Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

The gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The word translated “power” is δύναμις (dunamis) from which the modern word dynamite is derived. Δύναμις, however, has a far more practical meaning than the sensationalized claim that δύναμις means the same thing as dynamite. The word “power” in Romans 1:16 means inherent ability or strength (i.e. the inherent ability to accomplish tasks). Although many human philosophies may offer an alluring approach to life, they all lack the power to enact those promises. The gospel is unique because not only does it present God’s demands but also it gives believers the power (capacity or strength) to fulfill them. God’s divine commands are always satisfied with the Lord’s divine provisions!

If one is a Christian, it is safe to assume love for the gospel. The article on repentance by G. Allen Gunn confesses the truth that repentance is an integral component of the gospel message. For instance, repentance and faith are necessary commands of God in genuine conversion. Some biblical texts demand repentance (Acts 2:38), whereas others stress the necessity of faith alone (16:31); and some texts reveal that conversion involves both faith and repentance (20:21). Gunn demonstrates how saving faith relates to repentance so that it is evident that human works of any kind are never required.

The study of science is always conducive to the spiritual maturity of a Christian. As opposed to there being any dichotomy between faith and science, Quentin McCart’s article demonstrates that the two spheres are not in conflict. The relevance of scientific thought is evident in one of the primary characteristics of dispensational theology being the system’s consistent use of the grammatico-historical method of interpretation. In addition to hermeneutical methodology and an entirely doxological principle to God’s working in the world, another sine qua non of dispensationalism is the complete distinction of Israel and the church which David Olander elucidates in his article. For more than two thousand years of church history, believers have been able to say that the return of the Lord may be today, may be tomorrow, or may occur years from now. Don Trest’s article contends that the New Testament canon was closed with the completion of the Johannine Gospel and Epistles (the latter would include the Apocalypse), and thus no subsequent revelation awaits the church until the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ at his second co...