Forward to The Reign of the Servant Kings by Joseph Dillow
by Earl D. Radmacher, Th.D.

There are few issues which are as capable of raising the temperature of theological discussion as the issue of whether or not the saints will necessarily persevere in holiness. The Westminster Confession (1647) has taught us that true faith inevitably results in a holy life and that justification and sanctification are always united. Indeed, the magnificent Reformed tradition, which has contributed in no small way to the growth and expansion of the church since the Reformation, has had perseverance in holiness as one of its central tenets.

The concept and meaning of salvation in the Scriptures is multi-dimensional. For example, when we look at salvation with respect to deliverance from sin, there is a past aspect -- justification, deliverance from the penalty of sin, and a present aspect -- sanctification, deliverance from the power of sin, and a future aspect -- glorification, deliverance from the presence of sin. There are many works today explaining in great detail the doctrine of justification salvation. There are a lesser number of works seeking satisfactory explanations of the doctrine of sanctification salvation. There are almost no works in our generation explaining the doctrine of glorification salvation. This area of study has remained a virtual vacuum. Yet it seems that in expanding the implications of the doctrine of glorification salvation and the judgment seat of Christ there is an accurate biblical solution for this four hundred-year debate between the Calvinist and the Arminian. Although a believer can never lose his justification salvation, there are dimensions of glorification salvation that may be lost or gained if we take seriously passages such as Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and 2 John 7-8. The danger of loss is real and to be taken with appropriate fear and reverence in light of the eternal implications. The opportunity of reward, on the other hand, with its glories of ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ in His coming Kingdom, are presented in the Scriptures as a great motivation for holy living in the present.

It is precisely at this point that Joseph Dillow has performed a monumental service to the Body of Christ. The Reign of the Servant Kings may just be the solution to the debate between the two major systems of theology which have dominated church history for four centuries. I have personally studied through this manuscript several times and found myself most enthusiastic with Dr. Dillow's exegetical clarity and consistent biblical theology. His contribution to the disciplines of soteriology and eschatology are to be applauded. I heartily commend this study to you for gaining growth in accurately understanding your position, practice, and place with Jesus Christ, both now and in His coming kingdom rule. God has spoken and He does not stutter. Therefore, we need to be diligent in our study to come to a clearer meaning of what God meant by what He has spoken in His Scriptures.

Earl D. Radmacher, Th.D
Western Seminary Phoenix
Scottsdale, Arizona
January 1992