Dr. Couch, it seems as if there are many passages in the NT that
indicate the postponement of the kingdom. They appear to show that after
the church age, then God will clearly bring forth the Davidic kingdom,
though I fully understand that the tribulation comes in between. What do
you say on this?
You are absolutely right! Many non-dispensationalists argue that there is
no postponement, but they are wrong! In Acts 3:17-26 Peter strongly
hints at this postponement. He cites for the Jews the fact of Christ’s
coming to die for sins. The prophets spoke of this suffering, this God
has fulfilled (v. 18). The Jews then were to repent so that their sins
would be wiped away (v. 19).
After the repentance then "times of refreshing
may come from the presence of the Lord" (v. 19b). This is the kingdom.
It begins when God sends "Jesus the Christ appointed for you, whom
heaven must receive UNTIL the period of restoration of all things about
which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time" (v. 21).
Verse 21 is without a doubt speaking of a postponement!
The same is happening in Acts 15:7-18. When it was
explained to the apostles that God was now reaching the Gentiles with
the gospel, James stands up before them and refers to Amos 9:11-12,
which quotes from the Lord, "After these things I will return,
and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will
rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, …" (v. 16a). Again, a
postponement is in view. This makes sense from the text and by
understanding that the Word of God is dispensational!
Following Christ’s resurrection, and just before
His ascension, the disciples asked: "Lord, is it at this time You are
restoring the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Christ answers: "It is not
for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own
authority; but NOW you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit
has come upon you ..." (vs. 7-8). Thus, the Lord is verifying the
principle of The Postponement!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
