Dispensational theology, how dangerous is it?
1. A popular phrase that we hear from Dispensationalists is that secular modern day Israel is God’s time clock or timepiece. The basis for this teaching is that Daniel 9:27 is erroneously attributed to a future reign of “The Anti-Christ” when in fact this passage of scripture refers to Jesus Christ.
Daniel 9:27 And he (a) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to (b) cease, (c) and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
2. Dispensationalism teaches that there will be people left behind when the Lord returns for his church, and those left behind will have an opportunity to be saved. This is not true. The coming of the Lord for His people is synonymous with His judging the world. When the Lord comes there will be no second chance for anyone to be saved. I’ve heard the teaching of the “secret rapture” referred to as a type of protestant purgatory.
See… DISPENSATIONALISM & THE RAPTURE
3. It is taught that the deciding factor on whether you are blessed or cursed of God is your treatment of Israel after the flesh. Yet Scripture tells us that all our blessings are in Christ and that the wrath of God is upon those who do not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And even a cup of cold water given to those who believe in Jesus will receive a reward from the Lord.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 5:23,24 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hearth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
4. The fulfillment of Biblical prophecy when Israel became a nation is another Dispensational teaching. Because of this, the church’s focus can be drawn away from the great commission and focused on secular politics, even justifying destruction and killing. During the 2006 Lebanon Israeli war, prayer requests were sent out from born again Christians who were living and ministering in Israel. They asked for prayer that the Israeli army would be successful in destroying the infrastructures in Lebanon. At the time I received this prayer request I was watching the news showing all the destruction in Lebanon, which included the death of children.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
5. Dispensational theology takes the focus off of Christ and places it on national Israel. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises to mankind.
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
1 Corinthians 10:1-12 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Dispensational theology, when embraced, will seriously alter a correct biblical view of people, governments, the world, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dispensational theology, how dangerous is it?
PEACEMAKERS 
I’ve recently heard of recruiting within the “church” asking Christians to volunteer in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). I’ve heard of Christians actually being in the IDF as combatants (recent war in Gaza). Those who are deceived in this way, and who put themselves in a position where they could be killing people, and thinking they are doing the Lord service, are putting their souls in danger because they have strayed from the faith once delivered to the saints.
These are not minor issues.
The most loving thing a believer can do is warn of false doctrine.
Pastors are leading the Lord’s flock seriously astray. Many who are in the pulpit shouldn’t be there because they lack discernment on many critical issues.
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You are correct to be very concerned.
Information at link may answer some of your questions…
The church as it now stands…
Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Also, my husband and I found the books referenced at the links below very helpful …
The Israel of God: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Zion’s Christian Soldiers?: The Bible, Israel and the Church
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I am very much concerned about dispensational theology. I do not want to be critical and harsh but this teaching is causing me personal concern. I have a good colleague who believes this stuff and every time he teaches he seems to splice up scripture so that certain parts apply to us and certain parts don’t. Also he has suggested that the church age from Christ’s first to His second coming is but a parenthesis in God’s plan! I cannot follow this because I believe that the OT scriptures prophesy the church age. Am I wrong? What scriptures predict that Christ inaugurated the church as it now stands?
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All you say is so very true. Thank you for taking the time comment.
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When approaching Dispensationalists of any kind, be prepared to get a tiny taste of what Jesus experienced when talking with the religious leaders of Israel. (And believe me, this really hurts when you are expecting Christian fellowship.)
Your last point is the major problem with dispensationalism: It is Israel – of the flesh – centered! These folks deny that Jesus has fulfilled the promises to Abraham in spite of the clarity of New Testament revelation. As A. W. Pink confesses concerning the great host of Reformation witnesses along with even earlier Christian writers, “But why did not men of God in the past who wrote church history, commentaries, theological textbooks, concordances and sermons, teach the same? Surely they were scholars and should have known! But how strange it was that they failed to possess and teach the “light” of dispensationalism! They did not even mention a restored Jewish political state or a thousand-year reign of Christ on David’s literal throne in a natural and material kingdom. They seemed to be absolutely unaware of a so-called kingdom postponement, a future national Jewish restoration,….”
Today, dispensationalists are more than tolerated, they are credited with successfully spreading the gospel. Yet some of us see that they are dividing, not only God’s Word, but God’s people. They are doing great damage to the unity of Christ’s elect.
Thanks for this post. I am encouraged by your display of courage to speak the truth.
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I noticed the comment about Israel being God’s timepiece on your blog, but I didn’t have the energy to point it out either. And I know what you mean about people thinking this is chapter and verse from Scripture.
“A very dangerous beast” is a very interesting phrase. I have been thinking about doing a post just speculating on the meaning of the “mark of the beast.” I really think dispensationalism has “mark of the beast” traits, and so does involvement in rebuilding the temple.
Not rambling . . . but rather a very interesing and thought provoking comment. Thanks.
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Cathy im in agreement with all of your points..
The first one you mentioned: “Israel is God’s time clock or timepiece” is said so often i think many christians actually believe its a verse in the bible.
Just recently someone who left a comment on my blog used it in the middle of their post–but i didn’t have the strength to even correct them. I know that sounds terrible [and lazy on my part] but i could tell by their whole post they were a dispensationalist, so i knew it would fall on deaf ears.
As far as it being dangerous–in my opinion it is today. It has always been error, but now with so many who follow this theology involved politically in foreign affairs, (as it pertains to the middle east) it has morphed into a highly dangerous ‘beast’.
I think this is because dispensationalism isn’t just a theology but more a form of eschatology. And as we are living in the closing days, it is playing a huge part in many of the decisions christians are making–heck, its even playing into the coming presidential election! Many christians (who follow the teachings of DT) are basing their decision on who to vote for, not on prayer, but on how either of the candidates view or speak about the modern day state of Israel!
Yesterday i posted a link to the recent story concerning the preparations being made for the re-building of a temple–along with Job’s commentary on the topic at Jesus Christology blog. Job stated, concerning involvement in this project :
“my position is MESSIANIC JEWS AND GENTILE CHRISTIANS, STAY AWAY”
And he is right. We as Christians should have nothing to do with this: But those who follow DT are deeply involved with this project financially, and have been for years. In fact they vocally support it.
I’m rambling so will stop…i don’t want to fill up your blog…lol
Yes its an extremely dangerous theology..especially today…in every way.
pj
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