Waldron's Response to John MacArthur

Here's the scoop from the publisher:

At the 2007 Shepherds' Conference, Pastor John MacArthur delivered a controversial message entitled, "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist is a Premillennialist." In this book, Dr. Sam Waldron addresses the assertions of MacArthur historically, exegetically and theologically. Although his arguments are rigorous, the entire tenor of the book is level-headed and irenic. This "friendly response" grants modern day Amillennialists the opportunity to thoughtfully engage their Dispensational brethren.

With charity, this book exposes the fallacies--historical, exegetical and theological--inherent in Dr. MacArthur's presentation...Thank you, Dr. Waldron, for showing us how a theological refutation may be done with grace and kindness...James M. Renihan, Ph.D.

Samuel Waldron's "friendly response" to John MacArthur's "millennial manifesto" will go a long way toward setting the record straight about what Reformed amillennialists actually believe about the church and Israel...I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in this controversy...Kim Riddlebarger, Ph.D.

Samuel Waldron's response to John MacArthur's controversial sermon, "Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist Is a Premillennialist," is a gem. In a gentle spirit, and with an awareness of what is at stake, Waldron makes a persuasive case against MacArthur's unlikely claim that true Calvinists must subscribe to the tenets of dispensational premillennialism...Cornelis Venema, Ph.D.

 

For ordering information,  Click here: Reformed Baptist Academic Press

Comments

[Rich B.]

I agree with Wayne!

[Mike]

I think with Jason, and given our earlier comments and experience we would agree with Wayne when he says 'And this is no little thing'.

The TMS grad / Pastor that I know (he was at the conference and heard the address), on putting it to him, assured me that JM had read all the literature and knew the Amil position well. He supported all that MacArthur said - with a beaming smile.

[Rich B.]

MacArthur said something like if you get Israel right you get eschatology right. I agree but think he should have gone back farther - get the Garden right and you get Israel right, justification right, eschatology right, etc. The key to eschatology is protology. Vos was right. :-)

[tms alum]

Rich B.,

I agree with you. In my comments above I noted in passing that we in the Reformed tradition do not only disagree with dispensationalists about the future of Israel, but also about the history of Israel. The historical function of Israel (as God's second 'son' situated between Adam and Christ) was to typify Christ himself. Israel is a shadow that gives way to the real, the substance, which is Christ. Her history is both a recapitulation of Adam's history (i.e., receives God's command, sins, and is expelled from the holy realm) and an anticipation of the better 'Son', Christ, who obeys and secures for us the eternal kingdom. In this sense I believe that JM has gotten Israel wrong and consequently misunderstands eschatology.

In response to MacArthur I would say that if you get Jesus right (as second Adam and new and better Israel) you will get Israel, the Church, and eschatology right.

[Rich B.]

tms alum,

Well said. Two Adam theology opens up many related doctrines.

[Wayne Rohde]

Here's a thought...

John MacArthur attempting to critique amillennialism is like Norman Geisler attempting to critique Calvinism.

And Sam Waldron critiquing John MacArthur is like James White critiquing Norman Geisler.

Just a thought...

[Joe]

Interesting note about TMS (The Masters Seminary). I just recently experienced attempted commentary with several TMS grads (Expository Thoughts). I say attempted because though the subject was about my commnets, they refused to hear, uh, my comments about my comments. The general subject was about land promises not being fulfilled. I felt no love from these pastors, nor were my comments handled as I had expected. They banned me and removed my better scriptural proofs. I am at a loss of why they consider themselves reformed.

[Laura]

I just wanted to post that the link to the book in the blog post no longer works (or it did not for me). This link does though: http://www.rbap.net/our-books/macarthurs-millennial-manifesto-a-friendly-response-by-samuel-e-waldron/ I just ordered a copy of the book.