(With an Examination of Dispensationalism and the Scofield Bible)
Table Of Contents
The spread of "Dispensationalism" and the wide
acceptance of the "Scofield Bible" as an authority. The need of a
careful examination of this new system of doctrine and of the new
"Bible" by which it is propagated. The relation of Dispensationalism
to the "fundamental" truths of Christianity. The divisive effect of
"dispensational teaching."
Chapter 1: Twentieth Century Dispensationalism: What? And Whence?
Dispensationalism defined. A radical system of
doctrine.
Deserves the name of "Modernism." Had its rise among the
"Plymouth Brethren." Its basic doctrine (concerning the Kingdom of
God) a revival of ancient Rabbinism. Some pressing questions touching
this new
system of teaching.
Chapter 2: The "Seven Dispensations" Viewed In The Light Of Scripture
What is a "dispensation"? Does the Bible
distinguish seven dis pensations? Was there a dispensation of
"Innocence"? of "Con science"? Another of "Human
Government"? another of "Promise"? and so on? Did Israel reject
grace when they accepted the law? Did they have an opportunity to
choose
between law and grace? Was the gift of God's law to Israel a curse to
that
people? Does grace abolish law?
Chapter 3: The Law And The Gospel
The two grand divisions of the Bible: the old
covenant and
the new; or the law and the gospel. God has spoken, to the fathers--to
us. The
law of Moses was an unspeakable blessing to Israel. Testimonies of the
Old
Testament to this truth. What the New Testament says about it. Paul's
teaching
in Romans and Galatians.
Chapter 4: The Beginning Of The Gospel
When did the gospel-era begin? The proclamation of
the King
dom of God. What Kingdom did Jesus announce? Are there two different
Kingdoms
of God? Was the Kingdom of God of fered to the Jews and rejected by
them?
Examination of the proof-texts cited to support this novel doctrine.
Strange
mis statements in the notes of the "Scofield Bible."
Chapter 5: The Kingdom Of God: Has It Been Postponed.
"The word of the Kingdom" is God's special message for this era. It is The GOSPEL. It is 'in the Holy Spirit.' It is the ful filment of the voices of the prophets and of the shadows of the law. The important texts of the N. T. that speak of the Kingdom are ignored in the "Scofield Bible" -- 118 references in all being passed by in silence. What those neglected passages reveal. The Spirit's definition of the Kingdom: What it is not, and what it is. To be translated into the Kingdom is salvation.
Chapter 6: The Gospels: To What Dispensation Do They Belong?
The new doctrine that the Gospels belong to the
era of the
law is dangerous error. It contradicts the teaching of Christ Him self.
The
settled Christian doctrine as to this is termed by the Scofield Bible a
"notion" and "a legacy from Roman Catholic Theology." The
new "dispensational teaching" accords with that of Judaism and that
of Romanism. It savors also of Russellism.
Chapter 7: The Kingdom "At Hand." The Order Of Revelation
The meaning of the phrase "at hand." What was the
divine "order of revelation" when Christ appeared to Israel? If the
Jews were (and rightly) expecting the restoration of the Davidic
Kingdom and if
Christ "offered" it to them, why did they "reject" it?
Peter's testimony as to the era, of blessing foretold by the prophets.
Paul's
testimony agrees.
Chapter 8: The Kingdom Foretold By The Prophets
The prophets of Israel foretold salvation for all
nations,
and the building of the true House of God. This two-fold work is what
God is
accomplishing in the present gospel-era. Pertinent prophecies examined.
The
earthly kingdom given to Israel in the days of Samuel was a punishment
for
their rejection of God. The restoration of that Kingdom was never
promised.
Proph ecies relating specially to David. The N.T. shows that these were
gospel-promises and are fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Chapter 9: The Kingdom Foretold By The Prophets (Continued)
Christ's parables clearly prove that the Kingdom
of heaven
is now. This is virtually admitted in the "Scofield Bible." Further
proof that the Kingdom preached by Christ and the earthly do minion
expected by
the Jews are not the same. Prophecies by Isaiah; by David in the
Psalms; by Jeremiah;
by Zechariah. Proof that all these are fulfilled in this present era of
the
gospel.
The vital feature of every Kingdom is its Law. The
Law of
God as given in the N. T. is suited to a regenerated people scattered
throughout the world. Hence it differs materially from His law as given
in the
O. T. to an earthly nation composed of natural men. The Gospel is
"preached for obedience." Christ's Sermon on the Mount is the Law of
His present Kingdom. Fundament alism vs. Modernism. Dispensationalism a
house
built on the sand. Dr. Scofield's teaching as to the Sermon on the
Mount. The
two Mountains and the two Laws, Christ's "Sayings" can apply only to
this gospel era.
Chapter 11: The Character Of The Sermon On The Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is characterized
throughout by
grace. Analysis of its commandments. They are "not grievous." The
vital importance of "the doctrine of Christ" to His people now. Law
and Grace, Forgiveness of sins, Sins and debts distinguished.
Chapter 12: The Kingdom Of God Coming With Power
By what event was Christ's prophecy in Mark 9:1
fulfilled:
Pentecost, or the Destruction of Jerusalem? The immense signi ficance
of the
latter event. Moses' prophecy thereof. The Time of the Gentiles and the
Fulness
of the Gentiles. Two continuing fulfilments of prophecy. Conclusive
testimony
of the Divine Authorship of the Bible.
Chapter 13: He Limiteth A
Certain Day
Does prophecy predict another return of the Jews to Palestine? Is that "the hope of Israel"? Was it for preaching that as the hope of Israel that Paul was sent in chains to Rome? The Natural and the Spiritual. Abraham's spiritual seed are the heirs of the promises. "Salvation in Zion for Israel." What is Salvation? Where is Zion? Who are Israel? The Election hath obtained it. The present status of Zionism.
Chapter 14: The Hope Of Israel
Does the Bible foretell the restoration of the
earthly
Jewish na tion in a future day? Is there another salvation different
from
Gospel-salvation, and another day of salvation? A novel and sub versive
doctrine. The new doctrine analysed. What manner of men will the
Millennialites
be? Are animal sacrifices to be re sumed hereafter? Are the abolished
shadows
of the law to be re-established?
Chapter 15: So All Israel Shall Be Saved
Who are the "all Israel" of Romans 11:26?
Abraham's two sons typify respectively his natural seed and his
spiritual seed.
Are "the bondwoman and her son" to be restored? Is the son of
bondwoman to be a fellow-heir with the son of the freewoman? Romans IX,
X and
XI reviewed. The "good olive tree" and what it typifies and teaches.
Chapter 16: Translated Into The Kingdom Of God's Son
Truth which, though fundamental, is much neglected
today.
The Kingdom, not the Church, the divine basis of unity. Preaching the
Kingdom
of God was the chief business of Christ and His apostles, especially
Paul.
Salvation is a change of allegiance and of governmental relationships.
Reconciliation to God. Heart obedience the essence of true faith. Live
faith
contrasted with dead orthodoxy. Work yet to be accomplished by "this
gospel of the Kingdom."
* Thanks to the PreteristSite
for making this work available on the internet.