Msg#2534a Critique of Pentecost

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Msg#2534a Critique of Pentecost

I recently re-reviewed Dr. Pentecost’s book’s “Section Two – The Biblical Covenants and Eschatology” pages 65-128 and want to reiterate every word of my previous critique of his book. Dr. Pentecost did take baby-steps away from his Presbyterian roots in Covenant and Replacement Theology but these were baby-steps connected to mere “theories” he connected to the Bible. In my critique I wrote:

When a theologian, a Th.D., a “distinguished professor of Bible exposition”, writes his magnum opus on Eschatology and gets one third into it before he puts forth a “theory” on “pretribulation rapturism”, then the sincere Bible student would be better served if he turned elsewhere to answer the question “What is Truth.” His “Chapter XIII The Pretribulation Rapture Theory” on page 193 does suppose that “pretribulation raptureism” alone rests on “the literal method of interpretation of Scripture”, but again, for him, it is only a theory. Further in the same breath, on the same page, J. Dwight Pentecost (1915-2014) declares with trepidation, “As a necessary adjunct to this, the pretribulationalist believes in a dispensational interpretation of the Word of God.”

These admissions of Dr. Pentecost show up in his 1958 book “Things to Come – A Study in Biblical Eschatology”. I mean no disrespect toward Dr. Pentecost, nor do I question or doubt his genius, integrity, and sincerity, but nowhere in his 600 pages does he profess to believe this literal interpretation of Scripture. Dr. Pentecost was a “distinguished professor of Biblical exposition” at Dallas Theological Seminary for 59 years, 1955-2014. He was an ordained Presbyterian Pastor who taught at Philadelphia College of the Bible for seven years previous,1948-1955. Under his mentor, Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871-1952), founder and president of Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Pentecost was well versed in writing a doctrine book that could not offend any one of the 70+ denominations attending Dallas Theological Seminary.

The whole worthwhile critique can be read in “A Systematic Theology for the 21st Century Vol 11 Eschatology”, pg 433-438. And a more worthwhile “Chapter 5 Good Eschatology Requires Eight Covenants” will be found in its next revision. In the meantime find, download, and/or read my more thorough eschatology volume at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/theology . God Bless.

Dr. Ed Rice.

Another Essay for week #34, Aug 24, 25

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Published May 10, 2024

Msg #1744 A New Heaven and New Earth

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

When the redeemed step into the presence of our eternal God we will gain a proper and holy perspective of all things. In the mean time we are to study to shew ourselves approved unto God, and to rightly divide the Word of truth. That Word of truth unfolds the most intimate plans of God. Biblical prophecy is ennobling; it is written for our comfort, not our curiosity. The rapture, the Bema Seat Judgment of the bride, the marriage supper and our eternal union with Christ are a consolation. Even the described seven year tribulation, the battle of Armageddon and the salvation of Israel culminating in the thousand year reign of Christ from the throne of David are to bring us solace. There is coming a second resurrection wherein all unregenerate souls stand before our Holy God on his Great White Throne (Rev20:11) before they partake of their second death. And then, finally, there is a new heaven and a new earth. This present heaven and earth “shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2Pet3:10). Peter gives pause to ponder these prophecies, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness?” (vr.11). It is ennobling that God has shared his hopes and plans for the future; it is a great act of intimacy when friends do that. Only the believing eye can see these portrayals in Scripture. The old adage is reversed for Revelation, here, “Believing is seeing.” Bible revelation is thus meant to change our attitude as our world plunges toward his prophesied end. As our country leans reprobate, what manner of persons ought we to be? Ministers of reconciliation (2Cor 5:17-21). Another adage, “Let's get cracking.”

An Essay for week #44 Oct 29, 2017

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs171029.mp3

Briefing Slides at http://www.gsbaptistchurch.com/last_oct

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Msg#2534a Critique of Pentecost

Msg# 1217 Nehemiah, Servant and Leader

Msg #1744 A New Heaven and New Earth

Msg #1118 Family Altar