Dispensational Hermeneutics. Michael J. Vlach. Monee, IL: Theological Studies Press, 2022. 111 pages. $15.95.
Michael J. Vlach, a distinguished Professor of Theology at Shepherds Seminary in Cary, NC, is the author of this book. With a rich academic background, including a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Master of Divinity degree from The Master’s Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Vlach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work.
What sets this book apart is its unique approach. Divided into eight chapters, the first serves as an introduction, providing a clear orientation to the book's goals and format. It's important to note that this book is not an exposition or defense of dispensational theology but aims to explain dispensationalism's fundamental hermeneutical principles. Vlach's belief in the applicability of these principles to all the different varieties of dispensationalism (classical/revised as well as progressive) makes the book a unique value.
The body of the book comprises six content chapters. The first four content chapters consist of dispensational hermeneutical principles. The last two content chapters provide non-dispensational hermeneutical principles for contrast. The first content chapter consists of a discussion of the critical elements of dispensationalism’s storyline. This includes a discussion of the necessity/centrality of the mediatorial kingdom, a focus on biblical covenants, the continuing significance of ethnic Israel, the distinction between Israel and the church, the continuing importance of nations, and premillennialism. The second content chapter discusses the first three principles of dispensational hermeneutics. The principles in the chapter consist of the consistent use of grammatical-historical interpretation in all scriptural genres, consistent interpretation of Old Testament prophecies in their original context, and passage priority (the idea that the meaning of any passage in scripture is found in the passage and its original context). The third content chapter has three hermeneutical principles. The principles in that chapter are that Old Testament prophecies do not have to be repeated in the New Testament for continuing relevance, Old Testament eschatological expectations are reaffirmed in the New Testament, progressive revelation does not cancel or transform unconditional promises made to their original audience, and fulfillments occur with the two comings of Jesus. The fourth content chapter consists of the last three dispensational hermeneutical principles. The hermeneutical principles include the idea that there are partial fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies, Jesus is a means of fulfillment of the Old Testament, and an acknowledgment of typological connections but a rejection of typological interpretation.
The fifth content chapter consists of four hermeneutical principles of non-dispensational theologies. Principles in this chapter include the New Testament having priority over the Old Testament, non-literal fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, spiritualization of Old Testament prophecies/promises, and typological interpretation. The sixth content chapter contains the final three non-dispensational hermeneutical principles. The principles are that storyline change language exists that indicates a non-literal fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus is “fulfillment,” which means Old Testament expectations are transformed, and a general emphasis on Jesus’ first coming as opposed to his second coming. The last chapter is a helpful conclusion that recaps the principles of both dispensational and non-dispensational hermeneutics.
This book has three positive qualities. The first is its accessibility. It is short enough and at a reading level that makes it valuable to any student of scripture. Second, it tackles dispensational hermeneutics, a significant and underserved topic. Third, the book provides excellent contrast with non-dispensational hermeneutics. The only significant negative quality that this reviewer sees is some unnecessary repetition in the dispensational hermeneutical principles, especially in chapters three and four.
I highly recommend this book. It provides great value for the cost and would be an excellent addition to any library as a resource for any level of study. At 111 pages and $15.99, it should be in the library of any serious Bible student.
Joel Thomas
Ph.D. Candidate
New Testament Studies
Capital Seminary
Lancaster, PA
