The following was written by Miles J. Stanford in the early 1970's in an effort to explain a weakness regarding the doctrine of sanctification [instant spirituality], the source being Dr. L. S. Chafer and Dallas Theological Seminary. Many years have passed and modifications in teaching emphasis have been made. Consequently, the points in this series of critiques may or may not still hold true. We will make an attempt to update their status when subsequent information is available.
Links
Chafer, Ryrie, Pentecost, Thieme, Hodges, Bright,
Hession, Grubb,
Torrey, Gordon,
Simpson, Tozer,
Moody, Murray
DR. J. DWIGHT PENTECOST
Miles J. Stanford
INTRODUCTION -- Dr. Pentecost is Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, and pastor of Grace Bible Church, Dallas. We strongly recommend two of his books: Things to Come, and Things Which Become Sound Doctrine.
CHRISTIAN LIFE TEACHING -- In his book Pattern for Maturity (since retitled Designed to Be Like Him), the familiar Chafer-Dallas pattern is in evidence.
Dr. Pentecost is more thorough and clear in his presentation of the objective identification truths than either Drs. Chafer or Ryrie. He repudiates the instant spirituality teaching, and sees the necessity of time for solid spiritual growth and maturity. The very title and subject of his book may well be an effort to overcome the immaturity involved in immediate spirituality.
However, he too fails to give the identification principles their Biblical application. All three of these writers [Chafer, Ryrie, Pentecost] practically bypass the Cross in the life of the believer. They do mention our positional cocrucifixion with Christ, but in the combined 750 pages of the three books in question, there is very little space given to the experiential outworking of that crucifixion.
TEACHING EMPHASIS -- Dr. Pentecost's emphasis is also on the filling with the Spirit, and especially upon the means to that end: Yielding.
SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS -- For him, yieldedness gives rise to all spirituality and growth. Dr. Pentecost's conditions for the filling with the Spirit are: thirst, drink, yield all to God.
CONCLUSION -- One reason that the Cross is denied its proper place in the teaching of these men is that they stress reliance upon the Spirit to overcome the old nature by means of the new nature. This leads the believer to seek the filling of the Spirit in order to overcome sin and self and to be conformed to the image of Christ. Thus the Biblical means of freedom from the domination of sin is passed over, leaving the old man free to block true spiritual progress.
It is true that Dr. Pentecost clearly sets forth the judicial judgment of the Cross upon the old nature, but he fails to teach the application of that positional crucifixion! Instead of counting upon the finished work, he calls upon the will, thereby abandoning the struggling believer to the rigors of Romans Seven. He offers no rest through reckoning upon our death and resurrection with Christ, but only the civil war of ceaseless conflict and life-long warfare with sin and self.
Also see, THY KINGDOM COME, and The Filling of the Holy Spirit ~ Is It the Biblical Basis for Christian Maturity?