What Are Some Things You Once Held Dogmatically But No Longer Do?

Q: What are some theological positions I used to hold dogmatically but have since become less certain about?

A: When it comes to dispensationalism, I don't believe dispensationalism any less than I believed it before. But I do understand much better the reasons people have for rejecting dispensationalism and how they approach their theology. It hasn't made me change my theology, but I'm grateful for understanding where they're coming from better.

Much of taking a theological position comes down to deciding what problems you will accept and what problems in the theology are acceptable to you. For example, I recently taught a series through Ezekiel, and I don't know how someone can write off the later chapters as just a spiritual temple. The elaborate measurements and details seem to indicate something more literal.

I understand there are problems with believing that Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48 describe a literal temple that is yet to be realized. However, I would rather take the problems with my approach than the problems others have with it. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different theological positions helps me determine which I think is more plausible given the entire realm of biblical evidence.

That's why I'm a credo-baptist; I believe in believers' baptism, not infant baptism. The case for infant baptism seems weak and founded on sand. Similarly, I don't follow classical covenant theology because the covenants they use as a foundation for their system are not actually in the Bible. I also believe in the continuation of spiritual gifts today, despite the mess in the charismatic world, because I believe that is what the Bible teaches.

I understand how someone else could come to a different conclusion, and that's fine with me. But I can't see it that way. For instance, someone might interpret Revelation chapter 20 regarding the binding of Satan in a way that makes sense to them, but for me, that's a much bigger problem. If they're fine with it, I understand how their theological system plays out with that.

It's important to engage with those who hold different beliefs, not just through those who criticize them. When you actually talk to someone who holds a different position, you often come away with a different perspective. This is why it's crucial to have conversations with brothers and sisters in Christ, not just to hear about them but to hear them directly. People who love the Lord and take the Bible seriously can come to different conclusions, and I'm fine with that.