Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 01:1 (Spring 1997)
Article: Literal Interpretation, Theological Method, and the Essence of Dispensationalism
Author: Michael D. Stallard

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Literal Interpretation, Theological Method,
and the Essence of Dispensationalism

Mike Stallard

Associate Professor of Systematic Theology

This article responds to the tendency within evangelicalism, especially in covenant theology and progressive dispensationalism, to remove the concept of literal interpretation as a distinctive of dispensational interpretation. A review of the history of the debate between dispensationalism and nondispensationalism as it relates to literal interpretation shows that literal interpretation still has some place for discussion. A definition of literal interpretation leads to a reaffirmation of grammatical-historical interpretation. However, recent developments have forced the debate into avenues of theological method or the integration of texts. In particular, the priority and harmonization of biblical texts has become the focus, especially through the study of the New Testament use of the Old Testament. The theological sequence for nondispensationalists inadequately begins with the New Testament and then integrates Old Testament truth into that prior grid. The dispensational sequence accurately begins with the Old Testament and then integrates New Testament truth, thereby maintaining the progress of revelation. The result is that dispensationalism refuses to give up the literal interpretation of the Old Testament promises to Israel throughout the entire theological task from exegesis to theological integration.

As one evaluates the current debate between dispensationalism and nondispensationalism, the pervading

JMAT 1:1 (Spr 97) p. 6

notion seems to be that dispensationalism is in the midst of an identity crisis. While as a whole the evangelical community is seeking some common ground in eschatology, certainly a worthy aim, this paper seeks to contribute some understanding to the essence of dispensationalism in a day when the very term has been brought into question by those within dispensational circles.1

In particular this paper will attempt to articulate the essence of dispensationalism in hermeneutical terms.2 Earl Radmacher noted that “literal interpretation is the ‘bottom-line’ of dispensationalism.”3 This “bottom-line” expresses itself in its consistent application to prophetic portions of Scripture.4 Thus, the essence of dispensationalism for Radmacher is the literal interpretation of prophecy. Eschatology must be derived from such an approach to the Bible. What follows is a defense of thi...

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