Case for Progressive Dispensationalism, The

Rating:
Summary: Good book on understanding Progressive Dispensationalism
Review: For those who want a clear and scholarly presentation of this "newer" type of dispensationalism (i.e., progressive dispensationalism) that has gained much ground within conservative evangelical circles should look to this book. Saucy's book is filled with the desire to be faithful to the Scriptures and to uphold God's glory. The book is divided into four main sections: 1) Introduction; 2) The Present Age and Old Testament Prophecy; 3) The Church in Salvation History; and 4) The Place of Israel. The first section deals with the differences between dispensationalism and non-dispensationalism. The main difference being the way "the historical plan and the goal of that plan through which God will bring eternal glory to himself" is understood (p. 20). Section two deals with the Abrahamic covenant, the Mosaic covenant, the Kingdom, and the New Covenant and the salvation of the gentiles. Saucy does a good job here presenting the "already/not yet" aspects of the covenants and the kingdom. The Abrahamic and New covenants being partially fulfilled in the Church age but completely fulfilled in the Millennium. The third section deals with the church in salvation history. Saucy again does a good job presenting the case for an "already/not yet" view, yet maintaining the distinction between Israel and the Church. The fourth section deals with the place of Israel. Saucy does an excellent job showing why Israel still has a role to play in God's redemptive program and why all the OT prophecies cannot be fulfilled in the Church age. He demonstrates this by going over the OT prophetic writings, some Pauline passages (particularly Romans 11), other NT passages, and the role Israel plays in salvation history. Particularly useful is Saucy's examination of Romans 11. He makes a convincing case why Paul was referring to national Israel rather than "spiritual" or "remnant" Israel in the passage. Also, Saucy's discussion of why Israel must still have a role to play in God's revelatory and salvific program is convincing (God still needs Israel to carry out His revelatory and salvific purposes). Overall, this book is a good starter for those seminarians who want a good understanding of this developing system.