I recently got through reading another brand new 168-page book by Fred DeRuvo, a Christian author, teacher, and lecturer, who has written a variety of excellent materials in support of Dispensationalism.  This guy is really amazing.  After closing the book, I am left with the impression that by the time I am finished writing this review, he will have written and published at least three or four more books which definitively slam some particular argument levied against Dispensational theology. 

   In his latest work, DeRuvo takes up a touchy subject, and handles it with a great deal of Christian forbearance, not to mention rhetorical restraint in matters which easily send most people climbing the walls in anger.  DeRuvo’s purpose is to showcase the unfair and uncharitable allegations of a large group of eschatological die-harders who claim that belief in a Pre-Tribulational rapture is inherently evil and will send people to hell.

  When I first heard these arguments awhile back, I was surprised that anyone would come to such a conclusion.  However, from reading DeRuvo’s book it appears that such opinions are represented by a large majority of those who fall into the “post trib” perspective.  DeRuvo mentions many of them by name, and proceeds to document some of their crazy insinuations, even giving the substance of personal emails which were sent to him by people like Tim Warner and C.H. Fisher.

   DeRuvo handles their allegations one by one, in his typical methodical manner.  He shows what the real trouble with these people is, namely that they are overly dogmatic, and too often unwilling (or unable) to document the assertions they make.  Not only that, but they make no attempt to keep their rhetoric within the bounds of Christian courtesy.  Rather, they are better known for spitting vitriol at whoever disagrees with them.

   The belief that a “Pre-Trib” rapture produces lazy and spiritually unprepared Christians is aptly answered by Fred when he writes:

  “To claim that believing and espousing the Pre-Trib rapture creates lazy, spiritually weak, unprepared Christians, is like saying that by teaching  that I could die today, I am apt to become lazy, immature, carnal, and worldly!  It is the same thing, folks!  I know there is a chance that I will leave this earth and be taken into His Presence before this day is over, whether by death, or by Rapture, that will (or should), give me a greater sense of what is and what is not important!  It is as simple as that, and there is NO way to deny it.” (pg. 68).

   The author then exposes one of the real reasons why these folks are so often against Pre-Tribulational teachings.  It it because they deny the Protestant doctrine of “Eternal Security.”  Fred quotes a large section from Tim Warner’s website, demonstrating that Warner himself (as so many like him) reject the “Eternal Security of the believer,” and actually teach a Romanistic concept of grace plus works.  This seems to form the foundation of their apologetic attitude toward Dispensationalism in general.

   DeRuvo also responds to their treatment –  or should we say, mistreatment? — of the “early church fathers,” as they dismiss any evidence which validates a pre-tribulational understanding, while dogmatically fixating on statements which they use to bolster post-tribulationism.  DeRuvo finds that in many instances, their ears are really closed to reasonable and constructive dialogue. Having headed out with their torches and pack-staves, no one can turn them aside.

   What makes such behavior even worse, however, are the unfair insinuations and representations of people like Dave MacPherson, who actually had the nerve to call Thomas Ice’s academic validity in question.  Although facts relating to Tyndale Seminary were produced in Ice’s favor (and DeRuvo is a graduate of Tyndale, who can attest to the documentary evidence given in his book), Ice revealed to the author that MacPherson never apologized to him for making crooked implications and misrepresentations regarding his seminary degree.

   All in all, DeRuvo presents a very informative, well-balanced defense of Dispensational teaching.  And he does so in a contained and reflective manner.  He wraps up the book by stating that while it is easy for Christians to get carried away by bickering about non-essentials, it is not always easy to keep one’s focus on glorifying God and maintaining Christian unity regarding the essential doctrines of our faith.  After reading this work, I am rather convinced than otherwise that the adversaries and opponents of Dispensationalism are not quite in tune with the mind of Christ.

   For those interested in this book, copies presently may be obtained at Fred DeRuvo’s website.  When Amazon makes this available, I will include a page-link.  Incidentally, I am now in process of reviewing two more of Fred DeRuvo’s recent works, and am aware that another one is on its way!  The author of this blog extends a cordial thanks to DeRuvo for making such books available to the Christian public.  God is definitely using him, and I pray that special blessings will be shed on him and his ministry.