Hyper-dispensationalism

The Grace Movement (Hyper-dispensationalism, Mid-Acts Dispensationalism,[1] ultra-dispensationalism,[2] or more rarely, "Bullingerism" to which 'ultra-dispensationalism' properly applies,[3]) is a Protestant doctrine that basically views the teachings of the Apostle Paul both as unique from earlier apostles and as foundational for the church, a perspective sometimes characterized by proponents as the "Pauline Distinctive."[4]

Hyper-dispensationalism exists in different intensities, with E. W. Bullinger (1837–1913), an Anglican clergyman and scholar, being the best known early expositor of Acts 28 ultra-dispensationalism, although all dispensational ideas trace back further to John Nelson Darby (1800–1882). J.C. O'Hair independently arrived at the Mid-Acts position after rejecting the Acts 2 position early on and then the Acts 28 position later.[5]

A proponent of hyper-dispensationalism would be Charles F. Baker.[6]

Opponents of hyper-dispensationalism would be Traditional Dispensationalists like John Walvoord and Charles Ryrie.[7]

Within the United States, some advocates of hyper-dispensationalism refer to themselves as members of the "Grace Movement,"[8] and reject the prefix "hyper" or "ultra" as pejorative (often considering it derogatory or misinforming). Many affiliate with the Grace Gospel Fellowship, a church association, and its Grace Bible College, or the more conservative Berean Bible Fellowship.

Examination and refutation of the Acts 28 ultra-dispensational position by opponents of it (especially insofar as it concurs with ultra-dispensationalism) include Systematic Theology by Norman L. Geisler (cp. 2),[9] and Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth, by Harry A. Ironside[10] Some[who?] opponents of hyper-dispensationalism refer to it as a "consistent Dispensationalism." Unfortunately, there has not been any informed substantial interaction with the Mid-Acts Hyper-dispensationalism in any contemporary published work.