I (the Father) make Thine enemies Thy footstool" - this is Christ's present reign (1 Cor. 15:24-28).

Note that Christ's reign is parallel with His priesthood - i.e., He reigns as Priest (Ps. 110:4); this is further proof for a present reign of Christ (cf. Heb. 7-9).

Note especially Psalm 110:2 -- Christ's reign is described as being "in the midst of (His) enemies." This is true because Christ's Kingdom is a spiritual reality.

The New Testament expressly teaches that this Kingdom is not a natural Kingdom, but a spiritual one.

Please read the following key passages: Luke 17:20-21; John 3:3,5-7; 18:36; Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 4:20; 15:50; Col. 1:13; 1 Thes. 2:12; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 12:28; 2 Peter 1:11.

In summary these passages teach that the Kingdom:

1. does not come "with observation" (lit., 'with outward show').

2. is "within" believers.

3. cannot be entered, nor even seen, apart from spiritual rebirth.

4. is not of this world.

5. has nothing to do with substances like "food and drink," but rather is manifested in the changed character of individual Christians.

6. is not simply a message, but a demonstration of spiritual power.

7. is an incorruptible Kingdom that cannot be inherited by corruption - our mere "flesh and blood."

8. is the present reality where we are "translated" when we are delivered from the powers of darkness.

9. is where God has "called" us in saving us.

10. is not earthly, but "heavenly."

11. "cannot be moved" - i.e., is of a spiritual nature.

12. is "everlasting" even in its final manifestation.

In my estimation, then, the Scriptures are quite clear as to the precise nature of the Kingdom.

Survey the popular prophecy teachings of our day. All manner of make-shift explanations are put forth to offset this clear fact.

But the fact remains: the Kingdom of God and of His Christ is a present spiritual reality that is being extended in this age.

This is the Kingdom that is the focus of the faith of Abraham -- Heb. 11:8-10.

[drstevej]

I didn't indicate my position in the paper because that was not my purpose. Of the views presented in the paper my own are closer to Darby's one new covenant view. My comment on the lack of commentaries on Hebrews was a factual statement.

I have chosen not to enter into the midst of the debate over eschatology on these threads but rather have mostly posted info to clarify issues historically.

I had told a friend via freep mail I'd send him a copy of the article and then decided to post it and get it to him that way plus provide some background to fellow freepers interested in eschatology.

It is my own opinion that there is far too much rancor over this issue. Having done a ThM at Dallas and a PhD at Westminster I have gained an appreciation for both covenant theologians and dispensationalists.

I will defer your specific questions to others. They are valid questions, but not ones I want to address in this forum. Hope you understand.

[Matchett-PI]

"It is my own opinion that there is far too much rancor over this issue."

I agree. This, as well as all biblical subjects, should ideally be discussed objectively.

You also wrote: "I have chosen not to enter into the midst of the debate over eschatology on these threads but rather have mostly posted info to clarify issues historically. I will defer your specific questions to others. They are valid questions, but not ones I want to address in this forum. Hope you understand."

Of course.

Getting back to the historical focus that you want to maintain, have you noticed if dispensationalists have taken your suggestion and "welcomed and further initiated more extensive exegesis of the key texts" since you wrote your article in 1979?

It hasn't seemed so to me. Just the opposite seems to be the case. But I could be wrong.

[drstevej]

Honestly, I haven't tracked eschatological discussions too closely. When Bock and Blaising published their book I read it and interacted a bit with Darrell Bock but since then I have not read the literature. Other issues to tackle!

***have you noticed if dispensationalists have taken your suggestion ***

The paper for Palmer Robertson was not published and only posted yesterday so you are one of the few who has seen it. I don't expect an avalanche of response now that it is on FR!

[RochesterFan]

drstevej wrote:

In the final analysis the critical issue is not simple consistency of a theological "package” but rather fidelity to the biblical texts. Therefore, dispensationalists should welcome and furthermore initiate more extensive exegesis of the key texts. Dispensational commentaries on the Epistle to the Hebrews, for example, are just too few and far between to suit this writer.

Well put, drstevej. Any system is only as useful as it faithfully summarizes and encapsulates the whole teaching of the Scriptures. I'd love to see table 1....

[JesseShurun]

I see no distinction between Israel and the Church. We are merely, per Paul, a grafted on branch. We are not the tree.

You say God deals with us thru "dispensations". I say nonsense, He deals with us through Grace.

[drstevej]

The formating isn't great, but here is the material you requested.
-drstevej

Table I
"Covenant" in the New Testament

A. covenants (plural) -2 times- Ro. 9:4; Eph. 2:12

B. specific covenant - 26 times -
Abrahamic: Lk. 1:72; Ac. 3:25; Ac. 7:28; Gal. 3:15,17
Mosaic: 2 Cor. 3:14; Heb. 8:9 (twice); 9:4, 15,20
New:
- words of institution: Mt. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; Lk. 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25
- other Pauline uses: 2 Cor. 3:6; Ro. 11:27
- Epistle to Hebrews: new covenant> 8:8; 9:15 [kainv]; 12:24 [nea]; better covenant> 7:22; 8:6; eternal covenant> 13:20; covenant> 8:10; 10:16, 29

C. other uses -5 times -
- general: Heb. 9:16, 17
- ark of the covenant: Heb. 9:14; Rev. 11:19
- of Sarah and Hagar: Gal. 4:24

Total uses = 33 times

Notes:
[1] Although there are textual variants in the gospel accounts, the Pauline reference (1 Cor. 11:25) makes clear that the NEw covenant is in view.

[2] The context of Hebrews seems to indicate that 13:20 references the New Covenant

[RochesterFan]

Many thanks!!!

[connectthedots]

So, what grade did you receive for this commendable effort? Westminster, being Dutch Calvinist in its theology, I very much doubt that you would have received an 'A' since they certainly would not want you to think too highly of yourself.

A grade of anything less than an 'F' would not be consistent with 'Total Depravity' and if it was better than that, obviously God was totally respopnible and you should have been dismissed from the school for copying God's work. :-)

[connectthedots]

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