CONTEXT! is a book written to enhance biblical unity regarding Bible prophecy by getting back to the Bible. It is written specifically as a one-volume textbook for Bible teachers and Bible College and Seminary students who desire to study the word of God. It focuses upon an examination of Ameri-can Evangelicalism and its diverse systems and teaching on the millennium as indicated by the subti-tle Evangelical Views on the Millennium Examined. The book is the result of intermittent studies over 35 years. Some 15 variations of prophetic interpretations relating to the millennial issue are addressed as taught within two basic systems of theology: Dispensational Theology and Reformed or Covenant Theology.
There are five major prophetic teachings that stem from these two basic systems. Each is explained by lengthy firsthand-citations from acknowledged representative scholarly proponents. The five ma-jor teachings are then summarized, examined and questioned in light of five New Testament doc-trinal maxims that the author believes are firmly supported by the context of Scripture. The author then presents an alternate way to interpret the doctrine of the last things that he calls New Covenant Non-Premillennialism. This is accomplished by explaining: (1) the biblical context and the signifi-cance of the biblical doctrine of Spirit baptism within a redemptive history framework; and (2) the importance of the “Now-Not Yet” principle of biblical interpretation.
Over time the author believes that the book may cause many teachers and students to rethink their prophetic beliefs objectively by reexamining their interpretative presuppositions in view of the con-text of Holy Writ. The book concludes with a prophecy questionnaire that highlights the variations present within evangelicalism today that too often hinder the gospel of Christ. Providing a partial solution to this hindrance is the motivating cause for writing CONTEXT!
Gary D. Long is Executive Director of Sovereign Grace Ministries, Inc. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri (B.S. in Agriculture, 1959) and from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M. in Systematic Theology, 1969; Th.D. in Historical Theology, 1972). His ministry focuses upon writing and, itinerant teaching. His published books include Definite Atonement, Biblical Law and Ethics and The Doctrine of Salvation.