TH293 Israelology: The Doctrine of Israel
Overview
The issue of Israel is one of the major points of division in evangelical theology today. This is true both among Arminians and Calvinists. An evangelical theologian’s view of Israel will determine whether he is a Covenant Theologian or a Dispensationalist. It will also determine what kind of Covenant Theologian he is: postmillennial, amillennial, or premillennial. The question of Israel is central for a proper Systematic Theology. Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, which contains the first Systematic Theology in Church history, expounds on Israel in the center of his epistle, devoting three full chapters (9–11) out of sixteen to this topic. Yet, while there are many Systematic Theologies today which have systematized areas of biblical truth, none thus far have developed an Israelology as part of their system. The primary purpose of this course is to identify and systematize the doctrine of Israel through four Protestant conservative/evangelical Systematic Theologies. This purpose includes identifying and defining the four systems of theology and the Systematic Theology upon which they are based; showing where Israelology fits into the framework of a total Systematic Theology; and, determining how a theological system may lead to anti-Semitism, pro-Semitism, or indifference to the issue. The secondary purpose of this course is to develop and systematize a theology of Israel consistent within the framework of Dispensationalism.
Top Highlights
“In covenant theology, development will be minimal. In dispensationalism,” (source)
“As far as ‘amillennialism’: Amillennialism (or no millennium) is that system of theology which rejects the idea of any period of a thousand years either before or after the return of Christ.” (source)
“The essence of amillennialism is as follows: First, it rejects the literal one-thousand-year earthly reign of Messiah; second, it affirms that the millennium of Rev 20 is now in process.” (source)
“Now, covenant theology is that system of theology which ‘represents the whole of Scripture as being covered by covenants: (1) the covenant of works, and (2) the covenant of grace.’ A covenant theology, then, is a system of theology based upon two covenants—the covenant of works, the covenant of grace—as governing categories for the understanding of the whole and entire Bible.” (source)
“Second, there is the issue of Israel as a unique entity. Again, covenant theology does not allow for two peoples of God, but only one, and this one is the elect; it is the church; it is the spiritual Israel.” (source)
- Title: TH293 Israelology: The Doctrine of Israel
- Author: Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
- Series: Logos Mobile Education
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Print Publication Date: 2018
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Courseware
- Subjects: Israel › Systematic theology; Dispensationalism; Education › Israel--Systematic theology; Education › Dispensationalism
- Resource ID: LLS:TH293FRUCHTENBAUM
- Resource Type: Courseware Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-04T00:33:19Z
Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (1943– ) is a messianic believer and founder and director of Ariel Ministries, an organization dedicated to evangelism and discipleship of Jewish people. He earned his doctorate from New York University and his MTh from Dallas Theological Seminary, and he studied at Jewish Theological Seminary and Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
As a child, Dr. Fruchtenbaum was trained by his father in Orthodox Judaism, but at age thirteen he came to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. He worked as a missionary with the American Board of Missions to Jews (known today as Chosen People Ministries) and served as editor of their monthly publication, The Chosen People.
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the author of Ariel’s Bible Commentary: The Book of Genesis and the eleven volumes in the Ariel Ministries Messianic Collection, and he is the coauthor of How Jewish Is Christianity?: 2 Views on the Messianic Movement.