| What Presbyterians Believe | Eschatology Section V - Principles of Faith Related to Eschatology |
|
Other parts of this paper: SECTION II - Eschatology in the Reformed Tradition SECTION III - Eschatology in Biblical Perspective SECTION IV - Implications for Individual and Church |
V. Principles of Faith Related to Eschatology This present paper (1978) should be taken in conjunction with the previous (1944) report dealing specifically with dispensational premillennialism as "out of accord with the system of doctrine set forth in the Confession of Faith" and which is incorporated in this paper as an Appendix. The principles affirmed in the 1944 report have broader application to a sound eschatology than merely a refutation of dispensationalism which does violence to them all. Those principles "inform" eschatology and ought not be compromised for the sake of any futuristic scheme. Those principles are here repeated in eight positive affirmations, with Confessional and sample Scriptural references cited. They hold true for evaluating any millennial concept, and for such interpretations as may be given to any passage or segment of Scripture. 1. There is but one overarching Covenant of Grace. (WCF, Cha. VII; note Acts 13:32, 33; Romans 9:31, 32; Galatians 3:6-8, 17, 29). 2. There is but one covenant people of God. (WCF, Cha. XXVII, Secs. 1, 2; note Acts 10:34-36; 1 Cor. 10:1-4; Heb. 11:39, 40) 3. There is but one salvation. (WCF, Cha. VII, Secs. 3, 5; note John 5:24; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:30). 4. There is but one destiny for God's covenant people. (WCF, Chap. VHI, Sec. 5; note John 17:2; Fph. 1:11,14). 5. There is but one unified written revelation of God. (WCF, Cha. 1, Sec. 9; VII, Sec. 6; note II Tim. 3:16, 17). 6. There is but one King, always in control. (Shorter Catechism, 26, 28; Longer, 45; note Daniel 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:25) 7. There is but one resurrection. (WCF, Cha. XXXIV, Sec. 2; note John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) 8. There is but one future judgment. (WCF, Cha. XXXV, See. 1; note John 5:28, 29; Acts 17:3 1; Rom. 14:11, 12; 1 Cor 5:10). |