Monday, April 30, 2007

Words About Dr. Lewis S. Chafer Regarding Scofield


Dr. Couch, I appreciate so many things you have said about Dr. C. I Scofield. You have revived an interest in the man but also have fired up the flames of us younger men who want to be solid Bible teachers of the Word by sharing facts about him. Would you repeat some of the things Dr. Lewis S. Chafer said of Scofield? 
 
    Dr. Scofield died in July 1921. Before his death he had taught with, and known, some of the greatest giants among the Bible teachers at the turn of the century. He mentored Chafer as a Bible teacher and Chafer took over for a period Scofield’s church in Dallas. Chafer was most profoundly influenced by Scofield and went on and founded “old” Dallas Seminary because of his clear explanation of the plan of the Bible. Chafer said of Scofield:
Until I had heard Scofield teach I had never heard a “real” teacher of God’s Word. Scofield was a friend to the giants: James M. Gray, William Eerdman, Arthur Pierson, A. C. Gaebelein, and William Pettingill. Scofield did not study simply for himself but in order to impart to others the Bible and the skills to teach it. He was patient and had the teacher’s gift which was enriched by the power of the Spirit of God. Scofield knew personally God as his heavenly Father with more reality than any other person I have ever known.
    Scofield’s little book Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth became a classic and was read over time by millions. For the first time people could understand the Word of God and were set free from the domination of the false teachings of the allegorists, the amillennialists, and the Covenant theologians of the day who “made up” their theology and did not let the Bible speak in its normal sense. Rightly so, Scofield pointed out that Israel and the Church must always remain distinct. Almost one hundred years before other great Bible teachers had already arrived at that conclusion. Scofield only punctuated this great biblical fact that made the plan of Scripture blossom before many who thirsted for the right meaning of God’s plan of the ages! 

    I hope this helps, and thanks for asking,

    Dr. Mal Couch