The Origins of Dispensational Futurism

Published by Marcos S.

Greetings brothers and sisters!

For years Adventist teachers and evangelists have taught that the doctrines inherent in Dispensational Futurism can be traced back to the Jesuits, primarily cardinals Francisco Ribera (16th century), Robert Bellarmine (17th century) and Manuel de Lacunza (18th century). However, when this information is put forward to some of the more learned Dispensationalists of this era, they come back with a seemingly convincing counter-argument--that is, that Futurism originates in the teachings of the early Church Fathers in the 2nd and 3rd century A.D. long before any Jesuits existed. This they claim is "proof" that the Jesuits were not responsible for the doctrines of Futurism in the Protestant world, and that it was primitive to the early Church. 

Getting to the bottom of this problem, some diligent Adventist students of bible prophecy and history have decided to delve much deeper into this subject to see if this claim is true. The results in this research are quite shocking as well as eye-opening. It is something I believe EVERY Adventist teacher, pastor, evangelist and professor needs to become aware of if they intend to fairly and accurately deal with this massive theological framework that has permeated at least 80% of the ranks in Christendom today. 

It would be impossible to unravel all the intricate parts and origins of the eschatological construct of Dispensational Futurism in this single article. Therefore, the primary purpose of this writeup is to encourage the reader to listen to the Radio Program by Mike Warren and D.S. Farris, and read the accompanying Document by D.S. Farris entitled "Futurism: The Counterfeit Prophecy" found at the bottom of this article. However, below is a summarized outline of facts to get your feet wet concerning the issues that will be discussed in the Radio Show and accompanying document in relation to some major problems Dispensationalists are overlooking, and why we believe that, after all, it does appear that the Jesuits were responsible for the Dispensational eschatological construct we see today.  To many, the following information may prove to be quite shocking, as there is much to chew on here that is not discussed within eschatological circles: