## **Hyper-Dispensationalism: Detailed Explanation** **Hyper-dispensationalism** (also called **ultra-dispensationalism**) is a theological system within **Christian dispensationalism** that emphasizes a sharp distinction between different dispensations in the Bible, particularly regarding the beginning of the Church and the role of the Apostle Paul. Hyper-dispensationalists often argue that the Church, as the body of Christ, began with Paul’s ministry, not on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), which is the traditional dispensational view. ### **Core Beliefs of Hyper-Dispensationalism:** #### **Pauline Primacy:** Hyper-dispensationalists teach that Paul’s epistles contain the doctrine for the present Church age. They see Paul as the “apostle to the Gentiles” and his message as distinct from that of Peter and the other apostles. #### **Late Start of the Church:** - **Acts 2 Dispensationalism (Classic Dispensationalism):** Church begins at Pentecost. - **Acts 9 or Acts 13 (Moderate Hyper-dispensationalism):** Church begins with Paul’s conversion or his first missionary journey. - **Acts 28 (Extreme Hyper-dispensationalism):** Church begins after Acts 28, when Paul is imprisoned in Rome. #### **Baptism Rejected:** Most hyper-dispensationalists reject water baptism as a practice for the Church today, arguing that it belonged to the Jewish dispensation. #### **Distinction Between Kingdom and Church:** They emphasize that the kingdom gospel (preached by Jesus and the apostles) is different from the gospel of grace (revealed to Paul). #### **The Gospels and Early Acts are for Israel:** They view the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels and the early part of Acts as primarily directed at Israel, not the Church. ### **Classic Dispensationalism: Key Characteristics** #### **Church Begins at Pentecost:** The Church began in Acts 2 with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. #### **Continuity of Baptism and Lord’s Supper:** Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances for the Church age. #### **Progressive Revelation but Unity:** Classic dispensationalists view the Bible as revealing God’s plan progressively through dispensations, but see more unity between the teachings of Jesus and Paul. #### **Israel and Church Distinct:** While classic dispensationalists also emphasize a distinction between Israel and the Church, they do not separate the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of grace as rigidly as hyper-dispensationalists. ## **Key Differences Between Hyper-Dispensationalism and Classic Dispensationalism** |**Aspect**|**Hyper-Dispensationalism**|**Classic Dispensationalism**| |---|---|---| |**Beginning of the Church**|Paul’s ministry (Acts 9, 13, or 28)|Pentecost (Acts 2)| |**Baptism**|Generally rejected as non-applicable|Practiced as an ordinance| |**Lord’s Supper**|Often questioned or reduced in importance|Practiced regularly| |**Role of Paul**|Paul’s gospel is distinct from others|Paul’s teaching complements others| |**Gospels and Acts**|Primarily for Israel, not the Church|Teachings for Israel but with relevance to Church| |**Division of Gospel Messages**|Kingdom Gospel (Jews) vs. Gospel of Grace (Gentiles)|Unified gospel with distinctions in application| ## **Major Proponents of Hyper-Dispensationalism** ### **Historical Figures:** - **E.W. Bullinger (1837–1913)**: - An Anglican clergyman and Bible scholar. - Advocated the **Acts 28 view** (Church began after Acts 28). - Known for his book _How to Enjoy the Bible_. - **Charles H. Welch (1880–1967)**: - Developed Bullinger’s ideas further. - Emphasized the “prison epistles” of Paul as the highest revelation. ### **Mid-20th Century and Later:** - **J.C. O’Hair (1876–1958)**: - A Baptist preacher and radio minister. - Proposed the **Acts 9 view** (Church began with Paul’s conversion). - Opposed Bullinger’s Acts 28 position but shared the rejection of water baptism. - **Cornelius R. Stam (1909–2003)**: - Founded the Berean Bible Society. - Advocated the **Acts 9 view**. - Wrote _Things That Differ_, a key text in hyper-dispensational circles. - **Les Feldick (1927–2023)**: - Popular television Bible teacher. - Leaned towards the **Acts 9 view**. - Known for his informal teaching style and focus on Pauline doctrine. ### **Modern Era:** - **Richard Jordan**: - Associated with the Grace School of the Bible. - Promotes the **Acts 9 view**. - **Berean Bible Society**: - Continues to be a significant voice in the hyper-dispensational movement. - Publishes books, tracts, and media promoting Pauline dispensationalism. ## **Criticism of Hyper-Dispensationalism** ### **Over-Division:** Critics argue hyper-dispensationalism divides Scripture too sharply, undermining the unity of the New Testament message. #### **Minimizing Jesus’ Teachings:** By assigning Jesus’ earthly teachings primarily to Israel, hyper-dispensationalists can be accused of neglecting the Sermon on the Mount and other key teachings. #### **Rejection of Baptism:** Traditional evangelicals view the rejection of water baptism as a departure from clear New Testament practice. #### **Fragmentation:** Hyper-dispensationalism often leads to internal splits over the exact starting point of the Church and other fine distinctions. ## **Common Ground** Despite their differences, both hyper-dispensationalists and classic dispensationalists share: - A belief in **pre-millennialism** (Christ will return to establish a literal 1,000-year kingdom). - A distinction between **Israel and the Church**. - An emphasis on **literal interpretation of Scripture**, particularly prophecy. ## **Conclusion** Hyper-dispensationalism represents a more extreme and rigid form of dispensational theology, focusing heavily on the uniqueness of Paul’s ministry and rejecting traditional practices like water baptism. Classic dispensationalism, while also emphasizing dispensations, maintains more continuity in the New Testament and retains church ordinances like baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Historically, figures like **E.W. Bullinger**, **J.C. O’Hair**, and **Cornelius Stam** laid the groundwork for the movement, while modern voices like **Richard Jordan** and the **Berean Bible Society** continue to advocate for these teachings.