Unboxing a New Work on Dispensationalism
Dispensationalism Revisited: A 21st Century Restatement, Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Nov. 21 2023) [Support the FBFI by buying through our link.]
I was reorganizing my desk after teaching a grad-level seminary block class last week and to my surprise I found a new book placed upon a pile of papers. It is entitled Dispensationalism Revisited: A 21st Century Restatement. I began to look it over with great curiosity. New defenses of Dispensationalism are rare, and defenses by authors who have solid roots in biblical fundamentalism are even rarer.
While I have not yet read the book in depth, I think it is worthwhile acknowledging is existence here and now and relate to you some general first impressions regarding the work. Let’s call it an “unboxing.”
The Tribute
Dispensationalism Revisited is a collection of essays edited by Kevin Bauder of Central Baptist Seminary and Bruce Compton of Detroit Baptist Seminary in honor of Charles A. Hauser Jr. The essays are all by former students of Dr. Hauser. Kevin Bauder’s biographical tribute to Dr. Hauser can be found here and here and will provide a helpful background for this theological work dedicated to a seminary professor who made a profound impact on generations of students at various institutions. The last chapter of the book is a collection of tributes to Dr. Hauser written by former students and colleagues.
The tribute to Dr. Hauser reveals something of the impact that he had upon the authors who contributed to this book. I also assume that it is a testimony to the nature of the articles included in the book. I would expect that they are well-written, thoroughly biblical, deeply theological, and a defense of the essentials of dispensationalism and the hermeneutic from which it springs.
The Authors and Articles
The book is a collection of ten articles written by ten authors on various core issues of significant import to the discussion of dispensational theology.
Doug Brown of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary contributes an article addressing the historical controversies regarding God’s purpose in human history. His seven premises regarding the glory of God establish a theological foundation for an understanding of God’s sovereign purpose in biblical history.
Roy Beacham from Central Baptist Theological Seminary makes the case for the use of a literal hermeneutic throughout all the genres of scripture including prophecy.
Kevin Bauder of Central Baptist Theological Seminary’s contribution tackles the identities of Israel and the Church and whether they should be seen as distinct.
William Barrick of Master’s Seminary discusses the biblical covenants and the importance of their literal fulfillment.
Bruce Compton from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary answers significant questions regarding the nature of the Kingdom of God, the timing of its existence, and its relationship to the Church.
Larry Pettigrew of Shepherd’s Seminary surveys the Church Fathers on such subjects as premillennialism, the rapture, and the relationship of Israel and the Church.
Andrew Hudson, pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Janesville, Wisconsin focuses on the Book of Acts, the foundation of the Church, and the quotations of the Old Testament in Acts.
Ryan Martin of Columbiaville Baptist Church in Columbiaville Michigan addresses replacement theology and the relationship between the Church and Israel. It will be interesting to see the similarities and distinctions between Bauder’s and Martin’s articles on this important subject.
Ed Glenny of the University of Northwestern in St Paul uses a survey of Revelation 20 to defend the doctrine of the premillennial return of Christ.
And finally, John Pratt if Central Baptist Theological Seminary presents a defense of a pretribulational rapture of the Church.
I am delighted to have received this book and eagerly look forward to studying it in detail.
More information about the book can be found at centralseminary.edu/press.
Dr. Kevin Schaal serves as the pastor of Northwest Valley Baptist Church in Glendale, Arizona and as the President of the FBFI.