Why Do Progressive Dispensationalists Want To Remove Heaven From The Idea of Glory?

Dr. Couch, I have heard from Progressive Dispensationalists (PDs) that "glory" (doxa) is not heaven but simply describing glory that belongs to God and/or Christ. For some reason they want to remove heaven from the idea of glory. How do you answer?

Answer: I answer biblically which they do not, on this and other issues! Glory certainly can refer to that which is attributed to God and Christ ("the glory of God," "the glory of Christ") but the word is used to describe many things that are "glorious" in the Scriptures, including heaven. I have been through this discussion before with PDs and found them very unbiblical and stubborn on this issue. They are pushing some kind of agenda and are not being textual.


Here are a few verses that clearly would be saying glory is a place—heaven. "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). "You shall appear with Him in glory" (3:4). "Called you into His kingdom and glory" (1 Thess. 2:12). Christ was in the "world, received up INTO glory!" (3:16). "Bringing many sons unto glory" (Heb. 2:10). The unto in Greek is actually into (eis). And finally, Peter writes, "God has called us unto (into, eis) His eternal glory" (1 Pet. 5:10).


The argument is over! Be careful who you listen to!


Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch