What is a philosophy of history? It is a systematic interpretation of universal history in accordance
with a principle by which historical events and successions are unified and
directed toward ultimate meaning.[1]
By this definition, we can see that the Bible gives a
philosophy of history, although it is not a textbook on the philosophy of
history. However it meets the requirements that are necessary for a philosophy
of history.
- It explains the why of historic events in an organized way.
- It covers the whole scope of history from beginning to end.
- It must have a unifying principle which ties history together.
- It assigns ultimate meaning to history.
The Bible fulfills these requirements. Briefly, the Bible
shows that history is controlled by God in the outworking of His purpose. The
events of history are really a struggle between rebellion, redemption, and
restoration. It covers the beginning and ending of history (Genesis to
Revelation). The ultimate meaning or goal of history is the redemption of man
for the glory of God.
Dispensationalism has a direct relationship to the Biblical
philosophy of history. Dispensationalism or the study of dispensations aimed at
developing the Bible’s philosophy of history on the basis of God’s eternal
purpose. That eternal purpose is expressed in Ephesians 3:11, “This
was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus
our Lord.” While there is much that could be said about this verse, the
one thing it clearly does is tell us that God has a plan and purpose. It
climaxed (but did not end) with the work of Christ Jesus our Lord. Notice the
verse does not say that this was God’s plan in its entirety. But it was in
accordance with His purpose. His purpose is still being worked out. “That in
the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace…” (Eph. 2:7).
What dispensations do are identify the stages of the outworking of God’s
purpose and plan in history as revealed in the Bible.
Sir Robert Anderson writes that even though God knew what was in man from the start He “decreed that the creature should prove it to himself”:
ReplyDelete"At the very outset, His judgments of the matter were declared in no uncertain terms (Gen. vi. 1-5). But, in His infinite wisdom, He decreed that the creature should prove it himself. Now, He has done so" (Anderson, The Gospel and Its Ministry [Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1978], 106).
The creature has indeed proved it to himself. The different dispensations given by the Lord to man and man’s subsequent failure under each dispensation is proof to man that he is a failed and miserable creature.
Couldn't the Bible be said to give a philosophy of history without adding Dispensationalism?
ReplyDeleteI've just started my study of end times theories. I read The Rapture Exposed by Barbara Rossing. My mom directed me to this blog for a premillenialist viewpoint. Maybe you could direct me to a book to understand Dispensationalism better.