Dispensationalism

by Lewis Sperry Chafer

Dispensationalism is Lewis Sperry Chafer's classic overview of the basic distinctives of dispensational theology, and provides an accessible introduction to dispensational ideas. While there is diversity among dispensational thinkers regarding a number of these distinctives, Chafer’s seminal work models for theologians of all persuasions an acute attention to Biblical authority.

Genres: Theology, Christian

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Lewis Sperry Chafer was an evangelist and educator, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College), and an influential proponent of Christian Dispensationalism and vehement opponent of covenant theology.

Reviews

[Luke Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth on my star rating for this book. Although it is a concise and accessible description of what Dispensationalists believe, the author almost acts like he doesn’t understand any of the opposing side. The 22 questions posed in the second to last chapter had me throwing my hands up in frustration. They seemed presented as if in hopes that the reader wouldn’t know any better and wouldn’t look for a second opinion. All quotes from opposing viewpoints are from one author and often dismissed quickly.

I went into this study as a nondispensationalist and can honestly say that I am no closer to holding to it than I was before. That is the sign that his position was stated clearly. Some of the material legitimately made me angry. I did not like it. I wanted to travel back in time to Chafer’s day and say, “Listen here buddy…,” but I can’t do that. Some material made me wish I was at the end so I could go ahead and slap my big, fat finger down on that 1 star as fast as I could. And if you’ll notice, I didn’t do that.

Why would I? I actually found myself several times thinking, “Amen!” I found myself with more excitement about the gospel because of the words of Chafer. After all, he was a brother. He was a brother with a different view than me. And it isn’t like that is just “okay” or that it doesn’t matter. It just means that we do need to bring our disagreements back to the most important thing: Christ.

Fine book. He is wrong though.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation of what Dispensationalists believe and how the system works.

[Daryl Dannar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great view on dispensations

Really enjoyed all the scripture to verify his views on dispensation and covenants in the Bible. I read as much work as I can of Chafer and this is another good read.

[Joshua Foote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dispensational theology in a nutshell

very good book very short can read in less than 2 hours. insights from creator of DTS one of the greatest spreaders of dispensational theology

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I adhere to the view of dispensational premillennialism, I really wasn't impressed by this title. Perhaps it was just the dated nature of the work.