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The Coup de' grâce: How to Win Any Theological Argument , Part II


If you are a faithful follower of John MacArthur and/or John Nelson Darby and the  unbiblical interpretation system known as Dispensationalism, you may have encountered some opposition from those who disagree with your views. In our last article, we discussed how to refute basic critics of dispensationalism by using the nearly foolproof one-liner: "you don't understand Dispensationalism." But what if they do?

If your opponent can actually demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic concepts, knows the core theologians, and is unfazed by the hermeneutic, then it's time to up your apologetic  game. The best way to do that is with this next-level response: 

"That's not *REAL* Dispensationalism." 

Boom! The cake is a lie. Game over. Roll the credits.

Why is this phrase so effective? Because it allows you to dismiss any argument or evidence that contradicts your position without having to engage with it. It also implies that you are the sole authority on what constitutes real dispensationalism, and that anyone who disagrees with you is either ignorant or dishonest. It's a win-win situation for you.

But how do you know what is real dispensationalism and what is not? Well, that's easy! Real Dispensationalism is whatever you believe it is. Obviously. If it wasn't the bonafide real deal, then why would you believe it? If someone challenges your interpretation of a biblical passage, a historical event, or a theological doctrine, just say "that's not real Dispensationalism" and move on. Don't worry about being consistent or coherent. Just stick to your guns and assert your superiority. It’s really that simple. Look at the Socialists. They’ve been applying the same basic principle for years, and now they own the schools and government. But they don’t own us yet, so let’s get back on topic.

Here are some examples of how to use this phrase in different scenarios:

- Scenario 1: Someone points out that dispensationalism originated in the 19th century and has no historical support from the early church fathers or the reformers.

- Your response: That's not real dispensationalism. Real dispensationalism is based on the literal grammatical-historical interpretation of the Bible, which has been practiced by faithful believers since the apostolic age. The early church fathers and the reformers were influenced by allegorical and covenantal methods that distorted the plain meaning of Scripture.

- Scenario 2: Someone points out that dispensationalism divides God's people into two distinct groups: Israel and the church, and that this contradicts the biblical teaching that there is one people of God in Christ.

- Your response: That's not real dispensationalism. Real dispensationalism recognizes that God has different plans and purposes for Israel and the church, and that he deals with them differently in different dispensations. The biblical teaching that there is one people of God in Christ only applies to the church age, not to other dispensations.

- Scenario 3: Someone points out that dispensationalism teaches a pretribulational rapture of the church which is not found anywhere in Scripture.

- Your response: That's not real dispensationalism. Real dispensationalism teaches a pretribulational rapture of the church which is clearly implied by Scripture. The rapture is a mystery that was revealed to Paul and other apostles, and it is consistent with the doctrine of imminence and the distinction between Israel and the church.

As you can see, this phrase can be used to counter any objection or criticism of dispensationalism. It is a powerful tool that will make you invincible in any debate or discussion. Just remember: if someone disagrees with you, they don't understand dispensationalism. And if they think they do understand it, they don't understand REAL Dispensationalism. Either way, you win.

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