Prophecy and the Church

by Oswald T. Allis

AN EXAMINATION OF THE CLAIM OF DISPENSATIONALISTS THAT THE CHURCH IS A MYSTERY PARENTHESIS WHICH INTERRUPTS THE FULFILMENT TO ISRAEL OF THE KINGDOM PROHECIES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

399 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what it sets out to do, it does a good job. The book is largely a polemic against dispensationalism (as it existed in the 1940's when this was written). It very skillfully refutes many of the excesses of the dispensationalism of Darby and Scofield, but without some of the drawbacks and baggage that exist in other Reformed writings against dispensationalism. It rightly points out the logical implications of many of Darby and Scofield's teaching, but without attacking dispensationalists personally. He rightfully points out that, assuming his conclusions are right, that many dispensationalists aren't fully consistent, and therefore don't hold to the more problematic beliefs that their beliefs would logically lead to. He refers to various dispensationalist authors as "brothers" and doesn't stray into unrelated topics (such as Calvinism).

It is a bit dated, both in its language, and in its content. He does a great job of addressing the problems of traditional dispensationalism, but the more well-thought-out, reasonable arguments of today's progressive dispensationalists don't come up that much (since this was written in the 1940s before progressive dispensationalism was a thing). So, this definitely doesn't close the book on the question of dispensationalism. And, like a lot of similar books written in that era, it's not the most reader-friendly. Chapters and paragraphs are long, and grammar and formatting conventions have changed a lot in the last 70 years. It is definitely not a book to read with the TV on in the background.

Overall, it goes in-depth and addresses the subject matter with gusto, but without being mean or overly accusatory. Some parts I find imperfect (such as his treatment of preterism when it comes up), but overall, it is a worthy entry to one's collection on prophecy and end-times.

[Marie Sonnen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author brought out many interesting points about the inconsistency and errors of the premillennial dispensation interpretation of Revelation. It’s an older book (1969) so the language is sometimes awkward for a more modern reader. It’s worth the slog.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complete and thorough refutation of Dispensational eschatology! Oswald T. Allis does a magnificent job of completely unravelling what has been a prevalent faulty and pervasive doctrine in the church for the last 2 centuries. Growing up as an independent fundamental baptist who proudly toted and touted the Scofield reference Bible I am very thankful for those sound and solid Pastors and teachers who have astutely challenged dispensationalism and shown us its flaws. Great book! Give a copy to your pretrib/premil family members and friends.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for any Bible student who wishes to know the differences between Premillennialism and Dispensationalism. I never knew the principles taught by Dispensationalists and the logical conclusions to which those teachings led until I read this book. Allison did an excellent job looking at the Old Testament prophecies that concern the church, which Dispensational teachers deny. The major problem Allis has is that he misapplies Matthew 24 to the end times as do most denominational teachers, when Jesus is clearly answering the disciples questions about the signs that would proceed the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and what would be the signs before His second coming, i.e., the end of the world. Beyond that misunderstanding, Allison does an admirable job defending the prophecies of the Old Testament against the literalism arbitrarily imposed by the Dispensationalists.

[Frank Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The homework of any dispensationalist who has not digested and responded seriously to Allis' critique of their hermeneutic is incomplete.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. O.T. Allis was a professor of Semitic Philology at Princeton Theological Seminary until 1929 when he joined the Westminster Theological Seminary faculty. This book, which is probably one of Dr. Allis' better known works, deals specifically with the Old Testament prophecies regarding the role of Israel in light of the coming messiah, Jesus Christ. Dr. Allis, rightfully in my opinion, argues against interpretations which focus on the fulfillment of these prophecies being found in the current state of Israel with a future pre-millennial return of Christ to the nation of Israel. His conservative Biblical thought is refreshing in an age where many seek more flashy and alluring theories to prophecy.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great.