The seven churches in Revelation 2-3 were literal churches in Asia minor (Turkey) at
the writing of Revelation in A.D. 96. It is also commonly believed by
Dispensationalists that the churches are also representative of
historical periods of Church history (Ages), often known as “dispensations” (time
periods). Some preachers reject this truth because they claim it discourages
soul-winning in the Laodicean age (Revelation 3:14-22). The church at Laodicea is the last church
listed amongst the seven churches (the only one that the Lord had nothing good to
say about).
The Lord addressed each church by beginning with a positive word of praise. This is a great lesson for all of us to observe, to learn how to deal with people. We should get into the habit of looking for something positive to praise instead of always looking for the bad to criticize. Five minutes of praise will do more for a person than a lifetime of criticism! Our American society has become mean, hateful and slanderous, always looking for the negative, the bad, and the illegal. This is due largely because of the cut-throat mainstream newsmedia that devours it's own children. The only thing you can believe from the newspaper is the date printed at the top of the page.
The Lord couldn't find even one good thing to say good about the church at Laodicea. This is certainly true of many apostate so-called “churches” today. Most churches are using perverted Bible revisions that attack Christ's deity and the Godhead. Most churches have become entertainment centers, rock and roll concerts, where no real preaching of the Word of God takes place. There's not even one good, positive, nor uplifting thing that God can say about them. The first church that comes to mind is the Hillsong Church based in Australia. The world's churches are filled with sycophantic false worship these days. I am compelled to agree with dispensationalists that this is the Laodicean churches as foretold in the book of Revelation. Yet, I am more compelled to side with those Christians who point out that Dispensationalism is not a Biblical doctrine. Like it or not, say what you will, there's not one Scripture in the entire Holy Bible that teaches the manmade system of Dispensationalism.
I DO believe that citywide revivals are still possible. I DO believe that people can still be saved just as easily as at any other time in history. The Gospel hasn't been weakened. God's hand is not shortened. The problem is man, not God. Isaiah 50:2 and Isaiah 59:1, “Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. ... Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” God's saving power is still freely available and freely offered to all mankind by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Christ died, was buried, and miraculously bodily resurrected three days later. This is the Gospel message! This is the Good News that the world needs to hear and believe to be saved!
The Laodicean church was apostate, lukewarm, which God said he spit out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). This certainly describes the apostate condition of today's end time churches. The Lord confirmed in Matthew 24:37-39 (when He foretold that the world would return as it was in the days of Noah) that people would once again refuse to hear the Words of God. When Noah boarded the ark, he only brought with him his wife, three sons, and their wives. Eight people total! No one repented during the 120 years that Noah preached the Gospel. Certainly, big revivals can still happen today. Soul-winning is still a command from God (Matthew 28:19-20). But we learn from Matthew 24:37-39 that the world will turn apostate in the end times, rejecting sound doctrine. 2nd Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”
For many years I believed that the seven churches of Asia minor had a dual fulfillment of prophecy, as taught by dispensationalists. However, since there is no Biblical teaching that confirms this hypothesis, I must in good conscience reject it and all other dispensational teachings. Especially, this is true concerning the unbiblical teaching of Zionism, which is the unbiblical MANMADE movement to restore present-day Israel. Biblically, God Himself will restore the Jews to their homeland, when Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming (and not before). Present-day Israel is NOT the fulfillment of Bible prophecy!
Revivals are still possible today, and always will be as long as the Holy Spirit of God is at work. It is man's wickedness that prevents him from coming to the truth of the Gospel to be saved (John 3:20). Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers from the Gospel with secular philosophies, the love of money, bitterness against God, evil works, fear of reproach, false Bible revisions and false religion (2nd Corinthians 4:4). Granted, believing in dispensations of time (i.e., Dispensationalism) does not in any way diminish the belief that God can still work miracles in the end times. My problem with Dispensationalism is simply that it is not Biblical.
Pastor Harry Ironside (1876-1951), whom I admire
tremendously, taught that Dispensationalism is not Bible doctrinal; but rather,
provides an organized theological system (an overlay if you please) to help the
Bible student understand the Holy Bible. Albeit, Dispensationalism, effectively,
alters Bible doctrine, particularly by promoting Zionism. The truth is that
believers don't need Dispensationalism to understand the Bible.
Wasn't Dr. Harry Ironside a Staunch Dispensationalist?
Yes and no! One of my favorite preachers is Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951), who affirmed Dispensationalism to all of Moody Bible Institute's students. I have read Dr. Ironside's books and AGREE 99% WITH HIS TEACHINGS!!! I have no problem with the Dispensational system as taught by Dr. Ironside. However, Brother Ironside did not believe in two plans of salvation as Mr. Scofield taught. So, Dr. Ironside was no Ultra-Dispensationalist. I have no problem with Dr. Ironside's teachings per se, so long as you admit that Dispensationalism is not inspired, and you don't glorify modern-day heathen Israel as the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Again, God plainly tells us in Luke 21:24 that Jerusalem shall be TRODDEN DOWN by the Gentiles until the Times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. There is no divine Biblical promise at this present time to protect Israel from Gentile invasion and destruction.
But please listen to me carefully, Dr. Ironside wrote his books before the present-day apostate nation of Israel was formed in May of 1948. When Dr. Ironside correctly teaches that the nation of Israel will be restored, he only does so with the correct understanding that it will be God, and not man, that does it. In his excellent book, “The Lamp Of Prophecy” (written in 1940, eight years before Illuminati Israel was formed by evil men), Dr. Ironside stated concerning the future restoration of Israel (he had no idea that a fraudulent state of Israel would form in 1948):
“That is, GOD will exercise judgment. He will clear the land by judgment and restore the faithful remnant to Himself in that day. For with the restoration of the people to the land, a new covenant will be confirmed to Israel. The Blood of this covenant has already been shed. Our blessed Lord held the communion cup in His hand and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood."
This is the basis of all blessing both for Jew and Gentile. In this age all who believe are united in the one body of CHRIST. After the church age ends, GOD will take up the nation of Israel again and the New Covenant as such will be made with them. We come under the blessings of it because it is a covenant of pure grace, but you could hardly speak of the New Covenant being made with us, inasmuch as the Old Covenant was never made with us. The Old Covenant was made between GOD and Israel at Mount Sinai, which covenant they broke.”SOURCE: Pastor Harry Ironside, “The Lamp of Prophecy,” Chapter 6 - “Will Israel Be Restored?”
None of this happened in 1948 when Israel was made a secular state! Notice carefully all of the things that Dr. Ironside says, which clearly DID NOT HAPPEN IN 1948 WHEN PRESENT-DAY ISRAEL WAS FORMED!!! 1948 was not the end of the Church age! Dr. Ironside clearly teaches that saved Jews and Gentiles are UNITED in Jesus Christ! Modern Israel is a cesspool of homosexuality, atheism, ungodly reprobates, arrogant pride, idolatry, blasphemers and non-Christians). Dr. Ironside teaches that the restoration of Israel will be the restoration of THE FAITHFUL REMNANT! That didn't happen in 1948, nor has it yet! And no new covenant between God and that faithful remnant has happened as of yet (that new covenant is the Gospel). Present-day Israel is still in unbelief.
Clearly, manmade present-day Israel is a satanic counterfeit, and not the restoration of the true nation of Israel. So Dr. Harry Ironside WAS NOT A ZIONIST!!! Princeton University defines “Zionism” as, “A policy for establishing and developing a national homeland for Jews in Palestine.” This is man's policy, not God's. God's policy is the inspired Word of God, His promise (i.e., to restore the true nation of Israel), in His time (i.e., when Jesus Christ returns after the 7-year Tribulation period). Today's Zionists worship the wicked state of Israel. Dr. J. Vernon McGee has it 100% correct concerning Israel today! Present-day Israel is not the fulfillment of Bible prophecy!
Personally, I have no problems with Dispensationalism as taught by Dr. Harry Ironside, but I detest Scofield's Ultra-Dispensational heresy!!! Albeit, when push comes to shove, Dispensationalism is extraneous to the Scriptures. As taught by Pastor Harry Ironside, I don't see any harm from the structured theology of Dispensationalism. However, there is a dark agenda at work. History bears witness that the wealthy Rothschilds knew as early as the late 19th century that they were going to invade Palestine and give the land back to the Jews. The Rothschilds bought up much land prior to World War II in Palestine. The number of 6,000,000 holocausted Jews was already being circulated in the late 1930's. World Wars I and II were planned way back in the 19th century, evidenced by Albert Pike's Masonic writings. World War III has also been planned. Read the preceding link, containing creepy quotes from Grandmaster Albert Pike, who died in 1891.
Dr. Scofield's Reference Bible and structured system of Dispensationalism laid the groundwork to brainwash the churches to support modern-day apostate Israel. I do see potential GREAT HARM with Dr. Scofield's Reference Bible (especially in lieu of the rebirth of a manmade Christless Israel), and there is a dark underlying agenda of promoting Zionism. Man made the state of Israel in 1948, and not God!!! THEREFORE, I MUST IN GOOD CONSCIENCE REJECT DISPENSATIONALISM THAT SUPPORTS ZIONISM!!! What a satanic deception!!! And again, furthermore, Dispensationalism didn't exist prior to Mr. Cyrus Scofield, which is another very good reason to reject it. As I said, I don't see any harm in the bulk of the teachings. However, there are many heresies that accompany Dispensationalism, and a very dark agenda of tricking the churches to support the Devil's New World Order!!! Boy, the Devil sure is a clever liar and deceiver. Remember, Revelation 12:9 tells us that the Devil is deceiving the WHOLE WORLD!!! Have you been deceived?
As with all of Satan's deceptions, he places his lies between truths to hide them, which is exactly what Dispensationalism is all about. The satanic fraud of present-day Zionism is hidden amongst the truth that God is going to keep His promise to restore the nation of Israel when Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming.
Dr. Cyrus Scofield has been both praised and demonized for his popular Scofield Reference Bible, which teaches Dispensationalism. What in the world is that big word? Dr. Philip Mauro, a critic of Mr. Scofield and his Zionist teachings, defines Dispensationalism as:
“A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to some specific revelation of the Will of God”
SOURCE: Dr. Philip Mauro, “The Gospel of the Kingdom” (1927)
I strongly recommend taking the time to read Dr. Mauro's book, “The Gospel of the Kingdom.” But if not, I'll give you the basic premise of what he teaches. Dr. Mauro contends that Mr. Scofield wrongly added to the Words of God, fabricating an elaborate system known as “Dispensationalism” with the hidden agenda to indoctrinate pastors and churches with theological and political Zionism. Whereas the Word of God teaches that the Gospel is the basis of the Kingdom of God, Zionism teaches that restoring Israel on earth is the Kingdom of God. In Zionism, all the blessings go the the Jews, and who cares if they believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ or not. If you're a biological Jew, you're The Master Race! That is what Mr. Cyrus I. Scofield taught! I disagree with Mr. Scofield and I don't recommend nor like his corrupt reference Bible. In the Word of God, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God was “AT HAND” when He exclaimed in Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Clearly, the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with Israel being The Master Race!
I fully agree with Dr. Philip Mauro's (1859-1952) book “The Gospel of the Kingdom” (a different source than the previous link). The previous link contains a link to a rebuttal by Pastor I.M. Haldeman (1884-1933) of the First Baptist Church of New York. Pastor Haldeman's book has a critical spirit, almost hateful, against Mr. Mauro for telling what he believes to be the truth. In sharp contrast, I perceived a humble spirit of a truth-seeker in Philip Mauro's book exposing Mr. C. I. Scofield (a former attorney). Philip Mauro was also a Christian attorney, who apologetically with humility exposes Mr. Scofield as a Zionist infiltrator into the churches—a wolf in sheep's clothing—who fabricated the unbiblical system of Dispensationalism as a vehicle by wherewith to indoctrinate the churches with the heresy of Zionism. It has worked very effectively! Most of America's churches over the past century (including most Baptist churches) are pro-Zionist, supporting criminals, homosexuals and ungodly reprobates in the name of Zionism.
Please read Mr. Mauro's book. Read Mr. Haldeman's also if you'd like. Read them both! You decide whose telling the truth! I love the simplicity of Philip Mauro's argument. He simply defends the Scriptures, teaching the beauty of having just two main divisions in God's workings with mankind: The Old Testament and the New Testament. There's nothing in the Holy Bible about 7 dispensations of time!!! I am not 100% against every preacher who teaches Dispensationalism, unless (like Dr. Peter Ruckman) he starts teaching that people in the Old Testament were saved differently than saints in the New Testament. Dr. Ruckman teaches that people were saved in the Old Testament by BOTH works and faith, but today only by faith, and then in the Tribulation by BOTH works and faith again. That is 100% satanic heresy! As Philip Mauro correctly teaches, people have always been saved the same way—by grace through faith in Jesus Christ!!!
Dispensationalism simply refers to the teaching that God dealt with humanity in different ways during different time periods. Specifically, Mr. Scofield teaches 7 dispensations (innocence, conscience, human government, promise, law, grace and Millennium). These are all covered in the book by Dr. Mauro. I agree with the following statement by Dr. Mauro. Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” People in the Old Testament were saved the same as we are today, that is, by grace through faith in the Messiah.
Attorney Philip Mauro states (with whom I fully agree):
Then further we are told, in the words of a prominent dispensationalist, that each of these seven distinct periods of time has "a character exclusively its own," being "wholly complete and sufficient in itself," that it "is in no wise exchangeable for the others, and cannot be commingled." That is to say, each "dispensation" has its own peculiar and distinguishing characteristics, insomuch that, when one succeeds another, there is a complete and radical change in the character and principles of God's dealings with the world. So say the dispensationalists; but I find in the Scriptures no evidence to support the statement. On the contrary, I find that, in every age and era, God has accepted those who believed Him and refused those who disbelieved Him. Salvation has always been "by grace, through faith," and upon the ground of the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Adam and Eve and Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham and David were one and all saved precisely as we are.
. . . THE Bible distinguishes--not seven dispensations, each having a character exclusively its own, but two great eras of God's dealings with mankind; the first of which was preparatory to the second, and the second of which is the completion of the first. Their scriptural designations are:
First: The Old Covenant; or the Law and the Prophets; or simply, the Law.
Second: The New Covenant; or the Kingdom of God; or simply, the Gospel.
This division is not man-made, artificial, conjectural; for it comes to us plainly marked in the structure of the Bible itself, which is composed of two grand divisions, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. (And it should be noted that the word "Testament" is one of the renderings of a Greek word that is sometimes, as in Hebrews 8:6-10, and should be always, translated "Covenant").
Furthermore those two grand divisions of the Bible are clearly marked and separated, the one from the other, by the long stretch of time that intervened between them, there being a period of four hundred years between the last Book of the Old Testament and the first events (Luke 1) recorded in the New. GOD HAS SPOKEN: TO THE FATHERS—TO US.
This scriptural division of God's dealings with men into two great eras is referred to in a number of passages. I have already cited Luke 16:16, "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the Kingdom of God is preached," and John 1:17, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." Another passage that clearly distinguishes them and also sheds light upon the whole subject is Hebrews 1:1, 2, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son."
SOURCE: http://www.preteristarchive.com/Books/1927_mauro_gospel-kingdom.html
Dispensationalism simply refers to the teaching that God dealt with humanity in different ways during different time periods. Again, specifically, Mr. Scofield teaches 7 dispensations (innocence, conscience, human government, promise, law, grace and Millennium).
Attorney Philip Mauro further states (with whom I fully agree):
THE words of our chapter heading are the first words of the Gospel by Mark. They are enlightening words; and indeed they are quite sufficient in themselves to answer a question that confronts us at this point: When did the Gospel era begin? It is exceedingly important that we should have the right answer to that question; and we know where to seek it.
We have seen that the Bible distinguishes two great eras, and those two eras are closely related, the one to the other, though there are marked differences between them; the first being variously designated as, "the old covenant," "the law and the prophets," or simply "the law"; and the second being variously designated as, "the new covenant," "the kingdom of God," or simply "the gospel." Our Scripture tells us we are now at the "beginning" of something; and that that something is "the gospel of Jesus Christ." Could we have a plainer answer to our question?SOURCE: http://www.preteristarchive.com/Books/1927_mauro_gospel-kingdom.html
Jesus continually taught that the Kingdom of God was “AT HAND,” not postponed until a future day when the nation of Israel would be established as “THE MASTER RACE.” Biblically, I am compelled to agree With Philip Mauro. There is no Scriptural evidence to support Mr. Scofield's dispensational heresy:
I have carefully examined the notes of the "Scofield Bible" in quest of the explanation of this. I find on one hand that no Scripture is cited to support the editor's view; for there is not one word in the Bible to the effect that the Kingdom announced by the Lord has been "postponed" or is "in abeyance." The Lord's own statement, from first to last, never modified, but proclaimed with ever increasing emphasis, was that the Kingdom was "at hand."
SOURCE: http://www.preteristarchive.com/Books/1927_mauro_gospel-kingdom.html
Both Dr. Texe Marrs and Pastor Steven Anderson reject and refute Dispensationalism. I agree with them for the most part. I say “for the most part” because the words “Rapture” and “Trinity” aren't in the Bible (nor is the word “Bible”), but they are perfectly appropriate to use. I would not argue with anyone who contends that those words are not found in the Holy Bible, because they would be 100% correct. Likewise, I cannot argue with anyone who contends against Dispensationalism, because it is simply not taught in the Holy Bible. It is an organized theological system intended (allegedly) to help Christians better understand the Bible. Unfortunately, from my own research it is very clear that there was a dark agenda behind the creation of the system of Dispensationalism, which is to earnestly promote the unbiblical heresy of ZIONISM!!!
Check and you will see that I speak THE TRUTH—Those who embrace Dispensationalism are nearly always radical pro-Zionists; and those who reject Dispensationalism are not! I am 100% against the satanic heresy of Zionism! Why? It is because God plainly tells us in Luke 21:24 that Jerusalem shall be TRODDEN DOWN by the Gentiles until the Times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Luke 21:24, “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Zionists have perverted the Scriptures, in an attempt to trick Christians to support the present state of Israel (since 1948). Hence, most Christians and churches ignorantly and fully support Marxist, Communist, homosexual, ungodly, unsaved, reprobate, Christ-rejecting, blaspheming, Israel—no matter what evils they commit, while always siding against the Arab peoples. This is sinful. As Christians we ought not be respecters of persons.
Dispensationalism is not based upon the Holy Bible; but rather, it was contrived by the Luciferian's behind the New World Order, as an agenda to infiltrate and corrupt the churches to support theological (heresy) and political Zionism. Here's an MP3 presentation by Dr. Texe Marrs, where he is clearly biased against a PreTribulation Rapture (calling it “a failed doctrine”) because of his hatred against Zionism. Since C.I. Scofield's Dispensationalism (taught in the Scofield Reference Bible) also included a PreTribulation Rapture, they reject it! With the population explosion in the world in these end times, the past century has witnessed the organization of theology. Unfortunately, much of it has been done by occultists to deceive the churches. Alice A. Bailey foretold that their Theosophist Luciferian doctrines would be taught via the churches, once they have been transformed. It's happening now!
Alice Bailey said that churches should maintain a basic statement of faith, while teaching New Age doctrines from the pulpit. Miss Bailey also foretold that the world's youth would grow tired of organized religion, and seek spirituality instead. Thus, beware of churches that promote spirituality (i.e., “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” - 2nd Timothy 3:5) without Biblical theology (i.e., teaching sound doctrine; such as, the deity of Christ, Godhead, virgin birth, Jesus' sinless life, Christ's death on the cross for our sins, bodily resurrection, Jesus' literal blood sprinkled on the heavenly Mercy Seat, et cetera).
The average believer today is so woefully
ignorant of THE TRUTH, and worse, they couldn't care less about the things I
am sharing with you. Something is very wrong when Christians are foolishly
supporting the New World Order! If your church uses the modern corrupt
Alexandrian based revisions, you are supporting the New World Order. If your
church supports Zionism, you are supporting the New World Order. If your
church teaches Lordship Salvation, you are supporting the New World Order.
If your church supports the mainstream newsmedia, you are supporting the New
World Order. If your church believes Islam was behind the WTC 9/11 attacks,
you are supporting the New World Order. Satan has infiltrated most churches.
What Dr. Jack Hyles Taught About Dispensationalism
I love Dr. Jack Hyles (1926-2001)! He's my Christian hero of the faith. Yet, contrary to the accusation by some, I do not worship Brother Hyles. When he is wrong, I expose him just like anybody else (Lord knows that my toes are regularly stepped on listening to Dr. Hyles' MP3 sermons). In Dr. Hyles' excellent book on “Meet The Holy Spirit,” in chapter 20 on “The Holy Spirit And The Opposite Sex,” he teaches about the “Shekinah Glory,” which is satanic heresy! SHE-kinah refers to the female aspect of God. Biblically, God is only masculine [i.e., God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Who is referred to in John 16:13 with the masculine pronoun “he”)]. Where did Dr. Hyles' get that heresy from? No doubt, he got it from the Scofield Bible. Dr. Hyles didn't believe in a female aspect of God. Although he did liken a family to the Godhead—where a Father represents God the Father, and a child represents the Son of God, and a mother represents the Holy Spirit in the home. This is perfectly acceptable doctrine in my opinion, and a great illustration. Brother Hyles was simply emphasizing the tremendous power of influence that a woman has in the home, nothing more.
Unfortunately, the “Shekinah Glory” has been adopted by many Baptist preachers to symbolize God's presence over the mercy seat, in the holy of holies (in the Old Testament tabernacle). But the word “Shekinah” is not Biblical, and it definitely has its origin in Jewish Kabbalist occultism. Many preachers, due to their biased prejudice toward Zionism, have just concluded that the term “Shekinah Glory” is Okay to use, because they say so. But it would be like borrowing the term “Investigative Judgment” from the Seventh-day Adventists to symbolize the Judgment Seat of Christ, which would be a gross perversion of the Scriptures.
“Shekinah is derived from Jewish mysticism known as Cabalah/Kabbalah. The Talmud is a book that basically blasphemes the Bible and is not connected with Judaism that follows the Torah and not Christianity in any way, shape, or form. This is Gnosticism.”
SOURCE: Shekinah Hoax
I love Brother Hyles dearly, but he admitted himself that he made doctrinal errors at times. That is to be expected in 55 years of preaching, having preached several tens-of-thousands of sermons! No preacher is perfect in his doctrines. I have tremendous admiration for Dr. John R. Rice (1895-1980), who was 31 years older than Dr. Hyles. These two men of God traveled America, preaching 2,200 meetings together. Albeit, I disagree with Dr. Rice that dinosaurs lived with man. I also disagree with Brother Rice that it is a sin for a cultured white woman to marry an unrefined negro. The Bible says marriage is honorable in all (Hebrews 13:5). I disagree With Dr. Rueben A. Torrey that the Antichrist will be the literal offspring of a woman's virgin birth by Satan. Jesus is the only virgin birth in history! We read in Daniel 11:38 about the Antichrist's “fathers” (i.e., human ancestors).
I also disagree with sincere preachers who teach that literal demons had carnal knowledge with human women, that produced physical giants in the Old Testament. In Genesis 6:4, it simply states that there were “giants in the earth,” but this had absolutely nothing to do with the intermarriage between the righteous and the wicked. There is a fine line between faith and foolishness! This is why the Word of God ought to be our only authority. I do agree with 99% of what Dr. Hyles preaches, but he taught us preacher boys to be loyal to truth, principle and right, and not to convenience, expedience or prejudice.
I do not believe any of the criticisms against Mr. Scofield's personal life, as they are irrelevant to his Zionist teachings (and none of our business). Mr. Scofield was a sinner, just like you, me and everyone else. My beef is with Scofield's Reference Bible which effectively paved the way theologically for modern Israel. The problem is that many of Mr. Scofield's teachings aren't Biblical. Romans 3:4a, “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.”
Both Atty. Mauro and Dr. Hyles disagreed at times with Dr. Scofield. In particular, Dr. Hyles disagreed with Scofield's differentiating between a dispensation of LAW verses a dispensation of GRACE. Both Atty. Mauro and Dr. Hyles made the same declaration that there has always been only one plan of salvation, which is by God's grace through faith. Scofield's dispensational teachings are dangerous, as evidenced by Dr. Peter Ruckman's multiple plans of salvation hypothesis. Dr. Hyles terms Scofield's radical unbiblical theology as “Ultra-Dispensationalism” and rightfully exposes it as heresy!!!
There are many different theological aspects to Dispensationalism. Few preachers agree on this issue. I have prayerfully and carefully examined the subject. Some preachers believe that the 7 churches of Asia Minor (which today is the country of Turkey) in Revelation 2-3 have a dual fulfillment in prophecy, referring to ages of history. Dr. Hyles rejected these teachings, correctly pointing out that the Bible does not teach that these are ages of history. Again, Dr. Hyles terms these teachings as “Ultra-Dispensationalism.”
So it is evident that Dr. Hyles was aware of some major doctrinal flaws with Dr. Scofield's teachings in the Scofield Bible, yet he was sincerely misled concerning the SHE-kinah glory. I would not recommend the Scofield Reference Bible to anyone. One thing I have learned about Brother Hyles is that he honed his doctrines as he learned from attending preaching conferences. Even preachers need preaching! When preachers preach to each other, they hone (perfect) their doctrines. Thus, with all of today's online preaching, believers can learn at an exponential rate. The problem is that very few believers have the character to listen to preaching. There is no reason for any Christian to remain ignorant of the truth who has access to the internet. Granted, there is much heresy and deception on the internet, but if you always stick to what the Bible says you cannot go astray.
The word “dispensation” is found in the King James Bible 4 times. It is the Greek word, oikonomia, which means “administration (of a household or estate).” It has no inference to dispensational time periods. The bottom line is that Mr. Scofield's Dispensational teachings cannot be substantiated with the Scriptures. At best Scofield's teachings are a far stretch of the imagination, and a total exploitation of the Holy Bible. I see Dispensationalism and Ultra-Dispensationalism as basically the same thing, just as I see Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism as the same thing. The only real difference is that there are some Dispensational teachings that do not contradict the Bible, but then there are some that totally contradict the Bible.
The PreTribulation Rapture is rejected by many
preachers because it was included in Mr. Scofield's corrupt Reference Bible.
Some critics claim that Theologian John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) invented
the PreTribulation Rapture, but he only popularized it. Biblically, I have shared with you some compelling logical
conclusions for a PreTribulation Rapture of the Church. And make sure you
read the additional webpages I've provided, by clicking on the hyperlinks on this page, to
examine the conclusions of many faithful men of God. Not all of Dr. Cyrus
Scofield's teachings were heresy, but the entire purpose behind the Scofield
Reference Bible was to promote Zionism in the churches, which effectively is
equal to promoting the New World Order.
I Don't Think a Dispensational View of the 7 Churches Discourages Soulwinning
We must remember that men are humans, and as such are not infallible. I understand Dr. Hyles' zeal and sincere concern that Mr. Scofield's teachings could be used to discourage people from aggressively trying to win souls to Christ as we should. Albeit, I don't believe that Mr. Scofield is saying that we cannot have revivals in these last days (read Dr. Hyles chapter to see Scofield's comments); but rather, is simply pointing out that the world will turn very apostate in the end times. Jesus confirmed this truth...
Matthew 24:37-39, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
Noah preached for 120 years while he was building the ark, but not one person believed the gospel to be saved. Only Noah, his wife, his sons and their wives got on the ark to survive the flood. Only 8 people survived the flood of Genesis 6-7. The Lord foretold that in the end times that people would once again stop listening to God's Word. I believe this is what Mr. Scofield is teaching.
As I said, I am compelled to believe that the seven churches in Revelation refer to the future. It is an exciting theory, but that's all it is—A THEORY! Granted, Revelation 1:19 (the verse which comes directly before mention of the seven churches) tells us that these things are and THINGS WHICH SHALL BE HEREAFTER (i.e., the future)...
Revelation 1:19, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”
It would seem logical to me that this Scripture in Revelation 1:19 would ALSO apply to the seven churches in Turkey (Asia Minor). I would not be dogmatic and argue this theological point. I don't have a problem with a believer who adheres to this dispensational view of the seven churches, just so long as they don't force this theory as sound doctrine upon others. As Phillip Mauro points out in his excellent book (which I provided a link to earlier), God has already divided His Word into two great divisions: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Dispensationalism adds further unbiblical divisions to God's Word.
Dr. John R. Rice said that the best way to interpret the Bible is not to interpret it. Let the Bible speak for itself. Where the Bible is silent it is wise to be silent. So I speak carefully on this issue. Study the Bible as you pray and make your own conclusions. I am careful not to berate anyone for disagreeing with me on this matter, since the Bible is not adamant. As I mentioned, for many years I adhered to a dispensational view of the seven churches in Revelation, but after further study and consideration, I have to concede that Dispensationalism is totally unsupported by the Holy Scriptures!!!
I've heard Calvinistic preachers say that either a person is going to get saved, or they're not, and nothing that we do matters, so why bother trying to win them to Christ? Why waste our time going soul-winning? I mean, if Calvinism is true, then nothing we do matters. Calvinism teaches a false doctrine called “Irresistible Grace,” which claims that God forces a person to be saved. Read about heretic John Calvin (1509-1564).
Another false doctrine that John Calvin taught is the “Total Depravity Of Man,” which says you cannot get saved unless you are chosen by God. Biblically, God NEVER chooses anyone to get saved. Mankind has a free will from God to DECIDE for himself or herself. Dr. Younce explains this well in his excellent work, NOT CHOSEN TO SALVATION. You can learn about the 5 common false teachings of John Calvin in this article from Pastor Curtis Hutson (1934-1995). All 5-points of Calvinism are demonic. Even Calvin's arch historical rival theologically, Jacob Arminius, was wrong on some of his doctrines. Biblically, we ought to follow the Word of God and not earthly men who are all prone to error, mistakes and flaw.
I am not a Protestant (which comes from the word “protest” and originated with Martin Luther's (1483-1546) protest against the Roman Catholic Church of which he had previously been a priest). Most Protestants aren't saved, because they adhere to Baptismal Regeneration and Sacramental Salvation, similar to Catholics. I do NOT follow Arminius nor Calvin. I am a born-again Christian. I follow the Lord Jesus Christ, not mere mortal men. Jesus was much more than a mere mortal man, although he was in every way a man. Christ was 100% God in the flesh. The Godhead became flesh (1st Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9) and dwelt amongst us here on earth (John 1:14).
The messages to the Seven Churches are precious,
revealing much about the personality and character of our Lord in dealing with
today's churches. Here we are given plain insight into what God thinks about
churches. Everything from tolerating false doctrine in the church to departing
from our love for God is addressed in Revelation chapters 2-3.
I Would Not Argue with Those Who Support a Dispensational View of the 7 Churches
The Old Testament prophets were given a glimpse of the future. Amos 8:9, “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.” Revelation 8:12 says the sun shall be smitten and 1/3 cease to shine. Will the earth freeze without a third of the sun's light? I think so. Joel 2:1-32 is fascinating, describing the horrors of the Tribulation in detail. Nuclear war will devastate the earth in the end times. Zechariah 14:12, “...Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.” The only saints present during the Tribulation will be those who are saved AFTER the Rapture of the Church (Revelation 7:14). That is, a Biblical PreTribulation Rapture!
Although the Bible DOESN'T specifically teach that these Old Testament prophetic passages refer to the Tribulation period, it is abundantly clear that they DO from the context. Oftentimes we conclude doctrinal positions based upon deductive reasoning, that is, “rightly dividing” the Word of God (2nd Timothy 2:15). It is only by studying the entire Bible, taking the whole counsel of God into view, comparing Scripture with Scripture, that we are able to piece together the puzzle of Biblical prophecy. If you believe that the seven churches in Revelation refer to both local churches and future ages, good for you! I have no problem with your beliefs, unless you attempt to force them upon others as sound doctrine (because they cannot be substantiated with the Scriptures).
Those who claim that Dispensationalism is not doctrine are being somewhat deceptive, because Dispensationalism does indeed change the way a believer looks at the Scriptures. For this reason alone I cannot endorse Dispensationalism. How did the churches survive for 1,900 years without Mr. Scofield's Dispensationalism? Oh my! Clearly, Dispensationalism is a strange doctrine, which begets all sorts of strange doctrines. I'll stick to the sound doctrine of God's Words in the preserved and inspired King James Bible.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
