Books on Premillennial Theology

Dr. Couch, I'm convinced. From much that you've been writing I see the error of amillennialism and covenant theology. Where can I read more on how all that heresy began?

ANSWER: I suggest three sources, or study the teaching of three individuals in church history. (1) Philo, (2) Origen, and (3) Augustine. They are the ones who influenced the church the most by their writings on allegorical interpretation.

The sources would be Bernard Ramm in his book Protestant Biblical Interpretation. Read pages 24-38. Read also on Catholic Allegorism (pp. 38-45). Also study the section on the Syrian School of Antioch (pp. 48-50). Antioch was most influenced by the early prophets and probably Paul as mentioned in the book of Acts. They maintained and taught the literal approach to Scripture for generations. Ramm writes "The result of these principles [developed in Antioch] was some of the finest exegetical literature of ancient times." And the literal interpretative school at Antioch, especially in "The commentary of Theodore [of Mopsuestia] on the minor epistles of Paul is the first and almost the last exegetical work produced in the ancient Church which will bear any comparison with modern commentaries."

Check out the three names of the men mentioned above in my Dictionary of Premillennial Theology (Kregel). I also wrote a chapter on the Antiochian School as well.

Read also what I wrote on these men in my interpretation book Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics (Kregel). The allegory and destructive hermeneutics of these men greatly influenced Catholic and then Reformation thinking in their spiritualizing especially biblical prophecy. I really do not think most allegory and amillennial guys know the origin of their own system. They are great quoters but terrible interpreters. They are unable to think textually and biblically.

I quote Trigg who shows the foolishness of Origen in his interpretation on Matthew 24 and the issue of the return of Christ. Trigg points out that Origen, on the two men laboring in the field, believes this "represents good and bad influences on a person's will." How dumb!
And I quote on Origen the great church historian and Lutheran amillennialist, Philip Schaff, when he has to admit that "His allegorical interpretation is ingenious, but often runs far away from the text and degenerates into the merest caprice." I conclude in my book, "amillennialists continue to utilize a system of interpretation that is textually and historically at odds with the normal reading [even] understood by the early church."

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

The Gospel's of Peter and Paul

Dr. Couch, was the message of Peter and Paul the same about salvation to the believer?

ANSWER: I can't believe this question. Don't ask me. Please read the letters of Peter! That will give you the answer. I'd love to know from what heretical position such a question is coming. Mercy, mercy, mercy!

But here we go:

"Caused us to be born again" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"A living hope through the resurrection" 1 Pet. 1:3.
"To obtain an inheritance which will not fade away" 1 Pet. 1:4.
"The proof of your faith" 1 Pet. 1:7.
"You believe in Him" 1 Pet. 1:8.
"The outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls" 1 Pet.1:9.
"This salvation the prophets prophesied"1 Pet. 1:10.
"Who preached the gospel to you"1 Pet. 1:12.
"The grace to be brought to you, the revelation of Jesus Christ"1 Pet. 1:13.
"You were not redeemed with ..."1 Pet. 1:18.
"You were redeemed with the precious blood of a lamb, the blood of Christ" 1 Pet. 1:19.
"Who through Him are believers in God"1 Pet. 1:21.
"You have in obedience to the truth purified your souls"1 Pet. 1:22.
"You have been born again" 1 Pet. 1:23.

I think I'll stop here! This is only the 1st chapter of 1 Peter!

Thanks for asking,
Dr. Mal Couch (4/11)

Hidden Bible Codes

Dr. Couch, I know of some Bible teachers who believe in what they call the "hidden Bible codes." Is this heresy?

ANSWER: I know some of these brothers personally and I think it is unfortunate that they take this view. The problem is God has revealed to us His revelations in full without any hidden messages or methods needed to find out what the truth is. This means that some people are "in" on secret truth and some are "out" in knowing what God has revealed. This makes them special and gives them an "up" on the rest of us.

If God is giving us His truth why would He then give a secret code in order to unlock what He has to say? It does not make sense! The book of Acts says the Bereans searched the Scriptures daily in order to confirm the truth of the gospel (Acts 17:11). They used inductive reasoning and searching and did not employ some secret key to try to understand the Word of God. Paul says the Thessalonians "received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God" (1 Thess. 2:13). Again, no secret code was needed.

Some people like to be sensationalists and mystics in interpreting the Bible. Don't fall for it. God spoke to us in plain language!

Is the "code" view heresy? No, maybe not, but it is certainly wrong and terribly misleading!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
#296

Church of Christ

Dr. Couch, what is the Church of Christ? ANSWER:  While they deny they are a denomination, they are a denomination! They used to be called the Campbell-ites, from the founder Alexander Campbell (1788-1866). Each Church of Christ may have different doctrinal ideas but generally, they hold to five points for salvation. (1) You must believe in Christ, (2) Be baptized in the Church of Christ, (3) Repent, (4) Confess, and (5) Join their church.    Their creed is: "Where the Scriptures speak we speak, and where the Scriptures are silent we are silent." While this may sound good, they really do not hold to that. And too, they can be very wooden-headed. For example, since the NT does not speak of music in the church, they do not believe in using musical instruments. One could argue, the NT does not speak of using electricity in the church, so therefore, we should not use electricity.    The Church of Christ are famous for splits and counter-splits. They pick on each other. They push doctrines up against the wall and fight and fuss over minor points.    My main complaints are about their un-biblical view of salvation, and their un-biblical view of the return of Christ. They are amillennial in prophecy and "almost" do not believe in studying the OT, though that may be a bit unfair. Because of their "tight" view on salvation they would say that those who are not Church of Christ are not saved.    They are unable to discuss doctrine because they believe that such is un-biblical. Because of their false view of baptism, they can easily be defeated in a discussion by taking them to 1 Corinthians 1:12-17. Some years ago, I took a Church of Christ guy to this passage and after he read the verses, he got literally physically sick and just walked out of the room. They cannot answer what Paul is saying in these verses.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (11/10)

Progressive Dispensationalism Destroying the Bible

Dr. Couch, does not Progressive Dispensationalism (PD) put interpretation in dangerous territory? Is it not destroying a clear meaning of the understanding of the Bible? ANSWER:  Yes, indeed, it is. The founders of this view of interpretation said when they revealed their system that they wanted to have a compromise system with covenant theology. They admitted they wanted the covenant guys to like them and not look down on traditional dispensationalism.    I am not a dispensationist as one who simply follows a system. The Bible IS dispensational. That is the nature of Scripture. I do not have to foist a view on the Bible. I just take it at face value and the Word of God "interprets" itself. I read the Bible with a literal approach, and with a historical, grammatical interpretation. This is what the orthodox Godly Jews did with the Old Testament. What they come up with, I come up with. Christ did not chide the Jews for their belief in prophecy or in their literal understanding of Scripture. He chided the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their legalism. The PD guys, Blaising and Bock, added biblical theology to interpretation, along with their approach to understanding Scripture. They say the interpreter adds theology in his interpretive mix. This is dead wrong. We develop our theology from our observation of what Scripture is saying.    I know for a fact that PD at one of the "big" seminaries in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area has blunted an understanding of the Bible. The students come out not fully knowing the prophetic Word. They come out confused as to what the Bible is teaching. I remember some years ago talking to the class president of that school and asking him what he was going to do when he graduated. He said he was going to Westminster Seminary in order to understand what the Bible said. He was tugged by Covenant Theology because of his confusion as a graduate from that big (supposedly) dispensational school. All he had to do was read the theologies of Berkhof and Charles Hodge to find out about Covenant theology. In their books he will find that the Covenant guys admit that Covenant theology is not in the Bible, that the covenants of grace and works are simply "implied" in the Bible, they are not "explicit." They were made with Adam, and Christ, in eternity past but that you can't find them in Scripture. What a dumb system! You need to read my quotes of Berkhof and Hodge in my Classical Evangelical Hermeneutical textbook on pages 158-59. You will be shocked at what they say!    Dispensationalists can "prove" the dispensational nature of the Bible.    PD and Covenant theology are just plain nutty!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (9/10)

The Lord's Approval or People's Approval?

Dr. Couch, what did Paul mean when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:19, "They which are approved may be made manifest among you." Does "approve" refer to our Lord's approval or to people's approval? ANSWER:  Good question. It has to do with the fact that they are approved of by the Lord. The first of the verse says "For there must be heresies among you." When we face heretical teaching, we are strengthened by God. The church then is put on trial, tested. In his commentary, Charles Hodge says:      "It is that they which are approved, the tried, those who have stood the test, and are worthy of approbation. By the prevalence of disorders and other evils in the church, God puts His people to the test. They are tried as gold in the furnace, and their genuineness is made to appear. It is a great consolation to know that dissensions ... are ordered by the providence of God, and are designed, as storms, for the purpose of purification" of the believer.    God knows what He is doing with us!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (8/10)

Maranatha and Anathema

Dr. Couch, what do the words Maranatha and Anathema mean? ANSWER:  The word "marantha" can mean either "Our Lord has come!" or "Lord come!" In the lexicons we are told that it is difficult to determine which meaning is correct. The word is used only in 1 Corinthians 16:22. Since it is at the end of the book, it would be assumed that this is a wish, "May our Lord come!" Actually, a wish idea follows in the next verse (v. 23). "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!" This is used in the Didache 10:6: "Let grace come and may this world pass away! Hosanna to the God (v. 1 son) of David! If anyone is holy, let him come; if not, let him repent! Amen."    Anathema and its verb is used eleven times in the NT. It means "to curse," or "accursed." Generally, it is for false doctrine that Paul pronounces a curse. This tells us how important truth was in the early church. No one was allowed to fudge with proper doctrine.    In his 1 Corinthian commentary, Hodge says: "This is a solemn warning. The Lord, whom men refuse to recognize and love, is about to come in the glory of His Father and with all His holy angels to take vengeance on those who know not God, and who obey not the gospel."    Interestingly, both words are used together in 1 Corinthians 16:22.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (8/10)

Christ Went to Hell

Dr. Couch, I still hear there are teachers that argue Christ went to hell when He died. Where do they get this idea? ANSWER:  Most use 1 Peter 3:19 that reads: Christ "also went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah ..." They say "the prison" was hell where the unsaved were confined.    Some charismatics argue that He had to go to hell because He was a sinner and had to suffer there to placate God in order to rid us of our sins. Those who take this position or argue that the Lord was confined for a period in hell miss the context completely. "Made proclamation" is "karruso" and is the common word "to preach, proclaim."  He did this with those who were disobedient (or disbelieving) while the ark was being constructed by Noah. Check out the full context of the passage. So this is not a general statement that indicates Christ is somehow being judged or seen as a sinner in hell. The "prison" could be the place of waiting for the final stage of judgment for the lost. The Lord is not being confined there as if He is a sinner.    By the way, "to proclaim" can mean "to herald," "to cry aloud." The Lord Jesus was making clear what the disobedient people in Noah's time had given up. Christ was telling them this.    The "spirits in prison" have been interpreted as confined evil angels in relation to Genesis 6:1-4. I am glad to see the comments of William Baker in my Commentary series on 1 & 2 Peter. We agree that these spirits in prison are humans and not fallen angels.    Baker writes what I hold to: He says "My opinion is that Genesis 6:1-4 is connected primarily with Genesis 5, which lists the genealogy of Adam and his descendants; thus, the reference to 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men' is to Adam's descendants." Baker goes on and writes: "Based on my interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4, I reject the interpretation of 'spirits in prison' as angels and understand them to be human beings who were disobedient during the period of Noah's preaching."    To conclude: Christ was sharing what was true with the generation that was rejecting the revelation of Noah, but this does not mean He was somehow "judged" or confined in hell, as some try to argue.    It is good to see Bible scholars "think" and not just follow what they've heard others say!    This 1 Peter passage is difficult but my interpretation, along with Baker's, is right and makes common sense. Do not go to the flamboyant and "way-out" interpretations, and don't simply quote what someone else has said.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (8/10)

Destroying What God Has Built

Dr. Couch, there seems to be people out here in our churches and schools bent on destroying what God has built? Is this not so? ANSWER:  Yes, you're right. There are people who are deep into carnality and fleshliness. They are not into heresy but simply carnality! Paul speaks about this in 1 Corinthians 11:19. "For there must be heresies among you, that they which are approved (who are tried) may be made manifest among you."    I have seen evil men in churches who are heretics. Not doctrinally so but in their actions, Hodge would say. Hodge points out that the word "heresy" here implies that they choose to destroy, say a church or a seminary. The word implies, he says, a "chosen way of life, a party of men who come together to destroy." Hodge goes on and writes: "By the prevalence of disorders and other evils in the church, God puts his people to the test. They are tried as gold in the furnace, and their genuineness is made to appear. It is a great consolation to know that dissension, whether in the church or in the state, are not fortuitous, but are ordered by the providence of God, and are designed, as storms, for the purpose of purification."    So be prepared for evil men in the church who will try to take over, to divide, and cause trouble. In God's mysterious providence they are sent by Him to make you stronger. There are no accidents with the Lord. All things have a reason for happening!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Inclusivism

Dr. Couch, what do you think of inclusivism? ANSWER: This is the view that says all beliefs lead to salvation. And of course, this is certainly dead wrong, and it is anti-biblical! Christ made it clear when He said: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).    He also said: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me" (14:6). Between each of the major nouns is the conjunction "and" which is separating "the way," "the truth," and "the life." This makes each independent and standing alone. Also, the article "the" is placed in front of each of the nouns. This makes these nouns absolutely definite! "I am THE way" and there is no other WAY!    It is impossible to squeeze any other person, system, or ism, up in front of Christ! He is the absolute. No other religious system will work!    The Lord also used the definite personal pronoun: "I" or the Greek word "ego." In other words: "I" and no other person is capable of offering this salvation! He also used the simple Greek verb "I am" in the present tense. Or, "I just exist presently as the One who is THE (Only) WAY!"    The last part of the verse also reads: "No one IS PRESENTLY COMING Toward the Father if not through (by means of) Me!"    The issue is settled!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

The Episcopal Church

Dr. Couch, the Episcopal Church is clearly into heresy. What does the word mean in Greek? ANSWER:  In Greek, the word is "hairesis." It is sometimes translated as "sect" (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; 28:22). Often, it was used to describe Christianity in a negative light.    Paul makes a strange statement in 1 Corinthians 11:19: "There must be factions (heresies) among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you." Here the word is translated "factions" meaning that which is contrary to the truth. In other words, when the church is facing heresy it makes the believers stronger and more resolute in what they believe. "Who are approved" is a Plural Noun related to the verb "dokimazo" meaning "to be tested, examined."    "There must" comes from the word "dei" meaning "It is imperative or necessary." In my NT commentary series Dr. Dan Mitchell writes on 1 Corinthians 11:19: "Paul was certain that some divisions would occur in the assembly, if only to bring to light those who defend the truth. It is significant that God in His sovereign purpose uses dissension and disorder in the church to put His people to the test." God can use that which is evil to strengthen what is good. He is not the Author of evil but He can use it for His providential purposes!    Heresy makes us think and investigate. It causes us to re-examine our convictions.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

Studying Heresy

Dr. Couch, I'm convinced. From much that you've been writing I see the error of amillennialism and covenant theology. Where can I read more on how all that heresy began? ANSWER:  I suggest three sources, or study the teaching of three individuals in church history. (1) Philo, (2) Origen, and (3) Augustine. They are the ones who influenced the church the most by their writings on allegorical interpretation.   The sources would be Bernard Ramm in his book Protestant Biblical Interpretation. Read pages 24-38. Read also on Catholic Allegorism (pp. 38-45). Also study the section on the Syrian School of Antioch (pp. 48-50). Antioch was most influenced by the early prophets and probably Paul as mentioned in the book of Acts. They maintained and taught the literal approach to Scripture for generations. Ramm writes "The result of these principles [developed in Antioch] was some of the finest exegetical literature of ancient times." And the literal interpretative school at Antioch, especially in "The commentary of Theodore [of Mopsuestia] on the minor epistles of Paul is the first and almost the last exegetical work produced in the ancient Church which will bear any comparison with modern commentaries."   Check out the three names of the men mentioned above in my Dictionary of Premillennial Theology (Kregel). I also wrote a chapter on the Antiochian School as well.   Read also what I wrote on these men in my interpretation book Classical Evangelical Hermeneutics (Kregel). The allegory and destructive hermeneutics of these men greatly influenced Catholic and then Reformation thinking in their spiritualizing especially biblical prophecy. I really do not think most allegory and amillennial guys know the origin of their own system. They are great quoters but terrible interpreters. They are unable to think textually and biblically.   I quote Trigg who shows the foolishness of Origen in his interpretation on Matthew 24 and the issue of the return of Christ. Trigg points out that Origen, on the two men laboring in the field, believes this "represents good and bad influences on a person's will." How dumb! And I quote on Origen the great church historian and Lutheran amillennialist, Philip Schaff, when he has to admit that "His allegorical interpretation is ingenious, but often runs far away from the text and degenerates into the merest caprice." I conclude in my book, "amillennialists continue to utilize a system of interpretation that is textually and historically at odds with the normal reading [even] understood by the early church." Thanks for asking, Dr. Mal Couch

Deception in Churches in Paul's Day and Ours

Dr. Couch, does 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 have anything to do with the heresy now invading our churches? I really appreciate what you did concerning apostasy and the issue of the emerging church philosophy that seems to be destroying us.

  Yes, this passage is about the deception taking place among the churches of Paul's day. This deception continues today in our congregations. Paul speaks of those who are "false apostles" and "deceitful workers," who are "disguising themselves as apostles of Christ" (v. 13). In translating these verses I find some very interesting thoughts put forth by Paul.

   In getting his point across Paul has created a word: pseudapostolos. Two Greek words run together: falseapostles! Or, lying apostles. In our church leadership we have gross liars who have found the people in the pews naïve and gullible. They swallow any piece of false doctrine fed to them.

   Paul adds that these deceivers are "workers." They are actually serving the church but they are into deception. The word "deceitful" is from a family of words that comes from dolios. This can be translated as: "guile, crafty, to ensnare, to corrupt." It is used of a fishing lure, of bait, that fools the fish and ensnares them. The apostle uses the word in 4:2. He makes it certain to the Corinthians that he is not "walking in craftiness" not adulterating "the word of God." Or, not mixing error with doctrine, "but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."

   There are TV personalities who are mixing, with evil intention, error with truth, thus fooling the sheep. They have oratory talent but they are giving forth lies. Most of the sheep cannot discern the difference between error and what is right because theology is being taken out of our churches. Pastors are giving "feel good" messages that tickle the ear and entertain the people rather than feed them vitamin rich spiritual food.

   Back in 11:13 the apostle points out that these people are disguising themselves as apostles (apostolos) of Christ. That is, they present themselves as those who are "sent with a message," apostles, who make people think that they have genuine authority. They do not! These false apostles follow their leader who is Satan. For "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (v. 14). Satan appears as a light bearer but instead of bringing enlightenment he brings spiritual darkness!

   Paul creates another Greek word to get across his idea: metaschamatizo. This is two Greek words: "with scheematizo." Or, with schematics! Webster says of the word schematics: "Pertaining to or of the nature of a scheme, a drawing, a diagram." Satan works with a plan to subvert the truth. He knows what he is doing in fooling churches!

   Satan's servants follow after their leader (v. 15). They also disguise themselves "as servants of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works."

   Many pastors are reading this article but because they have not prepared themselves with good, solid theological and language courses, they can be fooled and led astray, and thus, lead their people off course. We are into the generation that is repudiating hard discipline in wanting to learn the Word of God. More and more, leaders will be drifting from doctrine and sound teaching. Confusion will grow by which hundreds of churches will be destroyed. The sheep do not understand what is happening. They are influenced by emotion, "bigness," and entertainment. We are on the edge of falling into the pit of error!

   Thanks for asking.
   Dr. Mal Couch   

Apostacy? Error? Heresy?

Dr. Couch, what is the difference from the Greek between apostasy, error, and heresy?

ANSWER: This is a good question. Sometimes we just lump these ideas together, but as you, I like to be specific because that is usually what happens in Scripture. And we want to be a good observer of what the Holy Spirit has given to us and said in the Word of God.

APOSTASY. Unfortunately, the KVJ does not translate the word apostasia as apostasy but as a falling away. This is close. The word is a compound, apo=from, and stasia=to stand. Thus, to stand away from. A standing away from something, specifically in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is "a falling away" from the truth. The word apostasion is related and means "to divorce." The NAS translates the Greek word as "apostasy." This "departure, falling away" comes just before the revelation of the anti-Christ, the man of sin, who is revealed at the beginning of the tribulation.

This apostasy is further described in 2 Timothy 3:1: "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." As well, men will be "holding to a form of godliness, although they will have denied its power …" (v. 5). They will be "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (v. 7). This apostasy is further described in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. "The Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from THE FAITH, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (v. 1). Further, they will be hypocritical liars "seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron" (v. 2).

I believe we are now starting into this terrible period just before the arrival of the rapture of the church.

ERROR. In a technical sense the word error (agnoeema) ("to not know") is used only once in the NT in Hebrews 9:7. There it is speaking of the sinful errors of the Jews that were committed in a certain blind manner. A sacrifice had to be made for those sins of ignorance. A similar idea is given in a related word (agnoia) which is almost always translated as ignorance. There are sins of ignorance, nevertheless, they are sins and must be accounted for.

HERESY. This word (hairesis) may carry the strongest idea. It is sometimes translated "sect." An interesting use is found in 1 Corinthians 11:19 where the apostle Paul writes "There must be heresies among you." He could simply mean there "will be" or God puts heresies in your midst in order to strengthen your resolve and your doctrinal understanding. Heresies are part of the work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20), and "false teachers" (heretics) shall arise in the end times (2 Pet. 2:1).

While each word has a different shade of meaning, the point is almost the same. False doctrine will dominate, and especially it will come to the forefront in the final days!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch