Monday, May 18, 2026

This year’s theme is Dispensationalism, Israel, and the Nations.

What has Christianity to do with Jerusalem? Dispensationalists expect a future restored nation of Israel: a literal kingdom on earth, with David’s Greater Son reigning over the redeemed ethnic descendants of Abraham. Recent political trends in America call for a renewed defense of dispensational theology. Debates with our covenantal brethren will endure until Christ’s return. But the support of the current nation of Israel, long a feature of the American right, has been sharply criticized by elements of a new right—sometimes in overtly anti-semitic terms echoing those of the fringe left. On the other hand, some evangelical supporters of Israel speak as though the modern nation of Israel can do no wrong, and that “blessing the descendants of Abraham” requires virtually unqualified defense of Israel’s government.

Biblical dispensationalists need to address these issues with courage and clarity, with fidelity to the Word of God rather than the pressures of the moment. In this year’s Conference on the Church for God’s Glory, we endeavor to restate foundational, exegetical convictions: to the clarity of Scripture, to the irrevocability of God’s promises, and to the call for robust faithfulness as we await the return of the King and the future establishment of his Kingdom.