Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021)
Article: The Complete Distinction Of Israel And The Church
Author: David E. Olander

JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021) p. 177

The Complete Distinction Of Israel And The Church

David Olander

* David Olander, STM, Th.D., Ph.D., professor of biblical languages & theology, Tyndale Theological Seminary & Biblical Institute

No system of theology is immune to criticism or disapproval and in that arena, dispensationalism is no different from any other major biblical teaching which certainly has its many critics and opponents. What is perhaps different with dispensationalism today as a system of theology is the marked and noticeable departure from dispensationalism by many Bible colleges and seminaries that were once highly or completely dispensational. This is not surprising especially when there are continued warnings given in Scripture concerning departure from biblical truth (1 Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 3:1–3; 4:3–4). While there has always been departure from great biblical teachings, the major issue here concerns the absolute certainty and truth of dispensationalism as a system of theology based on God’s inerrant Word.

What truly defines dispensationalism? What are the basic and most fundamental teachings of dispensationalism? What are the primary issues that have arisen in the past 20 or so years, especially with institutions that were dispensational? All this can be understood quite simply by answering the question what is the very heart of dispensationalism.

The purpose of this article is not to define dispensations and the number of them, although that will be discussed. What is vitally important is to understand the biblically based certainty at the very core of dispensational truth. This truly involves understanding the sine qua non of dispensationalism (i.e. keeping Israel and the church distinct, using a consistently literal interpretation [this would mean a normal or plain use of the language], and understanding God’s purpose in the world is for his glory [i.e. a totally doxological principle and thus differing with covenant theology’s view as soteriological]).

JODT 25:71 (Autumn 2021) p. 178

While many dispensational teachers and authors have dealt with all these issues, it is a matter of being more technical especially with consistently keeping Israel and the church totally distinct. As some teachings may hold to Israel and the church being distinct, it is the purpose of this article to show that Israel and the church are completely distinct. Just to say the church and national Israel are distinct does not mean much to those who are merely uttering words who merge the two into one people of God. Note in the doctrinal position o...