Lesson 7

Question 1

What are the essential differences that distinguish Scofield from other evangelicals?

Answer 1

• Layman
• Southern Presbyterian (St Luise MO)
• Produced the Scofield Reference Bible that promoted dispensationalism

1 - A “literal” hermeneutic.
2 - A literal fulfillment of God’s promises to the nation of Israel.
3 - There is a distinctive future for national/ethnic Israel.
4 - Strong distinction between Israel and the Church.
5 - Secret Rapture

a) Literal hermeneutic stressed
b) Unconditional national covenants made with Israel
c) Distinctive future for ethnic and national Israel
d) Distinguish between Israel and Church
e) “seed of Abraham” understood for ethnic Jews, political or spiritual sense
f) Physical and spiritual fulfillments of God’s covenants

Question 2

Identify and briefly explain the seven dispensations as found in Darby’s theology.

Answer 2

1. Paradise to Flood
2. Era of Noah
3. Era of Abraham
4. Era of Moses and Israel
5. Era of the Gentiles
6. Era of the Spirit
7. Millennium (1000-year reign in Jerusalem)

Question 3

What are the differences between Classic and Revised/Modified Dispensationalism?

Answer 3

While both Classic and Revised Dispensationalists argue for the distinction of Jews as “earthly people” and Gentile believers as “heavenly people”, Revised Dispensationalists believe that both Jews and Gentiles receive the same salvation.

Question 4

What are the distinctions between Revised/Modified and Progressive Dispensationalism?

Answer 4

Progressives see more continuity between Israel and the Church, although they still maintain that they are different groups. Progressives consider both groups together to make up the people of God.

Question 5

Identify and explain ten ways that Classic Dispensationalism is different from Covenant Theology.

Answer 5

1). Dispensationalists may be Arminian or modified Calvinists. They are almost never 5-points. Covenant theologians are always calvinist, usually 5-points.

2). D stresses literal interpretation of Bible, CT accepts both literal and figurative, depending on the context.

3). D teaches that God has two peoples with two separate destinies. CT teaches that God has always had one people.

4). D teaches that the church began at Pentecost. CT teaches that the church began in the OT and gradually unfolded over time.

5). D teaches that all OT prophecies for Israel are literally for the nation of Israel, not for the Church. CT argues that there are many OT prophecies of the church.

6). D views Isaac and literal Israel as the main heirs to Abraham’s covenant. CT views Christ and spiritual Israel as the heirs.

7). D argues that the “new covenant” in Jeremiah is different from the one in Luke. CT argues that they are the same.

8). Some Dispensationalists have said that OT sinners were saved by works. CT argues that everyone has always been saved by faith alone.

9). D teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells only believers during the dispensation of grace, and not those in the OT or after the rapture. CT teaches that the Holy Spirit has always indwelt believers and will not be withdrawn.

10). D teaches that the OT animal sacrifices will be reestablished in the millennium. CT argues that Christ forever fulfilled and abolished the sacrifices.