~ by James Fire
Introduction: Hermeneutics is concerned with the method of how
we interpret the Bible. One can have a very conservative hermeneutic or a very
liberal one; one’s hermeneutic can be a very literal method or a very
allegorical one.
One’s hermeneutic can be dispensational* or according to covenant theology**.
One’s hermeneutic can be dispensational* or according to covenant theology**.
For more on these two
positions, check out these links below:
For another excellent treatment on the validity of dispensational theology, check out:
Note to Readers: We here at TTUF are vigorously and intentionally
dispensationalist in our hermeneutic, believing that there is a distinction
between Israel and the church, that the various dispensations are related to
the eight covenants that GOD established with the people of this world, and
with Israel and the church: these covenants are: Adamic Covenant, Edenic Covenant, Noahic Covenant, Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, the Land (Palestinian) Covenant, the Davidic Covenant and the
New Covenant. For more about dispensations and covenants, check out TTUF’s
Discipleship introductory examination of these here.
It is vital that we maintain
a biblical distinction between Israel and the church; Covenant Theology
believes that there is one church in two phases: Israel, the church of the Old
Testament and the body of Christ, the church of the New Testament. We find this
hermeneutic fundamentally flawed as it will attribute Scripture to the church
that inherently belongs to the nation of Israel, by spiritualizing the verses
rather than applying a literal interpretation.
Why am I harping on these
assertions in such replete fashion?
Because of the chapter we are about to examine for one; many of the Covenant Theology camp sees this figure of the woman as the church, but the Scripture itself defines who she is, and she is not the body of Christ. We believe Israel has a destiny, a purpose and a plan from GOD Who will fulfill all of His promises to her according to His appointed, yet-future time (Covenant theologians believe these promises are already fulfilled, thus as a nation, GOD’s involvement with her is done and over with).
Because of the chapter we are about to examine for one; many of the Covenant Theology camp sees this figure of the woman as the church, but the Scripture itself defines who she is, and she is not the body of Christ. We believe Israel has a destiny, a purpose and a plan from GOD Who will fulfill all of His promises to her according to His appointed, yet-future time (Covenant theologians believe these promises are already fulfilled, thus as a nation, GOD’s involvement with her is done and over with).
Also worthy of note, which
we have brought up before, is that every symbol, every vision found in the book
of REVELATION is either explained within the context of the passage or
elsewhere in the Scripture, and we shall witness this as well; so, let’s begin:
