Three Basic Presuppositions of Dispensationalism
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Dispensationalism believes that the present generation is
“living on the threshold of theend of this age as many competent Bible teachers believe”
. The problem with this belief is that there is no evidence for it. Moreover, every generation has viewed itself as theterminal generation to some degree or another.
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Dispensationalism teaches that an ethic and racial Israel remains God’s
“glory”
without adistinction between the racial and the regenerate Israel (Rom. 9:6). In addition, a radicalcleavage is made between Israel and the Church despite Galatians 3:7,
“Know yetherefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
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A certain camp within the Dispensational school of thought is now teaching that adistinction can be made between
“the Great Tribulation”
which begins at the middle of the seventieth week, and “
the Day of the Lord,”
which is supposed to begin with theopening of the seventh seal of Revelation (p. 27).
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
“The Rapture of the Church will occur immediately prior to the Day of the Lord, and the Day of the Lord begins with the opening of the seventh seal”
(Rev. 8:1, p. 18).
Disrespect for the Church
While it may not be the intention of Dispensationalism, a fundamental disrespect for theChurch does flourish throughout the System. An example of this disrespect flashes in certainwritings. One author speaks of
“a lethargic, lukewarm,
materialistic
church in the tenth decadeof the twentieth century”
which needs to
“come back to God”.
The irony is that it is this“
lethargic, lukewarm,
materialistic
church in the tenth decade of the twentieth century”
whichhas allowed the author of that statement to build a $6, 500,000 complex with an additional$18,000.00 per day to cover operating costs.
No Place for Pain
It would not be unfair to say that Dispensationalism, as a System, does not prepare peopleto endure severe persecution
.
Whenever the concept of suffering arises it is always mingled withthe concept that when the greatest periods of sorrow come upon the earth the Christian willescape. God’s people are taught to be
willing
to
“suffer and die for Christ, if necessary, under the persecution of the Anti-christ—always, however, with the blessed hope of rapture beforeGod’s wrath is poured out during the Day of the Lord” (p. 34).
This type of logic is absolutelyforeign to the Word of God. Far better is it to listen to the words of Peter who taught theChristian community how to face suffering and death.
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1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall takeit patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this isacceptable with God.
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1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
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