Bible Study 102

Lesson 8: Resolving Issues With Dispensationalism

Consequences of Rejecting Dispensationalism

Rejecting dispensationalism does have consequences, in that rejection can lead to confusion in some areas of theology and doctrine. One example that has recently surfaced is that some members or congregations in the Messianic Jewish Movement are insisting that Gentile Christians be converted as Messianic Jews. In addition others are suggesting that Gentile Christians should come under the Law and keep the Ten Commandments and other social and judicial Jewish laws of the Mosaic Covenant, even though most of the laws of that dispensation were specifically given to the Israelites. Gentiles were never obligated to keep them.

Another consequence of rejecting the correct usage and belief concerning dispensationalism can be seen on any number of Television churches. This centers around the teaching known as prosperity teaching. Prosperity teaching states that if Christians possess the right amount of faith, that they WILL have prosperity of finances and health. This premise, of course, is based on the promises and blessings given to the nation of Israel under a previous dispensation. That promise was never given to the church.

Another consequence, and one which is near and dear to my heart, is the false doctrine of "Replacement Theology." A simple way to explain this is: wherever in Scripture one sees the name Israel, substitute the Church for the name of Israel! Wherever you see the name Jerusalem, substitute the name Heaven! What this does in effect is to take Israel and the Jew out of the Bible. It is to, according to modern haters of the Jew, to make for them no name.

"Replacement theology was introduced to the Church shortly after Gentile leadership took over from the original Messianic Jewish leadership, especially after 70 AD. Replacement Theology teaches that the Church replaces Israel in the program of God. The Church is the New Israel. It further teaches that the many promises made to Israel in the Bible are fulfilled in the Church - not in literal Israel, and that the Jewish people are no longer a chosen people. Replacement Theology further states that the Jews no longer have a special purpose in the plan of God, and have no special future; that all of the many prophecies in the Holy Scriptures concerning the restoration of the Jewish people to the Land of Promise in the Last Days (Ezekiel 36-48 and Zechariah 12-14, much of Isaiah 59-66, and many other prophetic passages) are not to be taken literally. Instead, they are taken figuratively and "spiritualized" into promises of blessing for the Church. But, while the blessings to Israel are applied to the Church, the prophecies of condemnation and judgment are still applied literally to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people!"[3]

If God had rejected Israel, why should we as Christians stand by Israel? On the other hand, if we as Christians do not stand by Israel, won't we be in danger of going along with the nations and receiving the punishment fortold in Joel 3:1-2? Paraphrased, the Lord says in those verses thatin those days He will restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem and gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Why? Because they have divided up My land. The land is being divided today.

If Christians, yes and America takes sides with those wishing to destroy tiny Israel, won't we be in danger of this ancient curse falling on us? God's word tells us that He will bless those who love Israel, and curse those who do not.

"Dispensationalists, take these words from the Bible seriously and literally. Their sympathies are with the Jewish people, in spite of their shortcomings. Replacement theologians don't take these things literally and are generally unsympathetic to Israel. Christians should stand with Israel and be the greatest supporters of the Jewish people."[4]

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