Dispensationalism, Israel and the Church: The Search for Definition

by Craig A. Blaising (Editor), Darrell L. Bock

The relationship between Israel and the church is a crucial reference point in theology, especially in distinguishing between dispensational and nondispensational ways of thinking. The thesis of this book is that Israel and the church are distinct theological institutions that have arisen in the historical progress of divine revelation. But they are also related as successive phases of a redemptive program that is historically progressive and eschatologically converging. The approach to these issues here is neither polemical nor apologetic; rather, it anticipates a convergence among evangelical scholars in the recognition of both continuity and discontinuity in the Israel-church relationship. This book has three - To offer a contemporary dispensational treatment of that relationship through an exegetical examination of key texts with a focus on theological concerns - To foster genuine dialogue with nondispensational thinkers regarding major biblical themes tied to the plan of God - To identify the changes in dispensational thought that have developed since the publication of Charles Ryrie's book Dispensationalism Today in 1965

Genres: Theology

403 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 1992

Reviews

[Keegan Hatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! Every one of the essays was solid and argued their points very well. I really liked the contributions from Bock and Martin. Quite technical at times.

[Luke Seibert · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a robust, thorough, academic work on the subject. The authors present detailed and Biblical explanations of the various subjects. I appreciated how closely the arguments are tied to the text of Scripture, as well as the inclusion of opposing responses at the end of the book. This is helpful for someone who wants to dive deep into progressive dispensationalism—both in contrast to Reformed theology as well as previous forms of dispensationalism. The chapters on the New Covenant and how Christ fulfills the Law were the most helpful. In a few of the other chapters, however, I felt that the authors pressed their points too far—that they read too much into the Biblical narrative. But that aside, this is a helpful, academic work. But if you’re looking for an accessible overview, I’d look elsewhere. This is quite dense with hundreds of references to the Greek. So quite helpful from an academic standpoint, but not the most accessible resource.

[Alfredo J. Velázquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro es fundamental para entender el avance del dispensacionalismo. Para todos los que son críticos del sistema y no han leído este libro, se pierden de una pieza clave. Sin duda un gran libro con aportes vigentes para nuestro días/

[Matthew Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Introduction

Although much more needs to be said on this topic the authors and editors have begun this work in a good place. Make sure to consult the later work by Bock and Blaising along with Saucy's volume.