Pastors and Leaders Discuss Progressive Dispensationalism

Posted June 24, 2009 in Association News, GARBCnews, Hot Topic

ELYRIA, Ohio—Dr. Renald Showers answered questions from pastors and ministry leaders in a Wednesday roundtable discussion. He began with proponents’ common saying, “Already, not yet.” This saying basically means to the advocates of this view that “already” has to do with the kingdom already being here, in a spiritual form. “Not yet” has to do with the kingdom that is yet to come. Showers cited several names of major proponents of the view: Bock, Blaising, Saucy. Classical dispensationalists differ with the idea of the progressives that David’s throne is God’s throne now. Revelation 3:21 is one passage that indicates through the word “will” that this, instead, is future.

Further, Jesus gave distinction between David’s throne and God’s throne. David’s throne is earthly; God’s throne is Heavenly. Daniel 2 and 7 make it clear that Messiah doesn’t set up His kingdom until all Gentile kingdoms are put down. There will be no kingdom of Heaven here until Israel repents and acknowledges Christ as King. It will be in the Millennium that Christ is on David’s throne.

Someone asked Showers about the origin of dispensationalism. Showers outlined it superbly. Later in the discussion he also gave some excellent insight concerning so-called replacement theology, the basic belief that the church is Israel. The church has replaced Israel in God’s program, they say, and this view has led to a large share of anti-Semitism, both past and present.