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What is a Preterist and How Do They View the End Times? – Viral Believer
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What is a Preterist and How Do They View the End Times?

Introduction

The term “preterist” may be unfamiliar to many Christians, but it is an important theological position within eschatology, the study of the end times. Preterism is derived from the Latin word praeter, which means “past” or “beyond.”

This theological perspective interprets many of the biblical prophecies, particularly those concerning the end times, as already fulfilled events. Understanding the preterist view can broaden our knowledge of eschatology and provide us with a fresh perspective on the interpretation of biblical prophecy.

In this blog post, we will examine the preterist viewpoint and explore how it differs from other eschatological positions. We will also discuss the key tenets of preterism and how it interprets the end times in light of the New Testament.

By examining the preterist perspective, we hope to encourage thoughtful engagement with the diversity of eschatological views within the Christian tradition.

The End Times

The Origins of Preterism

Preterism can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity, with some scholars attributing its beginnings to the teachings of Eusebius of Caesarea and other Church Fathers.

However, it wasn’t until the 16th and 17th centuries that the preterist view gained more widespread attention through the works of scholars like Luis de Alcasar and Hugo Grotius.

These theologians proposed that many of the biblical prophecies, particularly those found in the Book of Revelation, were already fulfilled in the past, primarily during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Key Tenets of Preterism

Preterism is divided into two main categories: partial preterism and full preterism. Both of these positions share the belief that many end times prophecies were fulfilled in the past, but they differ in the extent to which they believe prophecy has been fulfilled.

Partial Preterism

Partial preterists believe that some of the prophecies in the Bible, such as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) and parts of the Book of Revelation, were fulfilled in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

They argue that the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21 NKJV) and the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15 NKJV) referred to the Roman siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem.

However, partial preterists maintain that other prophetic events, such as the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment, are still future events. They believe that these events will take place at the end of history, when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom.

Full Preterism

Full preterists, also known as consistent preterists or hyper-preterists, take the preterist view a step further by arguing that all biblical prophecies, including those concerning the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment, were fulfilled by AD 70.

They contend that Christ’s return in judgment occurred spiritually and symbolically in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem, bringing an end to the Old Covenant and fully inaugurating the New Covenant.

Full preterists often cite passages such as Matthew 16:28 (“Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” NKJV) and Matthew 24:34 (“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”

NKJV) as evidence that Jesus predicted His Second Coming would occur within the lifetime of His first-century audience.

It is important to note that full preterism is considered a minority view and is rejected by many Christian denominations and scholars. Critics argue that it disregards clear biblical teachings about a future, physical return of Christ and the bodily resurrection of the dead.

Preterist Interpretation of the End Times

Preterists interpret the end times as a series of events that were fulfilled in the past, primarily during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

They believe that the prophecies found in the Olivet Discourse and the Book of Revelation were symbolic and allegorical descriptions of the judgment of God on Israel for their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. For preterists, these prophetic events served as a transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

For instance, preterists view the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21 NKJV) as a reference to the intense suffering experienced by the people of Jerusalem during the Roman siege.

The “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15 NKJV) is understood as the Roman army desecrating the Jewish temple, which ultimately led to its destruction.

In the Book of Revelation, preterists interpret the symbolic imagery and apocalyptic language as references to the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the persecution of the early Church.

They believe that the judgment of the harlot, Babylon (Revelation 17-18), represents the judgment of apostate Jerusalem, while the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22) symbolizes the New Covenant community of believers.

Conclusion

The preterist view offers a unique perspective on the end times by interpreting many biblical prophecies as already fulfilled events. By understanding the historical context in which these prophecies were written, preterists argue that their interpretation provides a more accurate understanding of the biblical text.

However, the preterist view is not without controversy, particularly in regard to full preterism and its interpretation of the Second Coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead.

As Christians, it is essential to engage with different theological perspectives to broaden our understanding of the Bible and the Christian faith. While we may not agree with every aspect of the preterist view, it can provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of biblical prophecy.

By examining the preterist perspective alongside other eschatological views, we can deepen our appreciation for the rich diversity of thought within the Christian tradition.

Ultimately, our focus should be on the person and work of Jesus Christ, who has promised to return and establish His eternal kingdom. Regardless of our eschatological views, we can find unity in our shared faith in Christ and our commitment to living out His teachings in our daily lives.

As we eagerly await His return, let us be diligent in our study of Scripture, seeking to understand God’s word in its historical and cultural context, while also allowing it to speak to our present circumstances and shape our future hope.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.