Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 05:3 (Jul 1999)
Article: Israelology Part 2 of 6
Author: Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

CTSJ 5:3 (July 1999) p. 33

Israelology
Part 2 of 6

Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum*

[*Editor's note: Arnold Fruchtenbaum earned a B.A. degree from Cedarville College, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from New York University. He is the founder of Ariel Ministries, Tustin, CA, a ministry to Jewish people around the world; he holds Bible conferences in most English speaking countries. Arnold is also an adjunct professor at Chafer Theological Seminary. CTS accepts Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s bi-annual five-week study tour of Israel for credit. His email address is [email protected].]

Israel Present

In light of its consistent distinction between Israel and the Church, Dispensationalism ought to allow for a full-scale theological development of Israel Present. Instead, a bewildering lack of development causes great confusion among Dispensational theologians concerning the Jews (in general) and the role of Jewish believers today (in specific). Consequently, when dealing with current Jewish issues, many Dispensationalists sound like Covenant Theologians. The place of Israel in God’s plan remains Dispensationalism’s weakest area.

The Kingdom of God Program

God’s kingdom program is all-pervasive and encompasses past, present, and future. Technically, a study of the kingdom program relates to any (and all) of these categories. However, this examination of Israelology will consider it under Israel Present, which is the connecting link with Israel Past and Israel Future.

The Universal Kingdom or the Eternal Kingdom

The first facet of the kingdom program is the Universal Kingdom or the Eternal Kingdom. This refers to God’s rule in providence and sovereignty. Nothing ever happens outside of God’s will. What happens might be due to God’s directive or decretive will or due to His permissive will. God is always in control. The two names emphasize different aspects of this facet of the kingdom. The term eternal emphasizes the timeless aspect. The fact that God is always in control means that His control is eternal. The term universal emphasizes the sphere and the scope. No matter where things exist, everything is within the sovereign will and control of

CTSJ 5:3 (July 1999) p. 34

God.1 This is the kingdom that believers enter upon death (1 Corinthians 15:50; 2 Timothy 4:18). Dispensations are the outworking of this kingdom in human history.

The Spiritual Kingdom

As the second facet of God’s kingdom program, the Spiritual Kingdom includes all (regardless of generation or time) who have ex...