"The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary"
And
The Assumptions Of John Nelson Darby
Do You Believe Either?
By J.A. Bridges
In Search of Historical and Biblical Church Teaching.
Pope Pious X11
On Nov. 1, 1950 Pope Pious X11 announced a new official doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church; "The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary" which states that her body and soul were taken up to heaven upon her death.1 Protestant clergy quickly protested saying, "What makes the Catholic Church think it can get away with introducing a new official doctrine after all these years."
In the 1830’s the British pastor of a Plymouth Brethren Church, John Nelson Darby began proclaiming a new teaching to his congregations, one not taught before in any Christian Church, therefore not found in any historical tradition. He admitted that this new doctrine (PRETRIBULATIONAL RAPTURE) was a new revelation based on his belief that the tribulation period will be for Israel only. In his opinion, a removal of the Church must therefore precede the Great Tribulation."2
Yes. You are right. The parallel which I present is between Roman Catholics and (many) Protestants. I believe that both have (some) teaching and methods of interpretation built solely on certain ungrounded assumptions.
I was raised as a dispensationalist. Like many I was searching the scriptures for specific, clear teaching concerning the timing of "The Second Coming". Some have been taught, "There will be a rapture before the great tribulation", but will there be?
I know that we (who are conservative Biblicists) won’t allow Rome to dictate to us official Church Doctrine; but have we unknowingly allowed John Darby?
My prayer is that my brothers and sisters in Christ will examine the evidence which I present in my book "The Signs of Christ's Second Coming" and (like the Bereans) make up their own minds in spite of tradition. The following is a list of Chapters:
1. Bible Study Rules that we all agree on.
2. The Coming of Christ According to Church History.
3. An Examination of the Seven (contemporary) Views Concerning Christ's Coming.
4. The Next Coming of Christ According To Jesus.
5. The Next Coming (Rapture) According to First and Second Thessalonians.
6. The Four Major Visions of the Book of Revelation Which Show the Timing of the Second Coming.
7. Biblical Instructions for Believers During the Great Tribulation.
8. What Must Christians (NOW) do Differently?
In mid or lower eastern Michigan, I will meet with you (or your group) for discussion over coffee and bring you several books free.
_____________________________
1 The Catholic Encyclopedia, Revised (Thomas Nelson Nashville: 1986), pg. 56. states: "This doctrine was based on Church tradition dating back to the seventh century and upon theological reasoning".
2 Clarence B. Bass "Backgrounds To Dispensationalism"; Erdman's, Grand Rapids: 1960
In the 1830’s the British pastor of a Plymouth Brethren Church, John Nelson Darby began proclaiming a new teaching to his congregations, one not taught before in any Christian Church, therefore not found in any historical tradition. He admitted that this new doctrine (PRETRIBULATIONAL RAPTURE) was a new revelation based on his belief that the tribulation period will be for Israel only. In his opinion, a removal of the Church must therefore precede the Great Tribulation."2
Yes. You are right. The parallel which I present is between Roman Catholics and (many) Protestants. I believe that both have (some) teaching and methods of interpretation built solely on certain ungrounded assumptions.
I was raised as a dispensationalist. Like many I was searching the scriptures for specific, clear teaching concerning the timing of "The Second Coming". Some have been taught, "There will be a rapture before the great tribulation", but will there be?
I know that we (who are conservative Biblicists) won’t allow Rome to dictate to us official Church Doctrine; but have we unknowingly allowed John Darby?
My prayer is that my brothers and sisters in Christ will examine the evidence which I present in my book "The Signs of Christ's Second Coming" and (like the Bereans) make up their own minds in spite of tradition. The following is a list of Chapters:
1. Bible Study Rules that we all agree on.
2. The Coming of Christ According to Church History.
3. An Examination of the Seven (contemporary) Views Concerning Christ's Coming.
4. The Next Coming of Christ According To Jesus.
5. The Next Coming (Rapture) According to First and Second Thessalonians.
6. The Four Major Visions of the Book of Revelation Which Show the Timing of the Second Coming.
7. Biblical Instructions for Believers During the Great Tribulation.
8. What Must Christians (NOW) do Differently?
In mid or lower eastern Michigan, I will meet with you (or your group) for discussion over coffee and bring you several books free.
_____________________________
1 The Catholic Encyclopedia, Revised (Thomas Nelson Nashville: 1986), pg. 56. states: "This doctrine was based on Church tradition dating back to the seventh century and upon theological reasoning".
2 Clarence B. Bass "Backgrounds To Dispensationalism"; Erdman's, Grand Rapids: 1960