Progressive Dispensationalism

• The mid-1980s witnessed the rise of progressive dispensationalism. Often linked with the inauguration of the Dispensational Study Group in 1986. [1, pg. 20]
• The title “progressive dispensationalism” refers to the “progressive” relationship of the successive dispensations to one another. [1, pg. 20]
• Ryrie notes that, “The adjective ‘progressive’ refers to a central tenet that the Abrahamic, Davidic, and new covenants are being progressively fulfilled today (as well as having fulfillments in the millennial kingdom).” [1, pg. 20]
• With progressive dispensationalism, there is real fulfillment of the covenants of promise in this age. This applies mostly to the spiritual aspects of the new covenant including the indwelling Holy Spirit and Gentile inclusion in the people of God. [1, pg. 20]
• According to Craig Blaising and Darrell Bock the church is not a distinct people group in contrast to Israel and Gentiles, but redeemed humanity in this current dispensation. Both Israel and the church compose the “people of God” when it comes to salvation and both are related to the blessings of the new covenant.
  • This spiritual equality, however, does not mean believing Gentiles become “Israel” like non-dispensational systems usually claim. Ethnic identities still exist within the broader concept of the people of God. Also, Israel will have a functional role of leadership and service to the nations when Jesus comes to reign upon the earth (Isa. 2:2–4). This will occur in the millennium. [2, pg. 49]
• Progressive dispensationalists like Blaising and Bock see an already/not yet aspect to the Davidic throne and Davidic reign of Christ, viewing the Davidic reign as being inaugurated during the present church age. The full fulfillment of this Davidic reign awaits Israel in the millennium. [1, pg. 21]
  • Most dispensationalists still believe Jesus’ session at the right hand of the Father according to Psalm 110:1 concerns the throne of deity, not David’s throne. The Davidic throne assumption and reign awaits Jesus’ second coming (Matt. 19:28; 25:31; Rev. 3:21). [1, pg. 22]
• Key theologians of progressive dispensationalism include Craig A. Blaising, Darrell L. Bock, and Robert L. Saucy. [1, pg. 21]

References:

1. Michael J. Vlach, Dispensationalism: Essential Beliefs and Common Myths, Revised and Updated. (Los Angeles, CA: Theological Studies Press, 2017).
2. Blaising and Bock.