Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths

by Michael J. Vlach

As a concise and practical little book, Essential Beliefs and Common Myths is a great resource on the distilled beliefs and conceptions, or misconceptions, of Dispensationalism.Dr Michael J. Vlach is a professor of Theology at The Master's Seminary in Los Angeles, CA and has published numerous articles scholarly journals on topics relating to dispensationalism, church history, apologetics and the Christian worldview.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Ecclesiology, Nonfiction, Religion

73 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mark Stacy II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of dispensationalism, what it is and what it isn’t. Helpful for people to understand the issue regardless of eschatological position.

[Molly Atchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book! Super helpful in clarifying what has been a confusing system to me. Vlach succinctly lays out six essential components to dispensationalism - components which, if any one is missing in ones beliefs on the subjects of ecclesiology and eschatology, makes one a nondispensationalist.
He then addresses six common myths about dispensationalism, and reaffirms the 6 core tenets of dispensationalism and asserts that if the theological system is to be honestly critiqued, those 6 tenets need to be the focus of critique.
If you’ve been lost on the subject, this will help!

I have to add that my exposure to sound preaching and good Bible teaching has helped tremendously in growing to understand this subject. Without the faithful and careful exposition of Scripture that we receive at our church, I would not have been nearly as well equipped to understand the contents of this little book. Grateful for faithful pastors and elders, and good Bible teachers.

[RT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to know a true understanding of dispensationalism should read this book. Those who find themselves in mild disagreement with dispensationalism, or extreme hostility, should read this book. This book provides one of the clearest and most articulate presentations of what a true dispensationist actually believes, as well as what they do not believe. The book is quite short, lacks fluff, and can be read in about an hour or so.
Vlach provides an excellent and compelling handling of the issue. Those who disagree are forced to give dispensationalism a fair hearing with Vlach’s helpful work in this little primer.

[Donald Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlach sets out to define the essential elements of Dispensational Theology (DT) and address many common errors that are thrown up against DT. He clearly admits the various views in DT and gives a clear historical perspective of the movement. In identifying what he sees as six essential beliefs, he maintains that DT is centred on Eccesiology and Eschatolgy and the discipline of hermenutics, arguing that it does not address Soteriology, Calvanism, Arminianism, Antinomianism etc.

This short book is a very helpful read, gives a good basic understanding of DT and challenges all those involved in the millennial debate to ensure that views are correctly identified and discussed.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short: This is a succinct overview of the core tenants of dispensational thinking which is likely to serve those wanting to familiarize themselves with the view.

Some additional thoughts and testimony…

As someone who has predominantly learned from folks in covenant theology circles for well over a decade, I thought it was important to listen to brothers on “the other side” of the theological spectrum so that I could better understand how they think through passages that came to my mind as clearly contradicting their assertions. I found this exercise thought-provoking and profitable.

Vlach helped me celebrate shared core values (a concern for being faithful to the Word, the glory of God, etc.), helped me gain a better understanding of the main points of contention between these two theological systems, and helped clarify some misunderstandings I’d picked up about dispensational beliefs (largely due to historical developments in the system). The disagreement basically boils down to hermeneutics, ecclesiology (what is the church?), and eschatology (how do things work out in the end?) I have a better appreciation for the view of my brothers and sisters, learned areas I need to nuance my thoughts and discourse, and was generally edified.

I commend this short work to others who may wish to become better acquainted with the basics of dispensational belief. Vlach is a humble, clear, and worthy guide.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlach's writing is clear and his treatment of opposing views is fair. I appreciate that he is clear on where he is on the issues. Too many writers on eschatology try to convince you of their position without clearly telling you what their position is. Whatever your eschatology, this book is worth you time for clarification on issues of dispensationalism as a system.

[Matt Glidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for what it is: a good concise review of dispensationalism. (A topic that very few seem interested in :)

[Nate Youtzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the writing of Mike Vlach, and this is not speaking as one who agrees with him on every point, but as an individual who appreciates his well-thought out argumentation. This little book does just that with a key area of doctrine that is often confused and misunderstood.

[Markus Cerveira Madsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful book, though I think the author is mistaken in arguing that ecclesiology and eschatology can be totally isolated from other areas of Christian doctrines. Vlach places great emphasis on his conviction, that there can be no necessary or plausible implications for other doctrines such as soteriology from holding to dispensationalist views on ecclesiology and eschatology.

[Caleb Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The expansion of promise need not mean the cancellation of earlier commitments God has made." - Michael Vlach

Vlach does a great job in laying out the actual issues at play in the everlasting debate of dispensationalism and covenant theology (Or, systems of continuity vs systems of discontinuity). It is sad to see, but many critiques of dispensationalism sadly don't really understand it all that well. Vlach does a wonderful job getting at the heart of the issue as he sees it and I think he is correct. It all boils down to basically two things: hermeneutics and the overall storyline of the Bible. The topic of hermeneutics is spot on: For example, do you think "the Israel of God" in Gal. 6:16 is referring to the church or believing Jews in the church? How you answer that basically tells me where you are going to land. Do you think Israel as a nation is "toast" as I like to say in God's future purposes? How you answer that tells me which side of the spectrum you land on.

Vlach also does a great job pointing out what is not essential to (or even a part of) dispensationalism. Just because some dispy ages ago in a study Bible note possibly alluded to there being multiple ways of salvation does not of necessity mean every dispy is a raging Arminian, Antinomian, Zane Hodges fanboy. I've never really understood the critiques of Gerstner and Mathison on this. All they do is basically show their ignorance of what they're talking about. Vlach helpfully points out that the number of dispensations and belief in a PreTrib rapture are not essential to dispensationalism. I loved seeing this, and, in my opinion, we're better off talking about the Biblical covenants rather than dispensations.

I think if I could critique this book it would be in Vlach's emphasis on prophecy being "fulfilled in the way the original inspired Bible authors intended" (87). The vast majority of non-dispys would agree with that statement (although, yes, Riddlebarger and Greidanus have said some interesting things). The issue is not authorial intent in and of itself; the issue is what did the author actually intend in that passage. The issue is not saying Isa. 2:2-4 or Zech. 14 for example now vanish and mean nothing; the issue is what did Isaiah and Zechariah actually intend in communicating in what they wrote. Again, I think the dispys and discontinuity side of things generally makes better arguments. However, I do think guys like Wellum, Gentry, and Hamilton deserve a hearing and are on to something.

More could be said. Great intro into dispyism.

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the saddest moments of my life - my wife and I were talking to a Christian friend and mentioned a certain Dispensationalist teacher. That friend went into a diatribe that bordered on hatred, and it definitely made accusations that we knew weren't true.

I find the best way to know a view is to hear what the proponents of the view say, and then read the critiques and judge if they're accurately portraying the proponent's view. Dispensationalism is one such controversial topic, and this book does an excellent job in giving it.

"Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths" by Michael J. Vlach, does what is promised. He gives a list of what all dispensationalists believe and deals with common misconceptions (most of which are based on either poorly worded statements from Dispensationalists or misunderstanding, though there's a few accusations that border on slander.

One thing that Vlach deals with is that Dispensationalism is limited in the doctrines it affects, namely ecclesiology (doctrine of the church) and eschatology (doctrine of end times). He also recognizes that Dispensationalism is known as a doctrine of discontinuity (i.e. how the Old and New Testament differ) and then points out where Dispensationalists hold to continuity between the two Testaments.

This is a short book (just barely over 100 pages), because it has a specific purpose - dealing with what dispensationism is and what it isn't. This is not a book designed to convert people to dispensationalism or to win arguments; it is more of a defense against the attacks on that view. It definitely points out that Dispensationalists and Covenant Theologians agree that salvation from Adam on has always been by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

I did find some things that weren't covered. I've noticed that some of the arguments against dispensationalism are based on the gifts of the Spirit, though Vlach would probably point out that there are continuist as well as cessasionist dispensationalists. Vlach also doesn't mention Pauline Dispensationalism (which teaches that Paul is the New Testament writer dealing with the church and thus focus his teachings, nor acknowledge that all Dispensationalsist don't see the church at Pentecost (for example, Les Feldick who was an Acts 9 Pauline Dispensationalist. These items, however, aren't necessary for what Vlach is focused on in this volume.

This is an excellent introduction to dispensationalism.

[Chase Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first official reading of a book that seeks to expound the main doctrines of dispensationalism. Vlach offers an easy to read, simple, straightforward explanation of dispensationalism as a theological system; including what he considers the vital issues of dispensationalism, myths, areas of theology that it addresses and areas it does not address, along with a short question and answer section with books for further study as well.

Vlach was gracious about covenant theology, although he obvious came down on a theological system opposed to it. One helpful aspect of the book was the revealing of common myths about dispensationalism including; the claim that it advocates for more than one way of salvation, it affirms no typology, and is a system of discontinuity alone. After reading what it is, it’s helpful to read what it is not. One aspect of which is dispensationalism a heavy emphasis on 7 dispensations, which he states is not an essential point of the system, since covenant theologians also affirm dispensations in God’s dealing with redeemed individuals.

Vlach also makes it clear that dispensationalism sounds need to be more clear in formulating and expressing their theology to others. Including making the thesis points of dispensationalism clear, precise, and comprehendible. Equally important is remaining consistent in our theology, especially when interpreting the Old Testament and not committing what he calls “Testament priority”.

One important aspect to mention for dispensationalists attempting to land on traditional, revised, or progressive dispensationalism is that Vlach has no treatment of internal debate within this system. Rather, he seeks to highlight main points of the system that all broadly agree on, though they may have distinctive within the categories that differ.

As you can tell, I enjoyed the book immensely and can’t wait to not only do further reading on dispensationalism but more of Vlach’s work.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of the term "Dispensationalist" and still do not know that I want to wear it. There are some real kooks in the "Dispy Movement". Of course, there are some real kooks in the Covenant Theology movement too - and every movement, I suppose. Nobody wants to be judged by their craziest adherents. And just because a person has a loud microphone does not mean they represent the whole of any group.

All that said, Vlach does a fine job in this short book of explaining dispensationalism from a reasonable, approachable and Biblical perspective. He fairly represents opposing views and explains why he disagrees. Perhaps the best portion of the book is dealing with the false accusations often aimed at those of us who believe in a future for Israel. Without a doubt, the constant belittlement from such groups can be frustrating. And, many straw-men are often constructed to refute those who don't adhere to covenant theology.

I do not agree with every word in this book. But, the overall premise is good. I should also mention, if you are looking for a deeper understanding of premillennialism, this is not the book for you. This is a very concise "booklet", at best.

[Ryan Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is helpful on the whole for what it intends to be: a very simple, concise clarification on what modern Dispensational Theology (DT) is and is not. It helps identify variety within the overall dispensational system, and names some representative theologians from the various flavors of contemporary Dispensationalism.

While generally helpful in clarifying DT, it is less helpful and even misleading on its representation of opposing views. The portrayal of opponents to DT's strong delineation between Israel and the Church as exclusion or secession theology is hardly representative of the actual views held but Covenant Theologians. Equally unhelpful was the implication that if one sees the New Testament as being essential to rightly interpreting the OT, then one is somehow usurping grammatical-historical hermeneutics. Vlach's historiography is a little suspect with its almost casual dismissal of serious problems with past versions of DT. Finally, strongly radical and eccentric criticism and critics of DT were sometimes presented as typical, and these outliers were not adequately distinguished from more thoughtful objections and objectors. While Vlach does appreciate the difference, he is not always careful in how he presents the issues.

Of course, this book is much too short (intentionally) to deal with such complex issues. The goal was to define, distinguish, and nuance DT at an introductory level, and toward that end I think he is helpful for one trying to orient themselves to the topic and its representatives. However, one does well to be critically suspicious when opposing systems are in view.

[Douglas W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point, this book is a great summary of a very difficult-to-summarize theological framework. From my own reading, as well as my time in a dispensational church, it is extremely hard to get down to the 'brass tacks' of dispensationalism. There is a broad range of understanding from dispensationalist to dispensationalist, so Vlach outlining his particular brand (which, as I understand it, is fairly well representative of the MacArthur, Master's University/Seminary version) is extremely helpful. The common myths chapter is particularly valuable.

This book was not at all persuasive to me that dispensationalism is correct. On the contrary, it helped solidify my covenantalism. Instead, it's value is in succinctly stating the distinctives of the author and so many other strong Christian brothers who hold to dispensationalism. It's worth a read.

[Donald Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good but brief survey of the main points of dispensationalism and current controversies within and without the dispensational position. The book is accessible to the average Bible student and a handy reference for the veteran theologian.

Other introductions to the subject give more detail, but Vlach gives enough that the student can grasp the areas of distinction between various positions. He has a chapter on the history of the movement and covers the essential beliefs of dispensationalism. He also points out the key differences between dispensationalism and covenant theology.

Vlach also provides a helpful annotative bibliography at the end for further study.

[Christian Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un buen punto de partida

Aunque en el pasado no me identificaba como dispensacionalista, al leer este libro me di cuenta que creo en lo que es central al sistema teológico que allí se presenta. Antes de leer este libro, incluso llegué a pensar que la palabra “dispensacionalista” era una mala palabra y no había tenido interés alguno en saber lo que realmente significaba. Este libro ha abierto mi curiosidad y me ha dado un nuevo deseo de indagar más en el tema y aprender sobre el debate.

[Matthew J Patenaude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent defense of dispensationalism.

Dispensationalists tend to get a bad rap these days, but Vlach does a great job clarifying what it is and what its foundation beliefs are. Read this book if you want to understand how dispensationalism has been misrepresented and to get a clearer picture of this doctrinal system.

Importantly, the author is a textbook example of how to graciously and painstakingly make sure that opposing viewpoints are charitably represented, while accurately and thoroughly laying the groundwork for his topic.

[Joshua Chipchase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and helpful summary of the truly essential teachings of dispensationalism. Does a good job of sticking to the main things and not getting lost in the weeds. Clear arguments. Helpful in showing how some critics unfairly give strawman presentations against dispensationalism. Also shows that some past dispensationalists were clearly off their rocker about certain issues that do not necessarily pertain to dispensationalism (easy-believism, etc).

[Stephen Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid overview

Provides a helpful framework for evaluating dispensationalism as a system. However, considering its relevance to the discussion, the coverage of eschatology was weak and vague in my estimation. Also, Vlach tends to strawman and mischaracterize covenant theology when it suits his purposes, which is the very thing he protests covenant theologians do to dispensationalism.

[Amy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Vlach accomplished his mission in this short apologetic for dispensationalism, though it feels at times like he's herding cats. This book won't tell you details, but makes it clear what this framework is and isn't. Vlach also helpfully explains where false claims/accusations about dispensationalism err. It is vital to read through to the end. Some loose ends get better tied up in later sections of the book.

[John Eldreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dispensational Essence

In this book, Michael Vlach explains the essential foundation for dispensationalism… how to read the Bible for the best understanding of its contents. All other dispensational
doctrines are inferences based on that foundation. The idea is if the foundation is correct, then the inferences are likely correct as well. I recommend reading this book without a priori biases and thinking through the ideas presented and maybe it will convince you as well.

[Colby Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of your stance on the issue, this short book is an amazing help to simply understanding one side. I’ve been trying to grasp what dispensationalism actually is through books and conversations for about a year now. This book is very concise and clear on what is and is not essential to the theological system. Vlach’s clear and simple writing style encourages me to read more of his books in the future on the topic.

[Newall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction book on Dispensationalism

I was searching for books on this subject but always old books were suggested (like scoffield, chafer). Even the classic Ryrie book is somewhat outdated.

This is relatively recent and was useful in clarifying my understanding on this subject. Points to authors and resources for recent developments and further study.

Highly recommend it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very scholarly yet readable, modern assessment of dispensationalism. So much dispensational writing is either dated or sensationalized. This author is very focused on dealing with theological issues and avoids the common attempt of fellow dispensationalists to tie into newspaper headlines and middle East developments. I recommend it.

[Kirk Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to dispensationalism. Vlach lays out its key tenets, refutes common misconceptions, and presents its primary differences with non-dispensational theological systems. His tone is respectful and informative throughout, and the extensive bibliography at the end provides ample resources to consult for those who desire to delve deeper into the subject.

[Nathan Tippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an in depth review but rather a helpful description of the key points which set dispenationalism apart. It is not what we thought in many cases. Many of our assumptions may be generally true but not technicaly acurate when it comes to how they approach the scriptures and interpret them. A short and insightful read.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful primer providing clarity on what Dispensationalism is and is not, regardless of whether you hold to this theological system. Vlach is sympathetic to some of the developments within Dispensationalism over the past several decades without fully embracing the Progressive Dispensationalist label.

[Hernan1989 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opinión

Respecto al contenido no hay mucho que decir, es un libro bien organizado, es conciso y claro en su tratamiento del tema. Lo considero desde ya un clásico introductorio al dispensacionalismo, sin embargo, la razón por la que no doy las 5 estrellas es por sus errores de redacción, necesita una revisión o reedición que pueda quitar todos estos errores.

[Luke Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to Dispensational theology

This book is succinct but very informative. Coach describes dispensationalism well. The recommended reading at the end is the cherry on top. This book is great and I highly recommend it.