Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 02:6 (Sep 1998)
Article: Does Progressive Dispensationalism Teach A Posttribulational Rapture?—Part II
Author: John Brumett

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CTJ 2:6 (September 1998) p. 319

Does Progressive Dispensationalism Teach A Posttribulational Rapture?—Part II

John Brumett

Ph. D. in Prophetic Studies Candidate
Tyndale Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX

Introduction & Review

In the last article we say that Progressive dispensationalists define the Church significantly different than traditional dispensationalists have done. This is done in at least seven ways: 1) The concept of the church is seen as a remnant instead of a body; 2) The body of Christ concept is not the defining entity of the church; 3) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is viewed differently and is not the defining work of the Church; 4) The view of one people of God instead of two; 5) The mystery nature of the Church is minimized and redefined; 6) The Church is the kingdom in this dispensation (Matt. 13:7) The Church fulfills Israel’s new covenant as well as the Davidic and Abrahamic covenants in an inaugurated way.

In this article, we will begin with an examination of the similarities of Robert Gundry’s views to those of the Progressives.

Progressives’ View of the Church is Similar to Robert Gundry’s Posttribulational Teaching

Gundry in his 1973 book entitled The Church and the Tribulation writes:

In the chronological question concerning the rapture, the dispensational issue centers in the field of ecclesiology. An absolute silence in the Old Testament about the present age, a total disconnection of the Church from the divine program for Israel, and a clean break between dispensations would favor pretribulationism: the Church would not likely be related to the seventieth week of Daniel, or the tribulation, a period of time clearly having to do with Israel. But a partial revelation of the present age in the Old Testament, a connection (not necessarily identification) between Israel and the Church, and a dispensational

CTJ 2:6 (September 1998) p. 320

change involving a transitional period, open the door to the presence of the Church during the tribulation.1

Gundry argues, as progressives argue, against the traditional view that the Church is a mystery entity not revealed in the Old Testament. Gundry states:

Besides dispensational breadth in the usage of the term “mystery,” there are Old Testament prophecies which specifically mention and imply the present age. These prophecies provide support for a connection between Israel and the Church, between Old Testament prophecy and the present age.

The current session of Christ at the Lord’s right hand fulfills the Messianic pred...

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