THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

(With an Examination of Dispensationalism and the Scofield Bible)

Philip Mauro


This work, published in 1927, is an excellent resource that still speaks today of the fundamental errors of dispensationalism. At its root, dispensationalism is not an eschatological error, but a Christological one. The Scriptures become Israelcentric instead of Christocentric. All committed dispensationalists need to seriously consider this work*.

Table Of Contents

Introduction

The spread of "Dispensationalism" and the wide acceptance of the "Scofield Bible" as an authority. The need of a careful examination of this new system of doctrine and of the new "Bible" by which it is propagated. The relation of Dispensationalism to the "fundamental" truths of Christianity. The divisive effect of "dispensational teaching."

Chapter 1: Twentieth Century Dispensationalism: What? And Whence?

Dispensationalism defined. A radical system of doctrine. Deserves the name of "Modernism." Had its rise among the "Plymouth Brethren." Its basic doctrine (concerning the Kingdom of God) a revival of ancient Rabbinism. Some pressing questions touching this new system of teaching.

Chapter 2: The "Seven Dispensations" Viewed In The Light Of Scripture

What is a "dispensation"? Does the Bible distinguish seven dis pensations? Was there a dispensation of "Innocence"? of "Con science"? Another of "Human Government"? another of "Promise"? and so on? Did Israel reject grace when they accepted the law? Did they have an opportunity to choose between law and grace? Was the gift of God's law to Israel a curse to that people? Does grace abolish law?

Chapter 3: The Law And The Gospel

The two grand divisions of the Bible: the old covenant and the new; or the law and the gospel. God has spoken, to the fathers--to us. The law of Moses was an unspeakable blessing to Israel. Testimonies of the Old Testament to this truth. What the New Testament says about it. Paul's teaching in Romans and Galatians.

Chapter 4: The Beginning Of The Gospel

When did the gospel-era begin? The proclamation of the King dom of God. What Kingdom did Jesus announce? Are there two different Kingdoms of God? Was the Kingdom of God of fered to the Jews and rejected by them? Examination of the proof-texts cited to support this novel doctrine. Strange mis statements in the notes of the "Scofield Bible."

Chapter 5: The Kingdom Of God: Has It Been Postponed.

"The word of the Kingdom" is God's special message for this era. It is The GOSPEL. It is 'in the Holy Spirit.' It is the ful filment of the voices of the prophets and of the shadows of the law. The important texts of the N. T. that speak of the Kingdom are ignored in the "Scofield Bible" -- 118 references in all being passed by in silence. What those neglected passages reveal. The Spirit's definition of the Kingdom: What it is not, and what it is. To be translated into the Kingdom is salvation.

Chapter 6: The Gospels: To What Dispensation Do They Belong?

The new doctrine that the Gospels belong to the era of the law is dangerous error. It contradicts the teaching of Christ Him self. The settled Christian doctrine as to this is termed by the Scofield Bible a "notion" and "a legacy from Roman Catholic Theology." The new "dispensational teaching" accords with that of Judaism and that of Romanism. It savors also of Russellism.

Chapter 7: The Kingdom "At Hand." The Order Of Revelation

The meaning of the phrase "at hand." What was the divine "order of revelation" when Christ appeared to Israel? If the Jews were (and rightly) expecting the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom and if Christ "offered" it to them, why did they "reject" it? Peter's testimony as to the era, of blessing foretold by the prophets. Paul's testimony agrees.

Chapter 8: The Kingdom Foretold By The Prophets

The prophets of Israel foretold salvation for all nations, and the building of the true House of God. This two-fold work is what God is accomplishing in the present gospel-era. Pertinent prophecies examined. The earthly kingdom given to Israel in the days of Samuel was a punishment for their rejection of God. The restoration of that Kingdom was never promised. Proph ecies relating specially to David. The N.T. shows that these were gospel-promises and are fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 9: The Kingdom Foretold By The Prophets (Continued)

Christ's parables clearly prove that the Kingdom of heaven is now. This is virtually admitted in the "Scofield Bible." Further proof that the Kingdom preached by Christ and the earthly do minion expected by the Jews are not the same. Prophecies by Isaiah; by David in the Psalms; by Jeremiah; by Zechariah. Proof that all these are fulfilled in this present era of the gospel.

Chapter 10: The Law Of Christ

The vital feature of every Kingdom is its Law. The Law of God as given in the N. T. is suited to a regenerated people scattered throughout the world. Hence it differs materially from His law as given in the O. T. to an earthly nation composed of natural men. The Gospel is "preached for obedience." Christ's Sermon on the Mount is the Law of His present Kingdom. Fundament alism vs. Modernism. Dispensationalism a house built on the sand. Dr. Scofield's teaching as to the Sermon on the Mount. The two Mountains and the two Laws, Christ's "Sayings" can apply only to this gospel era.

Chapter 11: The Character Of The Sermon On The Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is characterized throughout by grace. Analysis of its commandments. They are "not grievous." The vital importance of "the doctrine of Christ" to His people now. Law and Grace, Forgiveness of sins, Sins and debts distinguished.

Chapter 12: The Kingdom Of God Coming With Power

By what event was Christ's prophecy in Mark 9:1 fulfilled: Pentecost, or the Destruction of Jerusalem? The immense signi ficance of the latter event. Moses' prophecy thereof. The Time of the Gentiles and the Fulness of the Gentiles. Two continuing fulfilments of prophecy. Conclusive testimony of the Divine Authorship of the Bible.

Chapter 13: He Limiteth A Certain Day

Does prophecy predict another return of the Jews to Palestine? Is that "the hope of Israel"? Was it for preaching that as the hope of Israel that Paul was sent in chains to Rome? The Natural and the Spiritual. Abraham's spiritual seed are the heirs of the promises. "Salvation in Zion for Israel." What is Salvation? Where is Zion? Who are Israel? The Election hath obtained it. The present status of Zionism.  

Chapter 14: The Hope Of Israel

Does the Bible foretell the restoration of the earthly Jewish na tion in a future day? Is there another salvation different from Gospel-salvation, and another day of salvation? A novel and sub versive doctrine. The new doctrine analysed. What manner of men will the Millennialites be? Are animal sacrifices to be re sumed hereafter? Are the abolished shadows of the law to be re-established?

Chapter 15: So All Israel Shall Be Saved

Who are the "all Israel" of Romans 11:26? Abraham's two sons typify respectively his natural seed and his spiritual seed. Are "the bondwoman and her son" to be restored? Is the son of bondwoman to be a fellow-heir with the son of the freewoman? Romans IX, X and XI reviewed. The "good olive tree" and what it typifies and teaches.

Chapter 16: Translated Into The Kingdom Of God's Son

Truth which, though fundamental, is much neglected today. The Kingdom, not the Church, the divine basis of unity. Preaching the Kingdom of God was the chief business of Christ and His apostles, especially Paul. Salvation is a change of allegiance and of governmental relationships. Reconciliation to God. Heart obedience the essence of true faith. Live faith contrasted with dead orthodoxy. Work yet to be accomplished by "this gospel of the Kingdom."


* Thanks to the PreteristSite for making this work available on the internet.

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