Dispensational Theologians

Dr. Couch, we hear a lot about Covenant theologians. But who are the Dispensational theologians you respect today?

ANSWER: Without a doubt, Walvoord, Ryrie, Scofield, Pentecost. And those of us in the PreTrib Study Group can be trusted, such as myself, Hindson, Ice, Stallard, Benware. All of the great Bible schools, Bible colleges, etc. were all dispensational, such as Moody, Dallas, and Philadelphia (and many others). Many of the great Dispensational scholars of the past are listed in my Award Winning book "Dictionary of Premillennial Theology."

Many of the current dispensational theologians of the day have written in my book, "Gathering Storm". As well, you need to read my "Fundamentals for the Twenty-First Century" (Kregel). Chapters are also written by these outstanding men.


Some of the greatest names of the dispensationalists of the past, and their histories, are in my "Dictionary." You will find it a fascinating book!

The most well-known Covenant guys are: Hodge, Shedd, Berkhof, Strong, A.A. Hodge, Reymond, etc. I have these volumes, plus many others but they do not have our books. Therefore, they are downright ignorant of what the Bible actually teaches.

If you have read my "Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics" volume you will see that Hodge and Berkhof actually fudge on the Bible. Part of the Covenant Theology comes from outside of the Bible, and they even admit to that fact!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch (3/11)

God's Master Plan

Dr. Couch, the covenant theologians say that God's master plan is about salvation almost exclusively. Whereas dispensationalists see many issues in the Scriptures are honored with glory, not simply salvation. Is this right? ANSWER:  It is true that God's work in salvation, and in the Church, does indeed bring Him glory. But all of history has many conclusions that give Him honor, along with the issue of salvation. Dispensationalists can point to many, many things whereby God will be glorified, even more than the issue of salvation.    Charles Ryrie points out in his book Dispensationalism, that the founder of covenant theology, Cocceius, "makes the three covenants of this system, the basis, and background, and substance of all God's dealings with man for his redemption." In other words, redemption, and salvation, is the main, if not the exclusive, work of God in history. While salvation is certainly important, God's plan has more to it whereby He receives glory! Below is a list:    The Law given by Moses "came with glory" (2 Cor. 3:7).    Moses' face shown with glory when he descended from the mountain (2 Cor. 3:7b).    The gospel itself gives the light of "the glory of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:4).    The grace of the gospel causes the "giving of thanks to abound to God's glory (v. 15).     Paul's tribulations bring to the believer glory (Eph. 3:13).     Because of the Church, Christ receives glory (v. 21).     The Father receives glory (Phil. 4:20).     We all with appear with Christ in glory (Col. 1:27; 3:4).     Moses received glory (Heb. 3:3).     Christ will receive glory in His future appearing (1 Pet. 1:7).     In the tribulation period, the angelic beings will receive glory (Rev. 4:9).     God as Creator will receive glory (v. 11).     Because of His messianic, Kingly position, with power and riches, Christ will receive glory (Rev. 5:12, 13; 7:12; 11:13; 14:7).     The rulers entering the new earth will bring in their glory (Rev. 21:24).     The word of God is glorious (Acts 13:48).     After Babylon the Harlot is destroyed God receives glory (Rev. 18:1).     Because of God's power and wrath in the tribulation, the heavenly temple is filled  with smoke "from the glory of God" (15:5-8).    God's plan of history brings Him glory, even above the issue of human salvation!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Oct., 09)

What Other Systematic Theologies Do You Recommend?

Dr. Couch, I have been reading your book The Fundamentals for the 21st Century and my heart has been warmed. What other systematic theologies do you recommend? 

 

   ANSWER:  I have all of the Reformed systematic theologies and appreciate them except when they get o­nto eschatology, then I gag! They are into allegory and Covenant Theology that even Berkhof and Hodge admits is not in the Bible. But apart from eschatology they are good: Berkhof, Hodge, Strong, Reymond, Shedd, Calvin, Gill. 

    But the best to pull the entire Bible together would be Lewis S. Chafer’s Systematic Theology, and Ryrie’s Basic Bible, Theissen’s Lectures in Systematic Theology, Paul Enns Moody Handbook of Theology. These would be consistent in literal hermeneutics, no allegory, premillennial, dispensational. 

    Thanks for asking.

    Dr. Mal Couch,