Sproul and Ligonier Critique Dispensationalism

Recording this episode from Jerusalem, we talk about misunderstandings of dispensationalism and how one ought to think about dispensationalism. We interact with a Q & A from RC Sproul, as well as a panel discussion put on by Ligonier ministries.

Ep 118: Reviewing Critiques of Dispensationalism from Jerusalem
The Bible Sojourner

#dispensationalism
#eschatology
#reformedtheology
#rcsproul
#theology

[marleyandme]

I, too, am frustrated by the numerous "straw men" that are set up when considering this question. I am Reformed in my soteriology, yet hold to a mostly Dispensational hermeneutic. Both Covenentalists and Dispensationalists bring their strengths to the table. They are not mutually exclusive on all points.

[boaz]

Excellent. Thanks for this. As a long time member and deacon at Grace Community, I found it odd that R.C. would not have immediately thought of his friend Pastor John MacArthur, who is both a Calvinist and a Dispensationalist... I'm really eating up your your latest book The Baptism Debate, by the way. Thanks for publishing that. Before this, I would have said Matt Waymeyer's book on the subject was my favorite, but that has changed for me. His is a good short focused book, but I was looking for something more in-depth with the history and the covenant theology side of it. Your book was just the ticket. Thanks again.

[danielwarton]

In regards to 5 point Calvinism, which I agree with, I would see limited atonement being consistent literally in John 10:11.
I’m dispensational in my eschatology and definitely see Israel as elect of God, though not all Israel are saved until the eschaton.
Calvinism, as John MacArthur rightly teaches, is the most consistent soteriology with a dispensational eschatology and future for Israel.

[Brian-tkvt]

There seems to be a common critique of the multiple ways of salvation based on the classic dispys. The other critique of just reading Paul is probably also another critique of some of the more extreme hyper dispys who hold to Paul only. Definitely shows the ligionier guy's ignorance to the dispensational system. It seems they're all repeating the same strawman arguments that they've heard in the echo chamber. I think the fundamental key issue that is essential for being dispy is how one interprets the blessings to Israel in the OT. That is crucial. Most covenantalists seem to be extremely ignorant to the passages that speak of blessings for Israel in the OT and when confronted with them will by default just spiritualize them as the church.

[jimwiser]

If I’m not mistaken, I think Stephen Nicoles grew up in Harold Camping’s church.
I also believe the “2 ways of salvation” stems from claims in early editions of the Scofield study Bible that were later revised to back away from that position. Again, going off memory, might be wrong.

[hectorfalcon]

Dispensational theology was initially systematized by John Darby. Therefore, one needs to use that perspective as the standard for defining it. This podcaster redefines it to what he believes it teaches or should teach. There are numerous definitions given by dispensationalists to try and salvage this system. However, one needs to go back to the original definition, since that is where it originated. It has undergone many revisions because it has many flaws, especially with regard to how it handles the law of God.

[cmp]

I say to my JayDub friends about Israel as you'd know they have replacement theology (and other stinky teachings) and ask them, "...if The Lord is done with Israel, how do you explain what is going on there today - just as the Bible says they would". They dont know what to say except "we see things different".
"Yes I know you see things different but here we are, just as the Bible clearly points out".
They will have a massive wake up post rapture.

[davidsutter]

Sproul is most likely very Dispensational by now.

[cmp]

I like RC. Good on Genesis, Christian living but hopeless when it comes to eschatology.

[hackbritton]

That was not even who you said was and not on the subject you claimed. Get with it or get out.
If you are going to take these great Christians on then get some grasp of what you are talking about. Good grief.