Dispensations and Israel

Dear Mr. Froese,I used to subscribe to dispensational views on eschatological timing. I was raised with it but now after 40 years in the Scriptures, I must say I had to “put that on the shelf.” I feel it is more faithful to Scripture and God’s historic dealings with Israel, the Church and mankind in general, to patiently hope and pray for Jesus to return as stated in Revelation 22:20…quickly, soon, without delay, but beyond that, I don’t know. I find nothing in Scripture to support credibly teaching unclear things we can’t know and can only presume. If I were sure in my heart that God had revealed this to me it might be different, but I have to leave it on the shelf…wait and find out.I appreciate your views on Israel, so greatly needed to be taught to the Church today. I believe it will be increasingly crucial as we approach the end of the age, whenever that is, and however it comes. I won’t be surprised if it becomes the greatest issue facing the Church. It won’t be baptism, spiritual gifts, forms of governance, or any of the historic things the Church has divided up over. I believe it will be Israel. But all of the details are secure in God’s hands as to what will happen, how and when. But, His love and faithfulness to Israel is certain right to the end of history. It is one of the most certain subjects throughout both testaments, and is one thing I feel confident that I see and understand (at least to some degree). It’s the most plainly and often stated prophecy in Scripture. One doesn’t need to wrestle with allegory and great mystery on that, so I wonder why so much of the Church buys into replacement theology. Merely strange? Or powerful satanic deception! I suspect the latter. -G. Brown, GA


Arno's Answer:



Dispensationalism is clearly taught in the Bible; Jesus scolded the Bible scholars, “…ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times [dispensation]?” (Matthew 16:3). Besides, we are admonished to “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

Regarding the rapture, it’s an unexpected event; there are no signs given in Scripture. But we are admonished to wait for the Lord. That is true in the Old Testament and emphasized in the New Testament. For that reason, I reject the mid- and post- tribulation rapture.

Midnight Call - 08/2016

Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

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