MAY 27

Romans 11:25-26
Memorise Genesis 3:15
“I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery...”

WHAT IS OUR BP PERSPECTIVE OF DISPENSATIONAL PRE-MILLENNIALISM?

Most conservative denominations adhere to historical pre-millennialism. However, our BP denomination believes in dispensational pre-millen­nialism, yet we are not dispensationalist but covenantal or reformed in our theology. This means that we believe that from the Fall in the Garden of Eden and all through the Old Testament and the New Testa­ment, God has instituted a covenant of grace by promising a Saviour.

Dispensationalism believes that the Bible is divided into seven dispensations: (1) Innocence (Genesis 1:26-3:24), (2) Conscience (Genesis 4:1-7:24), (3) Human Government (Gen 8:1-11:26), (4) Promise (Genesis 11:27-Exodus 18), (5) Law (Exodus 19-Acts 1:26), (6) Grace (Acts 2:1-Revelation 19:21), and (7) Kingdom (Revelation 20:1-22:21). As a result, they have a discontinuous view of the Bible. For example, they believe that Israel was under the dispensation of law and so those in the New Testament under the dispensation of grace will not find the Ten Commandments applicable. Covenantal theology instead sees the Bible as one continuous work detailing God’s salvation plan and therefore, sees the Ten Commandments as applicable today as it was to Israel in the Old Testament.

Due to the clear segregation of Israel and the Church, dispenationalists believe that God will deal with the Church and Israel differently during the End Times. Historic pre-millennialists take all mention of “Israel” in End Time prophecies as spiritually referring to the Church and not literal Israel. We believe that the dispensationalists are correct in their belief that Israel will be restored by God into His kingdom. We believe that although Israel was cut off by God, “God is able to graff them in again” as natural branches of the olive tree (Romans 11:23-24). God has promised that “all Israel shall be saved” and He will keep His promises to restore Israel.

However, we uphold covenantal theology. It is indeed wonderful to see how God’s magnificent salvation plan unfolds throughout the Bible. From the promise of a Saviour immediately after Adam and Eve’s sin to Israel’s sacrifices that pointed to Christ and to Christ’s death and resurrection, we see how God’s ultimate goal is the salvation of Mankind for His glory. How blessed are we to be a part of His amazing salvation plan!

Thought: What are the implications of believing in dispensationalism?
Prayer: Thank You Lord for giving us Your Son to save us from sin.