the Christian life
A Case for Pauline Dispensationalism: Defining Paul's Gospel and Mission
(Age of Grace series: Book 1)
by Carol Berubee, 2017
Paperback, 250 pages
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A study of dispensations, classic Pauline dispensationalism, Peter's gospel vs Paul's gospel, similar to Miles J. Stanford, distinct from mid-Acts Pauline dispensationalism
Have you ever wondered why Moses says, "An eye for an eye," but Jesus says, "Turn the other cheek"? How about the apparent contradiction between Jesus and Paul when Jesus instructs His disciples to keep the Law but Paul tells us we are not under the Law?
Do differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament confuse you as a Christian? Do you find yourself wondering whether or not you are supposed to keep the Law? How much of the Law?
When you read about Jesus preaching and then sending out the Twelve disciples, do you notice that they never go to the Gentiles? Have you realized that the Twelve Apostles never preached the Gospel to Gentiles (except for Peter who did so once), while the Apostle Paul is sent specfically to the Gentiles? If this is true, how does it affect us as Christians, today? How does this fact change the way we view Jesus' earthly ministry under the Law, or the ministry of the Twelve?
This volume presents an argument for Pauline Dispensationalism, as distinct from the traditional view of Dispensationalism. The main premise is that Paul's ministry is distinct from that of the Lord Jesus Christ and His twelve Apostles. An intermediate knowledge of the Bible is recommended, but key concepts are defined and some basic information is explained as introductory. Maps and charts are included.
There are numerous books available to the Christian who desires to study God's dispensational progam. A select few of these books begin to approach the subject from a Pauline perspective. Of those, one is either forced to concede to the argument that, after all, there is no real difference between Paul and the Twelve; or, one must ride the pendulum to the ultra-dispensationalist argument that the Church began with Paul, either at his conversion or later in his ministry. Is there a middle ground?
In this book, a survey of the dispensations, as well as the distinction between Israel and the Church is, of course, presented. Then, the argument turns to the distinctions between the Lord's earthly ministry and that of Paul; as well, much time is spent delineating the nuanced differences between the ministry of the Twelve and that of Paul. The conclusion is not that we must disregard any ministry other than Paul's but to put Paul first as the Apostle to the Gentiles, the prototype, the masterbuilder, and the recipient of the revelations of the mysteries.