Progressive dispensationalism is a theological view that interprets biblical history as a single, unfolding plan of God, harmonizing promises made to Israel and the church. It is an alternative to both traditional dispensationalism and covenant theology, viewing the church as a present, spiritual reality of the future kingdom rather than a temporary parenthesis in God’s plan. Key tenets include a focus on the kingdom of God as the central theme, a belief that Christ is “already” reigning on the throne of David in heaven while “not yet” fully reigning on earth, and the use of a “complementary hermeneutic” that sees the New Testament as a complementary fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
Core tenets and beliefs
Unified plan and distinct dispensations: Progressive dispensationalism maintains that God has one overarching plan but reveals it through distinct dispensational eras, where each period builds upon the previous one.
The kingdom of God: The concept of the kingdom of God is the central theme that unites the entire biblical narrative, moving from its inauguration by Christ to its full, future consummation.
Christ’s reign: It holds that Christ has already been enthroned in heaven and is currently reigning on the “throne of David” in a spiritual sense, but his full, earthly, and literal millennial reign is yet to come.
The church’s role: The church is not viewed as a historical parenthesis, but as a “sneak preview” or a functional outpost of the future kingdom. It is a spiritual unity of all believers (Jew and Gentile) that came into existence after Christ’s ascension.
Complementary hermeneutic: Instead of seeing the New Testament as superseding the Old, progressive dispensationalism uses a “complementary” method of interpretation. This approach holds that the New Testament completes and fulfills the Old Testament promises in a way that is consistent with the original intent, but with new developments and applications.
Relationship between Israel and the Church: It rejects the idea of two separate peoples of God and maintains the ongoing importance of national Israel, while understanding the church as the spiritual body of all redeemed people, both Jewish and Gentile.
Contrasting views
With Traditional Dispensationalism: Traditional dispensationalism views the church as a distinct entity from Israel, and its interpretation often keeps Old Testament promises to Israel separate from the church. Progressive dispensationalism sees more continuity between Israel and the church, viewing them as parts of one redeemed humanity in the future kingdom.
With Covenant Theology: Covenant theology focuses on a unified covenant of grace and views the church as the spiritual “Israel of God”. Progressive dispensationalism maintains a distinction between Israel and the church, even as it sees the church as a present manifestation of the promised kingdom.
Progressive Dispensationalism” is a specific theological framework for interpreting the Christian Bible, not a standard entry in a general bible dictionary. It is a particular approach that emphasizes God’s redemptive plan unfolding in progressive stages (dispensations) and the continuity of His covenants, while still maintaining a distinction between the roles of Israel and the Church.
Key Tenets of Progressive Dispensationalism:
Progressive Dispensationalism, primarily developed by scholars like Craig Blaising and Darrell Bock, seeks a middle ground between traditional Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology. Its main features include:
Complementary Hermeneutics: It uses a grammatical-historical method but also a “complementary hermeneutic,” which allows for the New Testament to add fuller, complementary meaning to Old Testament promises without negating the original literal intent.
“Already-Not Yet” Fulfillment: It views many prophecies and covenants as having an “already-but-not-yet” fulfillment. For example, Christ’s reign on David’s throne is considered to have begun spiritually at his ascension (the “already”) but will be fully consummated in a future earthly, millennial kingdom (the “not yet”).
Unity of the Redemptive Plan: The overarching theme is the single, unified kingdom of God, which progresses through various covenantal stages, culminating in Christ.
Israel and the Church: It maintains a distinction between ethnic, national Israel and the Church (the “body of Christ,” composed of believing Jews and Gentiles). The Church does not replace Israel (anti-supersessionism), and the promises made to national Israel (land, a future kingdom role) still await a future, literal fulfillment.
Salvation by Grace: Like all evangelical systems, it affirms that salvation has always been, and is, by grace through faith alone.
For Further Study
Since “Progressive Dispensationalism” is a modern theological development, it would not be found in classic, historical Bible dictionaries. For in-depth study, you would consult modern theological resources or works by its proponents:
Academic works: Key texts defining this view include Progressive Dispensationalism by Craig Blaising and Darrell Bock.
Seminary Resources: Institutions like Dallas Theological Seminary are centers for this discussion.