Dispensationalism

I am new to the study of prophesy and as you can imagine, I have several questions. I am not sure that I believe in dispensationalism. This seems to be a relatively newer doctrine that the reformers did not embrace. Would you be willing to forward me an article or comment on the support for dispensationalism?

Q. I am new to the study of prophecy and as you can imagine, I have several questions. I am not sure that I believe in dispensationalism. This seems to be a relatively newer doctrine that the reformers did not embrace. Would you be willing to forward me an article or comment on the support for dispensationalism?

A. Dispensationalism had its origins in the 1800’s. It’s simply a system for understanding the Bible. Those who dispute it are often really attacking the dispensational view of the Rapture (occurring before the Great Tribulation) and the Millennium (the literal reign of our Lord on Earth for 1000 years). Some also find fault with dispensationalists’ insistence on a literal interpretation of Scripture. And others claim that it’s too logical. They say it takes all the mystery out of Scripture. Like many disputes among theologians, it has nothing to do with our salvation, and becoming too dogmatic about it can can become an obstacle to our growth in the faith.

I personally see dispensationalism as a great tool for understanding God’s purpose.

Here are links to a couple of articles.

http://www.raptureready.com/featured/TheCalvinisticHeritageofDispensationalism.html

http://www.gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/what-does-a-dispensationalist-believe