It’s with great sadness but also joyful expectancy that I’m announcing that as of fall 2020, I will no longer be teaching at Talbot School of Theology. I say “great sadness” because I love our department and my last sixteen years (my first year was part time) teaching for Biola University have been the best years of my life. I had hoped to teach for our department for many more years, and it saddens Jean E. and me that I’m no longer going to be able to do that. Yet I write with “joyful expectancy” because God is good and He will take care of us. Jean E. and I are excited to see what He has in store for us.
Why I’m leaving
For the last sixteen years, I’ve put an asterisk next to the millennium portion of Biola’s doctrinal statement and noted that although I think Biola’s position regarding the millennium might be exactly correct, I couldn’t say I was certain that was the case. But I was informed that it is the “will of the trustees” that everyone on Biola’s faculty agree with Biola’s progressive dispensational premillennialism as this is what the Board of Trustees believes. I was told that Biola will offer me a contract for the 2020-2021 academic year, but if I cannot sign Biola’s Statement of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles without qualification, then the contract will not be honored (I am teaching my regular classes for our department for the Spring 2020 semester). Once they informed me of this decision, Jean E. and I seriously studied the issue and on several occasions we fasted and prayed about it. But I still can’t sign on to progressive dispensational premillennialism without the qualification—dispensational premillennialism may be exactly correct but I’m unconvinced.
Here’s the fuller story
I became a Christian in 1969 and it wasn’t long before I was reading and teaching the principles of Hal Lindsey’s The Late, Great Planet Earth. I was also enamored with the Calvary Chapels and Chuck Smith Sr., who I thought was the wisest, most spiritual man on earth (perhaps it was a tie between him and Billy Graham). I regularly attended several Calvary Chapels since 1969, including “Big Calvary,” I was on the pastoral staff of one Calvary, and I was given permission by the Calvary Chapels to start a Calvary Chapel (it never became more than a Bible study). As is well known, Chuck Sr. held to dispensational premillennialism and was adamant that the rapture and second coming would occur in the 1980s (“this generation shall not pass away…”). Well, that didn’t happen. This encouraged me to hold some eschatological beliefs loosely, including the nature of the millennium. Just to be clear: I absolutely hold to the imminent, literal, bodily return of Jesus!
2004
I was pleased when Craig Hazen asked me to join the faculty at Biola in 2004, but, as I said, I put an asterisk on Biola’s doctrinal statement next to the section on eschatology and explained that Biola’s position on the millennium may be exactly correct, but I couldn’t say that I was certain that this was the case. Let me be absolutely clear: I’m confident in the truth of Biola University’s eschatology statement except for their stance on the millennium. I do endorse every other aspect of Biola University’s doctrinal statement.
Because of that asterisk, I was asked to meet with Talbot’s assistant dean to discuss the matter. The assistant dean and I talked for probably an hour, and since I don’t teach on eschatology (I teach apologetics), I was soon blessed by the opportunity to join Biola’s Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics faculty full time. That has been a great blessing to me and a great opportunity for me to help our students. Because of this asterisk, I was not put on a tenure track.
2010
In 2010, I submitted the paperwork to be promoted from assistant professor to associate professor, and the vice provost inquired as to why I wasn’t on a tenure track. I told her that it was because I didn’t know I could be tenured. She then got an updated doctrinal statement from me, and I began an email dialog with a Talbot School of Theology professor about my eschatological beliefs. After my exchanges with that professor, the then provost invited my wife Jean E. and me to meet with President Barry Corey in his office for a tenure track interview. But in that meeting President Corey told us that he couldn’t submit me for tenure because of my lack of eschatological certainty regarding dispensational premillennialism.
Although we were disappointed, I walked out of the president’s office with thankfulness because I had demonstrated to the Lord that I was willing to give up something very valuable to be honorable before Him by keeping a clear conscience. Thankfully, after that meeting I was granted the promotion to associate professor, and the vice provost told me that there was no reason that I shouldn’t be able to receive future promotions. I was thankful about that.
However, the next time I was going to apply for promotion, I was told that I could not apply for promotion because of my not being able to sign the doctrinal statement without qualification. That hurt because that meant that I was never going to get another salary increase. Again, however, I thanked God for the money He had given us and I was again thankful that this was evidence before the Father that I really was a faithful servant. The Lord often asks us to give up valuable things for His Kingdom. Thus I just went on with serving the Lord and trusting that He would provide and He has provided!
May 2019
On May 13, 2019, I was informed that since I had “expressed written disagreement” with the university’s “eschatology, Israel, and the church statement in the Theological Distinctives” that “it is the will of the Trustees that everyone teaching at Talbot and Torrey shall indicate personal agreement with this statement…. It is not an option to disagree.” The founder and director of our apologetics department, Craig Hazen, requested that Talbot make an exception in my case since I had worked for the university since 2004 and I didn’t teach anything related to the university’s eschatology position. But they told Craig that no exceptions could be made. The reason for that was the concern that it would open the door to other exceptions on other theological matters.
Of course, this has been hugely disappointing to Jean E. and me. I love our apologetics department, I love the people I work with, I thoroughly enjoy and immensely respect my colleagues, and I love our students. The thought of not being a part of their lives saddens me. Jean E. and I have done a lot of study on the topic. There was even a brief period where I thought I might be able to sign the dispensational part of Biola’s doctrinal statement without qualification. But ultimately my position remains unchanged: the progressive dispensational premillennial portion of the school’s doctrinal statement might be exactly correct, but I cannot say that I’m convinced. (By the way, it’s interesting that in June 2019, the Evangelical Free Church of America even struck the word “premillennial” from their doctrinal statement.)
Present Day
As you can imagine I’m deeply saddened by this, but I am willing to lose one of the things that I value most to keep a clear conscience. As I said, Jean E. and I also have a joyful expectancy for what God will do in our future. Presently I have no offers for any substantial work. Your prayers are appreciated about this!
Next, I’ll answer anticipated questions.
Will you be able to teach part-time for Talbot?
I’m afraid not. No one will be allowed to teach even one class for Talbot unless they agree with Talbot’s doctrinal statement in its entirety without qualification.
Is Biola right to request that every faculty member be in full doctrinal agreement?
Absolutely! I totally support the right of Biola University and any other Christian institution to insist that the members of that institution hold to that institution’s doctrinal statement.
Biola has known your position for sixteen years; why are they insisting on this now?
Out of respect for Biola University, I will say very little here. The bottom line is that in the last couple of years it had come to the Board of Trustee’s attention that there were a small handful of faculty who were hoping for Biola’s positions on some issues (namely marriage and sexuality) to change. When these faculty learned that Biola’s position was not going to change as the Statement of Biblical Principles was finalized, they chose to leave the university. With the Statement being finalized, the Board clarified the expectation that all Talbot faculty affirm the university’s position on eschatology.[1]
Why are you announcing this publicly?
Because for the last sixteen years almost everything I’ve done has been associated with Biola University/Talbot School of Theology and thousands of people know me in connection with that. People who know me are naturally going to ask why I’m no longer with those institutions and this way I can answer them all at once.
Why are you announcing this now?
Because I need ministry opportunities! Thus, I need to let everyone know that I’m open to other academic positions, pastoral positions, and speaking opportunities at churches and conferences. Recently I was asked to speak at a hospice clergy conference and since my writing and teaching is mostly about evil, death, and suffering, I’m really looking forward to that! Setting up more ministry opportunities takes time and announcing now gives me almost eight months to secure more opportunities. Let me conclude by saying that it has been an honor for me to work for Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. I pray for their success, especially for the success of our apologetics department, which I love. If I can be of service to your church or ministry, please let me know at clay.jones@biola.edu.
I’m going to open this post up for comments but I have two requests. First, please be respectful. Second, please don’t try to convince me of the truth of your eschatological conviction. Jean E. and I trust Jesus and we know that He will take care of us! He always has and He always will!
Since I wrote this post some things have changed. You can read what’s happened since here.
[1] About three weeks ago I sent this post to Talbot School of Theology Dean, Clint Arnold, and to Dean of Faculty, Scott Rae, for their comments. It is substantively the same as what I originally sent. Scott and I together crafted this particular paragraph.
As Clay says, we are both saddened by the turn of events and excited about what God has for our future.
Please kindly come and start a school for us kenya. God needs you here. I am also a graduate from biola university.
a humble suggestion: Read the Sign of Jonah and reflect all its aspects and then revisit Jeus’crucifiction and pray to God for Only One Question. Did Jonah remained alive throughout the ordeal then Jesus should also match that. If God guides you to this wisdom please contact me. anwer Khan at 909-496-6303
May God Bless you the wisdom like he did before and you remained steadfast. May God Bless you for leaving Talbot for those who prefers God, God prefers them
anwer
Jesus said that unlike Jonah, that he would be three days and nights in the belly of the earth. Obviously, He is talking about being dead. Answer my question, even the overwhelming majority of atheists believe Jesus died on the cross. Why should you believe that He didn’t because someone came along centuries later and said that.
Sir, I have been saying prayers for you, and apologists for Christ, for past few months. Thank you for strengthening my faith. God is with you in this phase too. May good Lord keep you.
Thank you for your desire to communicate in a manner that reflects the character of Christ. I will continue to pray that God opens a door of opportunity for you to serve. God used your transparency about your own personal fight with sin to motivate me to run the race more singleminded. Thanks for loving Christ.
Thank you for sharing Clay. I appreciate your honesty and conviction. I am of the premill camp, but agree that we cannot say for 100% certainty it happens the way Progressive Dispentionalism lays it out. It may very well be 100% accurate. Has BIOLA considered 2 Peter 1:20-21?
I so appreciate this, Clay. Your blog post was respectful, articulate, and honest. I read every word from the (dot)net to the WP Theme (nice one, btw). Thank you for sharing publicly. Thank you for giving us hope that people can disagree, be disappointed even, and maintain dignity. I especially appreciated the answer to your anticipated question about whether Biola was right to request this. I know God will bless you and Jean as you continue to follow God faithfully. I am excited for you, actually! What an adventure! What a blessing! Go! You got this because God’s got you!
Thank you for your well-written encouragement Jennifer! It is exciting and we must just worry about today, as Jesus told us. He’ll take care of us. Blessings to you!
Clay thank you for sharing your heart it resonates with me a great deal. After being in lay leadership at Calvary chapel for years and attending Bible college there I began to have doubts about dispensationalism just before graduation for the same reasons you mentioned. As I was getting ready to graduate I was told o could not be a cc pastor unless I believed it. Like you. I think it could be true but I am uncertain. after a few other Disappointments I left the ministry and did not return until after 18 years in the military! I’m thinking of going back for my M.Div. but I’m trying to decide where and this particular issue is still a sticky one for me
Hi Clay. Wow, I really respect you.
I was about 16 when from studying the Scriptures alone I became convinced that dispensational premillennialism is not possible.
When was I was about 23, I applied to a seminary and put an asterisk next to their eschatology statement. They told me I could attend, but I had to agree to keep my belief to myself. I didn’t like that, but I went along. Only took two Hebrew classes (where eschatology thankfully was never mentioned), and that was it.
At my church, also dispensational, when they made me sign their “What We Teach” document to continue teaching in the youth group, I put an asterisk next to their eschatology statement. They told me I could teach, but not disagree with them. Ultimately, I never liked that and I was already preparing to speak with the senior pastor, which I did, several times. Later an elder told me you can teach according to your conviction as long as you show why you believe what you believe from the Scriptures, which I am of course happy to do. Less than two weeks later (after God provided a wonderful opportunity I was emboldened to take), the campus youth pastor and associate campus pastor forced me to quit teaching youth without hearing me at all, and despite telling them what the elder said to me. Since then, the campus pastor also refused to hear and persecuted me publically. The new senior pastor, who is not even dispensational or premillennial, shut down from speaking with me, too.
I am to the point where I will never again put an asterisk and agree to silence as a condition for engaging in ministry.
I invite you to check out my site (overcomingthetribulation.com) and read my end times testimony.
I pray for God to provide and richly bless your next ministry opportunity.
God bless you for not being willing to sign against your conscience.
Thank you for your prayers Annette. I’m sorry for what you’ve had to go through! We must all keep a clear conscience.
Classy. Clay, you are a classy guy. Well written.
Personally as a long-time member of the Evangelical Free Church, who has ministered full-time with para-church evangelical organizations with no statement on the millennium, which is kind of a de-facto amillennial at least in the central or core issue ethos, I was disappointed to have my home denomination lose that distinction. Especially when there are clearly so many evangelical and non-denomination entities where amils can easily find a home. But that is only speaking personally.
Clay, I have one question following your quote here: “Just to be clear: I absolutely hold to the imminent, literal, bodily return of Jesus!” I assume via your understanding of the above that you believe Jesus’ literal return, in part as per what the angels said in Acts 1, will be not to the new heaven and new earth but to this earth and atmosphere and in Jerusalem (Acts 1 and Older Covenant prophets etc). So, is your asterisk about whether the thousand years repeated several times in Revelation 20 is the exact amount of years, e.g. 1000 or millennium of Christ’s reign upon the earth? E.g. you wonder if it could be 999 years or some such? And that Biola *could be correct about 1000 precisely but you are not absolutely convinced? Or do you wonder if Jesus will return to this earth? Or something else you find unconvincing in this mix… I understand that you don’t teach eschatology and may not want to comment, but as as a friendly acquaintance with a lot of respect for you, I am curious. I’d guess it is more than the precise number of years as that would seem to be a kind of pettyfogging that I wouldn’t think would be weighty enough to affect the disappointing impasse, and hopefully great new opportunities.
Blessings in Christ on the new opportunities all to His glory!
Thank you for the “classy guy” comment Joe! I’d rather not get into a discussion about this because I don’t want others to jump into it and to have it become a debate. Blessings to you!
Brother Clay Jones, My name is Kent Smith from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I came across your videos on YouTube. I bought your book and also expanded my mind on the issues of Pain, Suffering and Evil through many of the videos I watch on YouTube and your book( I’m not finish with it). Some things where hard to take in at first because many communities even Christian communities and congregations lack the revelations that God(Father,Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit) has given us dealing with Pain, Suffering, and Evil especially the Black community. It’s like a taboo in many congregations( especially blacks) not to dive into the Problem of Good and Evil and Suffering. I pray more and More individuals that are seeking and asking God for answers and reason come across your work or others like yourself (guided by the Holy Spirit of course) for some revelation on these matters of our Humanity. I’m not saying you have all the answers and explanations but your work, length of time and study has been a good Guide. I was guided by the Holy Spirit to buy Matthew White ” Atrocities” book about a year ago and do not know why. I came across you then I begin to read it. “The Rape of Nanking” I forgot the Author name( Sadly she committed suicide) I Begin to read While I was in the Army( Infantry) 2009 and I couldn’t finish it. I wasn’t Save nor knew Christ at the time but to read what I read about what the Japaneses soldiers did to the people of Nanking….Only word that came to mind is “Barbaric”. and this was less than 100 years ago. Has mankind really improve morally? That was a question I ask back then and again I wasn’t save when I ask that question but that book and events bothered me. 2010, I surrendered to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. and its been a journey of knowing God(Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit), Man, Evil, and redemption, still is…Right now; Evil, Suffering,and Angels, have waved heavy on my Heart and Spirit since the summer of 2019 and I came across you in October of 2019. I read most of your articles on this site and I to am deeply into Apologetics. More to help others to know why they believe in what they Believe. To hear what’s going on in your life now, I will be praying for you and your wife and strangers with open ears and hearts be ready to receive what the Holy Spirit has put in you to reveal to others. You have been a Great help and study in the short time I begin reading and listening to you and your work. I think the school is making a big mistake but yet, I know God may have or use a different avenue for you and your work. I pray you continue to spread the message and teachings on Pain, Evil and Suffering because its so needed brother. and please do not take down this site, I am using it to share with others. Hopefully I’m not the only one. 🙂 ….. I thank God for you and your Wife to be submissive in a Area( Evil and suffering) that many people do not want to dive in and truly see humanity for what it actually is. May the the Lord Bless you in this time of changes.
Thank you Kent! I’m thankful that you have found my teaching helpful!
Would you consider Denver Seminary?
We are open to wherever the Lord leads, Jason!
So sorry to hear, Clay. I have never considered end times theology (outside of Christ’s imminent return) to be critical doctrine, and have never had anyone prove to me why it should be….since it has no bearing on our ultimate salvation, nor our current witness. Not to dismiss the convictions of the institution, (Of course I respect it, or I wouldn’t have gone there) but to my thinking, but I am frustrated that this is the measurement by which you’ve been given a departure notice. I am, however, thoroughly convinced this is God’s timing, and what He has for you in the future will eclipse even what you’ve been called to thus far. (You’re right: when it rains, it pours.) But that just tells me that God is setting your sails for a different shore…
I like the setting sails analogy Bruce! That’s right! Thank you!
Thank you very much for your honesty in this post, and in your dealings with the administration at Biola over these years. Your understanding of their position, and the tone of your post are admirable. You are setting a fine example, one, sadly, that is not always followed in such cases. In the history of other Biblical and theological institutions in the past couple of centuries in America some have been downright deceitful about their disagreements, while others have added to that a bitter and vindictive response when contracts were not renewed. Holding the line on doctrinal positions is never an easy task. Disagreeing with grace and charity is a rare thing to observe. Thank you for modeling that.
Thank you for the encouragement John!
Clay,
Thank you for your very thoughtful and respectful disclosure. Well done brother. It wasn’t easy I figure. And I too am saddened to see you go. But I want to share some thoughts, from my last 3 semesters at Talbot…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that we won’t agree with 100% of anyone’s theology. I wish there was the person or mentor I could sit under who would guide me into all truth. But, of course, that’s the role of Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. So, by definition, no one else can fill that, and The Father wouldn’t have it any other way. Every hero of the ministry I’ve come across, every book I’ve read (more in these 3 semesters than in the rest of my life), alas, every – single – time, I come across something where I have to say, “Hmmm, I’m not so sure about that.” And again, it HAS to be that way.
So, as with an individual, so with an institution, and any detailed theological statement—if detailed enough—will lead to the same place. It has to. And hence the necessary ‘art’ of knowing where to draw the line, the line between what is essential, and what is actually designed to draw us into deeper and deeper study of His infinite riches, and keep us fixed on Him rather than on any other ‘intermediary’.
The initial issues of marriage and sexuality are clearly on the side of what must be clearly defined (and I can see only one way of defining them). But as for me, I really don’t see the eschatological issue raised being in the same category (or even close). On the contrary, I see it being in that seductive domain that our good Father uses to draw us in ever deeper, ever closer to Him.
May God bless you, BIOLA/Talbot, and all of us who strive to navigate the all-important Christian unity that Christ prayed so earnestly for in His last days on this earth, for the sake of our witness of His glory.
Thank you Lester!
Sorry to hear this Clay. I really appreciate your work. Christian Brothers and Sisters need to stop majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors.
I’m thankful for your encouragement Tony!
I find it sad that institutions make a “creative construct” a test of faith (employment). The domain in question is only a blip on the Christian radar these days. Most institutions have learned how to live with diversity.
Religious educational institutions are allowed to take these actions by accreditation agencies because they only measure if the institution conforms to its published documents/guidelines. I wonder if students are required to affirm this view in order to graduate?
After over 50 years in ministry (with over 30 years teaching in Christian colleges and seminaries), I’ve felt and observed this scenario too many times.
Blessings on you and your family during this time of transition.
Thank you for he encouragement Gary! No, students don’t have to agree with dispensationalism to graduate from the seminary.
You were one of my favorite teachers in the program Clay and showed so much love and concern for the students. I’m really sorry this has happened. Biola will be much poorer without you there.
I’m thankful for your encouragement Rick!
Clay, I hate to hear this. You were my intro to Biola via the Research Methodologies and Writing class. You are an outstanding writer and a great teacher. During my first summer residency, without ever having a discussion with you, I noticed how you interacted with your students; gracious, kind, and humble. You are a wonderful example to the students at Biola of how Christians should conduct themselves. I have read your book on suffering and evil, and have already pre-ordered your latest book. I am sure students have learned much from you through the years, but this may be the most important lesson you have ever taught them.
Thank you for that encouragement Randy! God calls all of us to sooner or later take a loss for His sake.
Curious if you’re aware of the Calvary split due to similar circumstances. Most are CCGLOBAL A few like Downey are not. What side are you with? Left for similar reasons after 26 years. My kids went there and then my son went to Biola. We have been through the same dilemmas as your family. God has something better! Praying for you and the family
Yes, I’m aware, Marla. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hello Clay, Thanks for your candid openness! Sorry to hear of your situation. I will pray for the Spirit to lead you and your family in this adventurous time. By the way, I read “The Slavery of Death” by Richard Beck (a must read for anyone interested in this vital theological topic) a few years ago and it totally rocked every aspect of my theology, prayer and trust in God. That death dude is a sly one whose ultimate demise is on the horizon…Just pre-ordered your new book too! So, with hope that the Holy Spirit will encourage you, knit your hearts together in love, and lead you into the fullness of understanding and knowledge in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”, go with boldness and joy into your new calling. (Thanks Paul, for letting me borrow your words). In the service of King Jesus, Anders Hitchcock, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Tucson.
Thanks for the encouragement, Anders! I just bought that book. Blessings to you and your ministry!
As a recent Biola alum, I am thankful that you helped shaped the trajectory of many Talbot students over the course of your time at the seminary. Your careful, charitable and honest holding to principle is admirable and refreshing. Thank you for your service to Christ’s kingdom at Biola, and may he bless you and your family with ministerial and academic opportunities moving forward.
I’m thankful to have been of service to you!
Well written brother. I have a degree from Biola/Talbot apologetics. I also made that shift from dispensationalism (I am currently a minister in the OPC). I do think this is a significant issue and I am convinced that you are on a good path. Blessings and Soli Deo Gloria.
Thank you Paul!
Prof. Jones,
Indeed, I am saddened to learn about you leaving Biola. You were one of my favorite professors when I was a student at Biola and you still are to this day. I still remember how you prayed over me and encouraged me to pursue God through His Son, Jesus Christ alone. Also, your humility and honesty intrigued me the most. You have shown a great example how to be a good servant of Christ Jesus. I will forever cherish that as long as I live.
Please know that you and your beloved wife, Jean will always be in my prayers. May God continue to richly bless you and your family.
“He who honors God will be honored.”
Much more love in Christ,
Anneke
Thank you Anneke! Blessings to you!
Dear Prof. Clay Jones,
That’s a very graceful response. Biola will lose a great faculty in you.
But I also understand the board’s stance on not compromising on their creed – creeds are important after all, especially in this creedless age.
This might be one of those Paul vs. Barnabas moments where both parties may be more fruitful for the kingdom when separated rather than together.
And of course, taking a leap of faith with an uncertain future is always more exciting, sometimes we find doors that we never knew were there because we have been so accustomed to our comfort zones.
May the Coming King (premillennial or not) continue to offer His guidance in the years of your pilgrimage here!
From a former student,
Thank you Jonatas! Unlike Paul and Barnabas, however, we are not separating in anger. I respect them and they have treated me with love and compassion.
I definitely support an institution’s firm commitment on doctrinal matters, and that all the staff must be in perfect agreement– With the exception of eschatology. If it makes you feel any better, Clay, think of all the great theologians in the history of the church who would not be able to teach there either!
Bless you brother.
Thanks Larry! Yes, the fact that none of the Protestant Reformers would be allowed to teach at a Protestant seminary isn’t lost on me. But, of course, the Reformers could be mistaken!
They weren’t!!
Hey, brother. I’m sorry to read this. I truly enjoyed taking your classes at Biola. Let me ask this: are you willing to relocate? Assuming God calls you somewhere outside of SoCal, of course.
Thank you Shaun! We hope to stay in So Cal but if the Lord wants us to go elsewhere we will go.
Got it. Very glad to hear that. I will pray that God makes His will known to you and your wife as quickly and clearly as possible. If it looks like He’s leading you out of state, Texas is lousy with Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries.
Clay, thank you for letting us know. I will be praying for you. I appreciate you staying honorable through this situation. The Lord will provide as you seek him and worship him.
Thank you Ronald!
Clay & Jean E., sorry to hear about this turn of events. Thanks for your honesty about your theological convictions and for standing strong in them. I have always appreciated your teaching and the times we had to interact. Praying that the Lord will continue to lead you as he is and has in the past.
Thank you Paul!
Sorry that you’ve decided to uproot (though I understand why). Hope God blesses, and I’m sure He will, you and where ever you end up.
I used to attend a Calvary Chapel (I didn’t disagree with their eschatological views). I loved the verse-by-verse week by week preach-through of the Bible style.
I have two questions. 1) Can you summarize your eschatological view of the millennial period (simply, e.g. “amillennial”)? 2) How important do you think eschatology should be to fellowships of believers?
I’ll answer my own questions so it’s not like some interrogation. 1) I’d agree with the premillennial, sorta dispensational views (I’m not strict on the dispensations). However, and I really can’t stress this enough, I don’t really care about your eschatological views when it comes to fellowship or even education (that is, if I were the Talbot chancellor I would welcome a variety of views). The only thing I think I would be hung up on is that Christ is bodily returning someday. 2) I don’t think it should be listed in foundational church or Christian organizational belief structures, or if they are listed, they’re completely optional for membership or employment. It kinda bothers me (and I’ve mentioned it to my pastor) that the church I’m currently attending has all of its eschatological views on its website in its statement of faith.
I’m going to pass on explaining my eschatological views, Samuel!
Understandable … what do you think of my second question? How important do you think eschatological views should be to churches and other fellowships of Christians?
Not that important, Samuel, as long as they hold to the bodily return of Jesus.
In 2003 I entered Biola’s MAICS program as a pre-trib dispensationalist and graduated in 2004 as an amillennialist! Of course Biola didn’t have a direct hand in this, it was just a period of overall spiritual growth for me and my personal studies led me to this change. I hate that some Christian organizations take their eyes off the main points of out belief and focus on secondary issues to the point of disassociation and absolute forbiddance!
Thanks for letting us know, Clay. I’m sorry to hear this news, but praying that God will open new doors of more fruitful service for you. Grace be with you and Jean
Thank you Paul!
Thanks for sharing this. Very well stated. It is disappointing to see secondary issues being made a dividing line. This question is much different from issues of morality. What is confusing to me is that it seems there is a mandate about faculty views on eschatology, but not on Genesis 1, the age of the earth or even Adam and Eve – and certainly not on Calvinism… Am I understanding this correctly? If so, there seems to be no reason why other issues, including eschatology, cannot be identified as having more than one perspective allowed. I am sad to hear you are going through this and wish you a fruitful new season.
I wish it wasn’t so, Duane, but I respect their right to decide what they think is doctrinally important.
Just this morning reading your, ” Why Did That Child Have To Die?” Then I went to your site to read this. I was part of a great bible church in Midlothian, Texas for 4 years. Teaching the High School department yet “historical” premill in my position. Dr. William E. Bell at Dallas Baptist College ( now Dallas Baptist University) convinced me of it by his book, ” A Critical Evaluation Of The Pretribulational Rapture In Christian Eschatology,” He wanted to get his PHD from Dallas Theological Seminary but was confronted with the same dilemma that you faced. Many of us have had to make the same decision as you have made. You are on my prayer list now! I graduated DBC and the SWBTS in Ft. Worth. 11 years pastor of a SBC work in Olympia, Wa. 25 years at a church we started in Teague, Tx. We call it ,”Teague Bible Church” because we love what we saw at Midlothian Bible Church and the folks from DTS. Yet we cannot abide Dispensationalism. I thought it was strange that I read your article this morning, (I don’t know when you wrote it) and then to read this today. I have read all the books at the top of this page. I would love to talk to you someday. God bless you and God bless our brothers and sisters with whom our fellowship cannot be broken over the less clear items of eschatology. Jimmy Petty Pastor Teague Bible Church Teague, Texas.
I’d be glad to talk to you anytime, Jimmy!
I’d be glad to talk with you, Jimmy, if you’d like to send me an email.
Dispensational pre-millenialism? They are not serious, surely? This doctrine belongs in the kooky section of theological discards…now I learn this of Biola it changes my view of it and Talbot entirely.
Dr. Jones,
I’m thankful I had the opportunity to take a few of your classes while working on a MACA at Biola. Your classes were some of my favorite and find myself using what you taught me almost every day. I’m teaching apologetics courses to middle school and high school students, and I would not be equipped to do so without having been your student.
You have profoundly shaped my views on theology, worldview, and suffering.
I’m thankful to have read this—thank you for continuing to teach me outside of the classroom as well.
I thank God Russ that you’ve found what I teach to be helpful. I thank God that you’re being used of God as you are!
Dear Clay,
I praise the Lord for you and Jean E and am excited about where He will take you next. You will be amazed and thankful! It’s sad for Biola that the Trustees don’t see the huge category difference between the clear teaching of Scripture (on marriage and sexuality) and a 19th century theological construct that has many interpretations. Worse yet — it limits the critical thinking skills of its students and further isolates the credibility of the Christian worldview in the public square. The students and faculty of the Apologetics program will surely miss you. It is a real loss for Biola.
Hope to see you when we travel to California. I liked that “feeler” regarding Denver Seminary. Come visit us in Arizona. God Bless. Stu
The disciples and apostles would have scoffed at the idea of a premillennial rapture being an essential of the Christian faith. This secondary issue has become a millstone around the neck of the modern American church. Out of all the things Christ wants us to hold as important, a premillennial rapture is not one of them.
I am just plain bummed. I understand both sides position, yet feel like something can and should have been worked out so that you could stay teaching. Talbot is losing a great professor. 🙁
Dr. Jones:
I just found out about your leaving Biola University. I understand this is late in the year as this was announced in January. I fully understand your commitment to the truth of Scripture. You continue to be one of my absolute favorite professors that taught me at Biola. To say to you, this is shocking to me would be a gross understatement. One of the fondness memories I have at Biola was in 2019 in the summer residency when I attended your class: “Why Does God Allow Evil?” In that class, you shared with us something very personal about your life which to this very day, has helped me strengthen my relationship with God and my wife. I will never forget your courage and your humility and willingness to speak the truth no matter the cost. Rarely, do I see Christians truly represent Christ. I’ve seen this repeatedly at Biola and particularly with you. Yes, today I heard about you and was saddened that you left Biola. I’m not sad that I continue to have a brother in Christ that has helped me further my walk with the Lord. God bless you and your family. I pray that God guides you to further His kingdom.
Would you consider moving countries? For instance would you consider moving to New Zealand? We could really use you!
I’d be honored to come to teach in New Zealand for a while but I’m not ready to make that huge a move! Thank you!
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Specifics of eschatology is such a fringe issue despite it being a distinctive of Talbot. It was difficult to read this. Moreover, progressive dispensationalism is such a modest view. Why not just sign the document without making a fuss so as to not offend or cause division? We see Jesus do that with the temple tax in Matt. 17.24-27. This sounds like downright foolishness disguised with “Christian piety.”
Clay;
I had the privilege of setting under the teaching of several men and women of God who taught me a huge amount of apologetics and the Christian life as well while in the MACA program at Biola a few years ago. You were one of the best. Your humility, approachableness, and clarity as a teacher have made a lasting impact on my faith and ability as an apologist. What the trustees of the college have done to you is difficult to understand. Had you denied the resurrection or the deity of Christ then I would get it. But over eschatology? There are almost as many views on it as there are people who hold them! Truth is truth but some truths are more important than others and your view of the end times isn’t one I would deem critical to someone’s faith outside of believing Jesus is coming back.
You have obviously decided to take the high road with the school and I commend you for that. You are the bigger person here and I think everyone can see that. We will pray for your ministry and support you any way we can.
Thank you for the encouragement, Jack! It’s good to hear from you.