Introduction to Preterism

by Ed Stevens

Is the End of the World near? Are we living in the Last Days? Is Christ's return at hand? For 150 years here in America we have constantly been told we were living on the threshold of the end of the world and Christ's return. Prediction after prediction has failed to materialize, and false hope after false hope has been foisted upon the Christian community. Many Christians have been disillusioned, and are already looking for more reasonable explanations. Some have been so disillusioned they left the faith altogether. And the secular media (who are always looking for an excuse) are further discrediting Christianity because of it. Something is terribly wrong with traditional views of Bible Prophecy. There is a serious need to re-examine the whole issue of Last Things.

...more

by Kurt Simmons

Visit Kurt's site: www.preteristcentral.com for an updated version of this article.

In this article we briefly explore the history of eschatological interpretation in the church, its origin, departure, and return to Preterism.

Preterist Beginnings: Christ and the Apostles

Any discussion of eschatology’s history in the church should begin with Jesus and the apostles, for they are the fount whence our instruction flows. And here there can be no dispute: Jesus and the apostles taught the imminence of the eschaton, and looked ahead to the same events to which we now look back. Jesus’ very ministry began with the clarion call that the eschatological kingdom long foretold by the prophets was “at hand.”

...more

When Jesus' disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His coming (Matt 24:3), Jesus replied with His famous Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25. Jesus described many things that would lead up to Him coming: wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, tribulation, and more. He then stated:

"Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Matt 24:34)

Most in Christianity believe many of these "signs" are yet to take place. Preterism believes that Jesus meant exactly what He said.

For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. (Matt 16: 27-28)

This verse states clearly that some of Christ's disciples would live to see Him return. Did Jesus return during the first century? Or are some of His disciples still alive today?

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near . . . . for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written." (Luke 21:20, 22)

"all that is written" refers to Old Testament prophecy, which includes (among other things) the resurrection promised to Daniel and the new heavens and earth of Isaiah. Jerusalem was surrounded by armies and laid desolate in AD 70. Were the resurrection and new heavens and earth fulfilled at that time, or is Jesus a false prophet?