Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022)
Article: Editorial
Author: Anonymous

Editorial

The grace of God is a dynamic that is manifested in obedience and not merely the forgiveness of sins. Grace teaches one to “deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Tit 2:12). Continuing that same thought, Scripture also reveals that grace instructs believers to be looking for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace teaches God’s people to expect and prepare for the “blessed hope,” which is the appearing of the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the rapture (v. 13). The blessed hope is not glory or heaven; rather it is the person of Jesus Christ. Followers of Christ do not merely wait for the Lord’s return but also live in expectation of his coming. Believers are “looking for” the return of Christ and are to be ready for that blessed day. Every generation of believers has shared that longing for the Lord’s appearing.

One of the most frequently cited objections to believing that Scripture teaches Christ will return to rapture church saints in an entirely different manner than his coming to judge sinners and to rule and reign for a thousand years is the idea that such a doctrine is a new teaching in the history of the church. Certainly, undeveloped aspects of the rapture doctrine are found among the early church and even centuries prior to John Nelson Darby. Dispensationalists, of course, recognize that one significant reason for the revival of pretribulational thought was the result of Darby’s systematic theology. Therefore, it is only natural for those opposed to dispensationalism to attack that influence and to develop false notions for the origin of Darby’s thinking. Thomas Ice’s article is a refutation of such false claims for the origin of the pretribulational rapture in particular and the development of Darby’s views in general. Second Peter 2:20 has resulted in numerous interpretations, particularly regarding to whom does “they” refer and whether “if” communicates a hypothetical possibility that was not actually true. Ward Crocker’s article reconsiders the first-class conditional clause in support of a false protasis and conveys the meaning of such an interpretation. One would not be wrong to contend that true Christians identify with differing political parties. Consequently, it is relevant and vital to understand the Marxist worldview because a significant number of voting citizens are either considering the application of it entirely, or, at least, some aspects of Marxism. The third article herein will help Christians assess Marxism. Zephaniah is the prophet of darkness and daylight. John Wiley’s article explains the “tremendously important doctrine” of the Day of the Lord in Zephaniah, whi...