Debate abounds on the future of Israel and Israel’s relation to the church, not only between dispensationalists and non-dispensationalists, but among dispensationalists themselves. In the past that debate has sometimes been acrimonious, and proponents of the differing viewpoints have found little common ground. In recent years, however, views have been modified and developed so that the dialogue is increasingly by cooperation and a mutual exploration of diverse ideas. The Case for Progressive Dispensationalism is intended to enlighten the debate in that same irenic spirit. The book is solidly dispensational in perspective in affirming that the Old Testament prophecies are completely fulfilled in the future, that the nation of Israel has a prophetic future, and that Israel is not the church. Dr. Saucy departs from classic dispensationalism, however, in showing that (1) the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy begins in the present church age, and (2) the church is not a parenthesis in God’s program but represents a continuity with the Old Testament messianic program. This modified dispensationalism seeks to satisfy many of the objections of non-dispensational approaches to eschatology while retaining the crucial elements of biblical interpretation that characterize dispensational thought.
Minding the Heart: The Way of Spiritual Transformation
The heart is the most important biblical term for the person’s nature and actions. Indeed, the heart is the control center of life. It is the very place where God works to change us. But how does this growth take place? How are Christians to discover the steadfast spirit of David’s psalm? In Minding the Heart, Robert L. Saucy offers insightful instruction on what spiritual transformation is and how to achieve it. He shows how renewing one’s mind through meditation, action, and community can begin the process of change, but ultimately the final change—the change that brings abundant life—can only come through a vital relationship with God. “The renewing of the heart is an inescapable human need,” writes Saucy, “but the solution lies only within the realm of the divine.” Drawing from inspiring Bible passages as well as selected scientific studies, Saucy demonstrates how to make lasting change so Christians can finally achieve the joys of becoming more like Christ.
