Dispensationalism A Return to Biblical Theology or Pseudo Christian Cult ????

A few months ago I stumbled upon this long article discussing Dispensationalism. Let me say upfront, it is not a flattering article. But lest I remind my readers,

I recommend this article for the simple fact that it will get you thinking and will help you understand a topic from another point of view.

It is a good thing to read and understand other view points to make sure what you believe is best, and it is good to think through views different than yours in order to more fully understand the overall topic at hand. If we're not even willing to consider whether what we currently believe could be wrong (for lack of better term), then there is yet another more fundamental issue happening.

The article explains,

Perhaps the central doctrine of dispensationalism is the distinction between Israel and the church. Dispensationalism sees Israel as an earthly people with earthly promises, and the church as a heavenly people with heavenly promises. Membership in Israel is by natural birth. One enters the church by supernatural birth. Dispensationalists view Israel and the church as having distinct eternal destinies. Israel will receive an eternal earthly Kingdom, and the church an eternal heavenly Kingdom.

Darby, the father of dispensationalism, stated the distinction in the clearest of terms "The Jewish nation is never to enter the church."Ryrie considers this the most important dispensational distinction, and approves the statement that the "basic promise of Dispensationalism is two purposes of God expressed in the formation of two peoples who maintain their distinction throughout eternity."

In contrast, Christian theology has always maintained the essential continuity of Israel and the church. The elect of all the ages are seen as one people, with one Savior, one destiny. This continuity can be shown by examining a few Old Testament prophesies with their fulfillment. Dispensationalists admit that if the church can be shown to be fulfilling promises made to Israel their system is doomed.

If the church is fulfilling Israel's promises as contained in the new covenant or anywhere in the Scriptures, then [dispensational] premillennialism is condemned.

With that said, I commend the article, Dispensationalism A Return to Biblical Theology or Pseudo Christian Cult