Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:70 (Spring 2021)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

Horatio G. Spafford wrote the popular hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” in 1873, in response to two major traumas in his life. Spafford was a wealthy businessman and experienced his first distress from the Chicago Fire of October 1871, which devastated his finances. Shortly after the fire, his wife and four daughters were crossing the Atlantic Ocean and their vessel collided with another ship. All four daughters died. His wife sent a telegram: “saved alone.” Several weeks later, Spafford’s own ship passed near the location where his daughters died, and he penned the words to the popular hymn.

The first verse begins: “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way / When sorrows like sea billows roll / Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say / It is well, it is well, with my soul.” The last verse concludes with a beautiful expression of the Christian’s hope: “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight / The clouds be rolled back as a scroll / The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend / Even so, it is well with my soul.”

Spafford’s hymn is testimony to the eternal hope of every believer. In the present and for eternal life, the believer’s hope is based upon Christ’s salvation. Truly, it is difficult to comprehend entirely what God has accomplished on behalf of those who trust Christ Jesus. For instance, God has not only forgiven believers of their sins, but has granted privileges and rights to his spiritual children. Such blessing results in a life of thanksgiving for the hope and joy of God’s salvation, and thus motivates believers to live with an eternal perspective.

In regards to that hope, Matthew Wong’s research article on Hebrews 6:4–8 demonstrates the priority of perseverance in view of God’s salvation. In addition to urging the need to pursue spiritual maturity, Wong’s article explains the consequences of apostasy, which leads naturally to David Olander’s study of Jude 1:5–7 because his article proves how Jude admonished his readers to contend earnestly for the faith in response to ungodly apostates. Kenneth Cooper articulated the theological message of Mark’s Gospel, which (among other emphases) does instill hope within believers with the promise of the Lord’s second coming. Lastly, Jeffrey Tomkins’ study of Ephesians 2:8–9 explains the hope of God’s calling and the believer’s glorious inheritance through believing the good news of God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. Gary Gilley’s editorial shares the importance of the books selected for review. We trust this issue of the Journal of Dispensational Theology will stimulate your steadfast hope in our L...