Question:
Dr. Lindstrom, I recently found a website on dispensationalism. In a chart form, in short, it said that the four Gospels were teaching salvation by faith AND works; dealt with the training of the disciples to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom; and that the books of Hebrews, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude and Revelations match the doctrine of the Kingdom in Matthew through John, with primary emphasis on the Tribulation and Millennial Kingdom. To summarize, the chart says we should be living by Paul’s epistles since he was chosen to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. If we used Paul’s epistles for our (gentiles’) guidlines, seems to me it sure would make salvation by faith alone, a lot easier to understand and explain. I value your opinion greatly. What do you think?
Answer:
This position is wrong and is called hyperdispensationalism. Salvation has always been by FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST ALONE in every dispensation. Peter makes this clear in Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Peter spans the entire O.T. and N.T. with this one verse.