Final Destiny: The Future Reign of The Servant Kings Revised Edition

by Joseph C. Dillow

“This work is extensive in its argumentation, expansive in its canonical scope, and immensely expanded from its first edition. It is an exceptional work, and a majestic achievement of both exegetical and biblical theology.” Fred Chay, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Doctoral Studies, Phoenix Seminary. President of the Free Grace Alliance. “When I first read Reign of the Servant Kings many years ago it impacted my life and thinking powerfully. This revised and greatly expanded edition is certain to become a standard discussion of the doctrines of grace and rewards.” Kenneth R. Mitchell, Th.D. Teaching pastor, Westside Chapel, Jacksonville, Florida. Author of “Justice and Generosity - The Teaching of the Bible Concerning the Poor.” “Dr. Dillow’s discussions of many controversial Bible verses and doctrines are thorough, fair, well documented, and thought-provoking.” The Late Roy B. Zuck, Th.D. Senior Professor Emeritus of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Editor, Bibliotheca Sacra. “Jody Dillow’s book, Final The Future Reign of the Servant Kings, is a tour de force for anyone seriously interested in grappling with the biblical doctrines of salvation and assurance, and becoming Christ’s partner in the fulfillment of human destiny.” J. Paul Tanner, Ph.D. Former Professor of Semitics and Old Testament at East Asia School of Theology and the Jordon Evangelical Theological Seminary. “With outstanding scholarship and thorough attention to exegetical and theological detail, Joseph Dillow has given us a magnificent vision of the final destiny of man. Those who disagree with “Free Grace” soteriology will be uninformed if they have not read this work.” Earl Radmacher, Th.D. President Emeritus. Western Theological Seminary. “For anyone interested in deeper understanding of the important issues of salvation by grace through faith alone, eternal security, eternal rewards, and man’s Final Destiny, this book is a must read!” Larry Waters, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biblical Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary.

Genres: Theology

1166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2013

Reviews

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are books you disagree with and then there are books you disagree with. This is one of those books that is worth reading even though it has extremely unconventional conclusions. There is a wealth of exegetical material here, and the author is not simply and old-style fundamentalist stuck in the debates over lordship salvation. The scope is truly massive. The book is divided into three separate "volumes" with separate theses. Volume 1, "Salvation", argues that there are different kinds of salvation, and for a distinction between "entering" the kingdom and "inheriting" the kingdom. This is probably the most convincing part of the book, and the sections on language of "saving souls" being related to temporal judgment is quite fascinating. Volume 2, "assurance", deals primarily with the subject of how we can be sure of your salvation and the meanings of the apostasy passages. It contains an excellent critique of the Puritan notion of assurance based on good works, but his own reading of the apostasy passages as almost all applying to believers is questionable. The third volume, "Destiny"", is probably the least convincing in its argument that believers can be assessed negatively and cast out from Christ's presence. The author never seems to acknowledge this, but it seems somewhat similar to the Mormon doctrine of "levels" of heaven.

This is a huge undertaking; it is impossible to summarize the book in one review. Some pros and cons:

Pros

- His critique of the Puritan doctrine of assurance is excellent.
- His recovery of the idea of rewards at the eschaton is needed.
- His variety of reasons for believers to pursue good works is very helpful.
- His arguments about God temporally disciplining believers are sobering.

Cons:
- The dispensationalism is a problem and infects a lot of the work. If you don't believe in the Rapture or premillennialism, then you will have problems with some of the arguments about rewards.
- The order of the book is not always clear, and their is some repetitive material.
- He does devote some attention to the question of the work of the Holy Spirit, but this needed to be expanded given Reformed pneumatology and the idea of union with Christ.

This book was worth reading even though I ultimately didn't come to the same conclusions as the author.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Tim Chaffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book. I plan to leave a detailed review in the near future. For now, I'll just say that it's an excellent book if one wants to understand what the Bible teaches about salvation, eternal security, the rewards mentioned in Scripture for faithful Christians, and the loss of reward for carnal believers. Extremely thorough and logical. I'd give it more stars if I could.

[Trevor Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The review by K says "believers can be assessed negatively and cast out from Christ's presence." Nothing could be further from the point of this book. It's whole premise is that "once saved, always saved." Reward is described, as per the actual title of the book, in terms of being a servant. Some will have a greater capacity to enjoy God's presence as a servant due to their work but all saved shall be overflowing with God's grace. Do you have a thimble or a tank?

This is the best book I have never read. What do I mean? It's a commentary or reference work. Whenever you have questions about a passage in the Bible you can easily refer to it. I wouldn't read it as a sit-down book all the way through. That would, indeed, be tough. But whether you agree with every little point or not, the book is the kind that revolutionizes the way you think about grace and salvation.

[David Nesje · Rating 4 out of 5]

A monumental exegetical piece of work.

It may feel tedious at times, some things get way to much attentions. While others feel skimmed over. And though it is not everything one agrees with. It really helps with thinking through these central biblical themes. That often seem to get overlooked, or just explained away.

Very good overall.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4 stars only because I expect most won't tackle such a large 1000+ page text) But any pilgrim who wrestles with the lavishly free offer Jesus gives to humble seekers, while also giving full credence to Jesus' harder warnings about perseverance and accountability --anyone weighing those poles should read this book. This is a masterwork, a lifelong pursuit of the indefatigable scholar Joseph Dillow. The author, I believe, answers in "Final Destiny" the tensions which the Reformers could not balance without developing some confusing systems and limitations, nor the Catholic church could allow in their counter reaction to the Reformation. Dillow handles these arguments with grace. Dillow explores the parables and the warnings with studied exegesis. The treatment is well organized and researched. He takes the reader through the critical tensions in the Biblical words (and in church history's answer to those words) about our great salvation and the gracious offers of grace in Christ (in fact it may well be that in the flow of church history this kind of earnest exploration could not even be considered until now).

Such a secured rescue into "Eternal Life", as we have freely available from Jesus can/must impact our lives. There is an accounting time coming for believers; Jesus was clear on that. In fact 50% of the parables Jesus spoke have to do with accountability for His followers. There is so much more available to us if we will honor and live how He motivated. He has given us time, He expects us to use it; and Jesus has given us much to take seriously for what is yet to come. This life is not the end. The rewards promised are rarely taught well enough (sometimes even disdained with some kind of false humility) but Jesus was supremely clear on that aspect. The expectation of reward is to be taken as a godly motivator for any good steward. In fact Jesus Himself modeled this as well as taught it: "...who, for the joy set before Him, endured..." Hebrews 12: 1-2 Take and read.

One excerpt from Dillow considering Matthew 24's parable of the 10 virgins: "I suggest that this event corresponds with the negative assessment of an unprepared life at the Judgment seat of Christ (for believers) at the beginning of the tribulation. Matthew concludes with the exhortation to the readers to watch, to be prepared (unlike the foolish virgins) for neither the day nor the hours of the Lord's coming is known." p.803 Oh Jesus help us, for in You alone can we be found faithful!