JIMIVISION Hub: BREAKING Down Robert BREAKER’s Dispensationalism

Introduction

Dispensationalism, a theological framework dividing biblical history into distinct eras or dispensations, has long influenced Christian interpretation. Central to this discussion is the distinction between the gospel preached by Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the gospel revealed to Paul. This blog post delves into the nuances of dispensationalism, the role of Paul’s gospel, and the kingdom message, offering a friendly yet insightful examination of biblical texts and interpretive methods.

What is Dispensationalism?

Defining Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism categorizes biblical history into various periods or dispensations, each with specific divine expectations and covenants. It often distinguishes between Israel and the Church as separate entities with distinct destinies.

Levels of Dispensationalism

Classic Dispensationalism: Maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church and views Acts as a transitional book.
Mid-Acts Dispensationalism: Places the transition to the Church midway through Acts, often Acts 15.
Hyper Dispensationalism: Further narrows the scope, sometimes excluding Acts from the Church age narrative.

Robert Breaker is typically classified as a classic dispensationalist, emphasizing faithful adherence to this interpretation without extreme positions.

Paul’s Gospel vs. The Gospel of the Kingdom

Paul’s Gospel: “My Gospel”

Paul refers to the gospel he preaches as “my gospel” in several passages:

2 Timothy 2:8: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.”
Romans 16:25: Paul speaks of a revelation given to him.
Romans 2:16: God will judge all men according to Paul’s gospel.

This highlights the uniqueness of Paul’s message, revealed directly by Jesus Christ, and central to the Church’s salvation.

The Gospel of the Kingdom in the Gospels

Jesus’ earthly ministry focused on preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:15), aimed primarily at the Jewish people with promises of a coming kingdom and millennial reign.

The message called for acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah who would reign for a thousand years.
The Gospels emphasize faith and obedience within the Old Covenant framework, often involving works and commandments.

The Hermeneutical Debate: Interpretation Matters

Misunderstanding “My Gospel”

A common dispensationalist interpretation posits that when Paul says “my gospel,” he is indicating a gospel entirely distinct from Jesus’ message. However, this can be challenged by considering other uses of “my” in Paul’s letters:

Paul frequently uses “my” to describe his ministry, service, preaching, spirit, and even joy (e.g., Romans 1:8; 11:13; 15:31; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 4:1).
These expressions do not imply invention but personal ownership of the message or ministry.
Therefore, “my gospel” indicates Paul’s role as a messenger rather than a creator of a new gospel.

The Importance of Rightly Dividing the Word

Dispensationalists emphasize “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), often using charts to separate scriptures by dispensations. However, a balanced hermeneutic requires comparing scripture with scripture and understanding historical and cultural contexts rather than isolating texts into rigid compartments.

Salvation: Faith, Works, and Covenant

Salvation Consistently By Faith

Both Jesus and Paul teach salvation by faith, though expressed differently across covenants:

Old Covenant Faith: Figures like Abraham were justified by faith, as Paul argues in Romans 4: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.”
New Covenant Faith: Faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Works as Evidence, Not Cause

James 2:17–26 clarifies that genuine faith produces works; faith without works is dead.
Works do not save but are evidence of authentic faith.
Jesus’ teachings, such as calling a rich young ruler to sell all, highlight the need to prioritize faith over worldly attachments rather than a works-based salvation.

Baptism and Public Confession

Baptism is a response and public confession of faith, not a means of salvation itself.
Authentic faith naturally leads to obedience and baptism, demonstrating a “working faith.”

The Kingdom of God: Definition and Misinterpretations

Biblical Definition of the Kingdom

Romans 14:17 defines the kingdom of God as:

“...righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

This spiritual kingdom transcends mere physical or ritualistic observance, emphasizing internal transformation.

The Kingdom and the Church Age

Dispensationalists often separate the kingdom message (Gospels) and the gospel of grace (Pauline epistles), associating the former with a future millennial reign.
However, Paul preaches the kingdom in Acts (Acts 20:25; 14:22), indicating an overlap rather than an exclusive dispensation.
The kingdom is presently experienced spiritually by believers and will be fully realized at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:20–24).

The Rich Young Ruler: A Case Study

Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–27; Matthew 19:16–30) illustrates personalized discipleship:

The man claims to keep commandments, but his attachment to wealth reveals misplaced trust.
Jesus calls for total dedication, symbolized by selling possessions, not as a universal requirement for salvation, but tailored to this man’s heart condition.
Peter and others retained possessions yet followed Jesus, showing faith’s primacy over legalistic works.

Forgiveness and Endurance in the Christian Life

Forgiveness: Unlimited and Complete

Matthew 18:21–22 teaches that forgiving “seventy times seven” (490 times) symbolizes limitless forgiveness.

Paul reinforces forgiveness as modeled by Christ’s sacrifice (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 2:13).
Literal counting of offenses misses the point of boundless grace.

Perseverance and Eternal Security

Salvation involves enduring faith (Matthew 24:13), but believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Eternal security is maintained as long as one remains in Christ; apostasy implies loss of salvation.
The “seal” is an authoritative mark, not a physical or impermeable barrier.

Critique of Dispensationalist Cubbyhole Theology

The Storyline of Scripture

The Bible is one cohesive story with unfolding chapters, not isolated dispensations.
Dispensationalism’s sharp divisions risk fragmenting the narrative and obscuring continuity.
Israel and the Church are viewed biblically as connected through a faithful remnant grafted into Christ (Romans 11).

Literalism vs. Contextual Interpretation

A literal, bullet-point approach to scripture can lead to misunderstandings, such as interpreting hyperbolic passages (e.g., plucking out an eye) literally.
Contextual and cultural understanding reveals Jesus’ intent to internalize the law, emphasizing heart transformation over external compliance.

Conclusion: Embracing a Balanced Biblical Hermeneutic

Understanding dispensationalism, Paul’s gospel, and the kingdom message requires careful interpretation grounded in scripture’s unity and context. Salvation has always been by faith, expressed through obedience, and the kingdom of God is a present spiritual reality with future fulfillment. By rightly dividing Scripture with humility and thoroughness, believers can appreciate the depth of God’s revelation without unnecessary division or confusion.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are Paul’s gospel and Jesus’ gospel different?
No, Paul’s gospel is the fulfillment and revelation of Jesus’ message, especially after His death and resurrection, and it focuses on salvation by grace through faith.

Q2: What is the “kingdom of God” according to the Bible?
It is a spiritual kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, presently experienced by believers and fully realized at Christ’s return.

Q3: Does salvation require works?
Salvation is through faith alone, but genuine faith produces works as evidence of transformation.

Q4: Is the Bible’s message divided into strict dispensations?
While dispensationalism offers one framework, the Bible is best understood as a unified narrative with unfolding covenants and themes.

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