Progressive Dispensationalism in Comparison to Normative Dispensationalism

Introduction When discussing Progressive Dispensationalism (PD) it is important to first establish its origin and a working definition so as to distinguish it from other theological systems. PD began its public life at the annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting in Atlanta Georgia in 1986. It’s main formulators were Darrel L. Bock and Craig A. Blaising, out of Dallas Theological Seminary, and Robert L. Saucy out of Talbot Theological Seminary. [1] These men put forward a critique and adjustment of Normative Dispensationalism (ND) that was different enough to merit defining an entirely new system. As for the issue of definitions, it … [Read more]

The 7 Dispensations of Normative Dispensationalism

Introduction Depending on one’s dispensational theology, as few as three dispensations can be argued over in scripture. In the passage that most clearly gives the basis for Dispensationalism, Ephesians 1-3, there are at least three spoken of. However, most dispensationalists will hold to a seven-dispensation view. These are the seven that will be discussed in this paper: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Patriarchal Rule, Law, Grace, and Millennium. Each dispensation, or economy of government between God and man, follows loosely the same pattern. A test or requirement is given from God to man, man fails to meet the standard set by … [Read more]

A Universal Flood: No Other Option

Introduction Was Noah’s flood local or universal? As this question is highly divisive between scientists and theologians, the answer to be defended will be presented up front. Universal. From a theological point of view, this must be the case. The questions then become, “Why must this be the case?” and “Why do scientists always disagree with this idea?” After answering these two questions, an attempt will be made to explain a moderately satisfactory answer to scientists as to why the theological point of view does not disagree with the most recent scientific investigation. Why Must this Be the Case? For … [Read more]

Who Are the Sons of God?

Introduction There is a controversial passage of the Bible in the book of Genesis. The passage is as follows, Genesis 6:1-4: Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.  Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, … [Read more]

Creation Views

Introduction It has been argued down through the ages that the world has had a number of different beginnings. Rather, there are a number of different arguments that attempt to explain the beginning of the world. In general these arguments can be divided into two main camps. Camp one: someone, somehow, created the world. Camp two: the world became this way by a complicated series of chances. These Two camps, according to C. S. Lewis, can be classified “the religious view,” and “the materialist view.”[1] In this paper, these two camps will loosely be titled “Creationism” and “Evolutionism.” The former … [Read more]