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The following link provides a further discussion on the subject of past
or future prophetic fulfillment
The
Church Against the Rapture: Article by Jack Kelly
Preterists,
(meaning past) believe that most of Biblical prophecy
was fulfilled by 70 AD. Thus the Kingdom of God is already in manifestation
and that future prophecies in Matthew 24, Luke 21, Daniel, Revelation
and other prophetic scripture are in the past. The resurrection
of Christ was the point of transition between the old (temple worship
and law) and the church age which of course was a complete new manifestation
of the kingdom of God. Since the religion of Judaism rejected Christ
as messiah they were judged and the prophecies of Jerusalem's demise
culminated with destruction of the actual temple in 70 a.d. If the
kingdom has come, as the Preterists believe, God's rule and justice
must work out through the institutions of this world. The task of
the church is to exercise dominion in all arenas, natural, economic,
political and social. The church has authority to disassemble Satan's
status and activities in the current age and will eventually deliver
peace and justice to the world through Christian rule.
Regarding
the Preterist Doctrine
I
encourage anyone who is interested in examining preterism (or another
prophetic view) do their own online research for either video presentation
on You tube or finding text documentation supporting preterism from
particular ministry publications. As a Berean, prayerfully examine
the scriptures for yourself. One can not make a quick determination
of any doctrine without thorough study of the Word. Do not simply
follow what I or anyone may preach or teach. I will add below scriptural
considerations that support the future of prophetic fulfillment
that is dispensational and premillenial. Dispensation
addresses the reality that the church will conclude at some future
time and the God will deal with world, once again, through its dealing
with Israel. After the final judgment sin and Satan's rule will
be finished and a Kingdom will begin with a physical literal reign
of a Messianic future kingdom.
For the majority of fundamentalist Christians, the second coming
and the end-time scenario is imminent or future. The question of
past or future fulfillment will frame how one will read the book
of Revelation. Is it a prophetic book that fortells the future or
a metaphoric or symbolic allegory? If we examine the question of
any future literal reign of Christ upon the earth
preterists have determined that the kingdom is presently in place
and expressed through the church . The Messianic kingdom is addressed
by most Old Testament prophets. It was the hope and expectation
of the Jews in Jesus' time and was the understanding of Jesus' own
disciples. The commonly held fundamentalist view holds that the
kingdom age will follow a time of judgment (tribulation) world-wide.
This tribulation period will culminate with Christ himself returning
in power and great glory to vanquish the unbelieving and rebellious
dwelling on the earth.
In
general preterists are a-milleniallist
meaning that they don't look for a future thousand years of messianic
rule. Replacement theology an important tenet of preterism
is that the "Christian church" has replaced natural Israel.
Thus, any prophetic promises made to Israel in the Old Testament
or New Testament now apply to the church. There are many Bible scholars
who hold to the preterist view. One has only to do a search on youtube
to hear those who passionately support preterism. Those who promote
the preterist doctrine are undoubtedly students of the Word as they
will cite copious scripture to defend their point of view. There
is no doubt that these men who have invested countless hours in
study to obtain their understandings .
Judgment
and Tribulation after Christ's Death
Events
following the death of Messiah Jesus was most certainly a time of
massive tribulation and judgment upon the Jews who rejected the
messiah. In a.d. 70 the temple was destroyed and the Jews massacred
and scattered but these facts alone are not sufficient to support
the greater questions surrounding many other particular prophecies
which could not have been fulfilled then or in the centuries that
followed until now.
In
short, I find this doctrine and application to scripture hard to
support. I believe they miss what I see as the clearest spiritual
message dealing with this entity called "The Kingdom of God"
on earth. Here is where one might ask some serious questions. Where
is the evidence that God's kingdom is growing and establishing righteousness,
morality and peace world-wide? Yes, we see goodness and righteousness
in individuals who stand out as being light in a dark world; or
being in the world but not of the world. As for the
whole earth being filled with the glory of God as the waters
cover the sea, we are very far from that. I will address this
and other matters in summary later.
We
have to judge this Preterist view in light of current realities.
How can we believers, who remain in our natural, fallen state; whose
hearts are governed by self-centered lusts be capable of bringing
this to pass? The preterist's presumption is that a glorious and
wisely governed 'Ekklesia' will transform the nations in righteousness.
Actually, this is not a scriptural viewpoint. If we read the epistles
we find sufficient proof that the power of Satan is still in unbridled
operation. Paul in 1Tim.4 and in 2nd Timothy 3 tells us the in the
end times evil will increase and perilous times will dominate the
world scene. The apostolic message has been that the human race
in the latter days will be lured away following deceiving, seductive
spirits and twisted religious doctrine. The current age grows in
darkness and ungodliness and the church apparently has little impact
on the world. Despite spirited preaching and teaching about the
church arising in power wide rebellion and apostasy that is on the
increase.
I
stand with the prevailing conservative view that the future millenial
kingdom yet awaits when the rule of righteousness will govern the
nations with its divine King, Yeshua, King of the Jews and Messiah,
literally ruling upon the throne in Jerusalem. Remember that Jesus
at his earthly trial before Pilate, stated clearly that - - "NOW
my kingdom is NOT OF THIS WORLD." Preterists would argue the
contrary.
The
Preterists hold that after 70 A.D.the Kingdom of God was established
in this world and has been in force thereafter. Bible teachers like
Hank Hannegraf support "preterist" teachings that argue
the Kingdom age began about 70 A.D. It was at this time that Rome
under Titus Vespacian, destroyed Jerusalem and the temple ending
temple sacrifices. Thus, any scripture such as Matthew 24 that speaks
of the temple, abomination, or fleeing to refuge had to have the
second temple of Herod in mind. For the preterist, It was at that
time that God's judgment was meted upon an unrighteous and apostate
Jewish priesthood thus wresting traditional religious practice and
their Kingdom inheritance from Israel and the Jews. The preterist
view is is the non dispensational interpretation.
A dispensational view is that the church age has an appointed conclusion
and after this God will once again deal with saving Israel. Among
the principle tenets of Preterism is that there is no promised future
coming of the Lord nor any validity to teaching a rapture
(removal) of the body of Christ called the church ekklessia.
Preterists Denounce a Rapture Doctrine
Preterists condemn as false teachers the likes of Tim LaHae, Hal
Lindsay, John Hagee, or Jack Van Impe who are said to misread and
misunderstand the prophetic Scriptures, the Gospels and Epistles.
So, if you are among those who look for the 'blessed hope'
in the imminent appearing of Christ to be called up to be with him,
we must set this teaching aside; If you are among those who
say that God's time for the Jews has not been abandoned, we must
set this belief aside. If we believe in the future appearing visibly
and gloriously to cleave the Mt. of Olives, we must set this teaching
aside.
Preterists and Revelation
The
strength and foundation of Preterist eschatology (meaning study
of future things) requires the early dating of the writing of the
Book of Revelation. Preterists hold the view of Revelation being
written near 60 a.d. This dating allows that any mention of "tribulation"
or anti Christ can be attributed to the current rule of the Caesars,
especially Nero. Most of the content of Revelation is allotted to
events and places existing at that time. The evil times, e.g. Paul's
letter to Timothy, it was evil in the days of Nero but I grant you
that it can grow far worse than that. Daniel's ninth chapter addressing
the prophecy of the 70th week seems to be incompatible with any
preterist teachings but they do manage to fit the 70th week into
the 70 a.d. date as well as the 70th
week prophecy.
Dispensational
View: The Jews will have a future opportunity to receive the true
Messiah Yeshua
According
to the dispensational reading of the Bible,
the church age is a parenthetical time period in which the
70th week has been interrupted from its fulfillment until the end
of the church age, an unspecified duration of time. The time of
the Gentiles will have been concluded and the 70th week of Daniel
(Daniel chap.9) then resumes after the signing of the peace treaty
of the antichrist world ruler with Israel. The Biblical time line
reverts back to the nation of Israel and the future restoration
and redemption of the Jewish nation. Preterists contend that any
"gap" in the prophetic timeline is inconsistent with working
of prophecy in the past and thus is unacceptable view.
Summary:
What do Preterists Believe?
1. End times prophecy has already been fulfilled
2. Jesus' return has already happened (spiritually) to set up his
kingdom
3. There is no literal resurrection of the dead
4. We are no longer looking forward to a future end-time scenario
5. The perilous times and great tribulation occurred during the
Roman empire
6. The book of Revelation was written early, around 61 a.d.
7. The anti-christ of Revelation was Nero or subsequent emperor
8. The temple destruction terminated Judaism and sealed judgment
on the Jews
9. The church "ekklessia" is now the Israel of God (Replacement
Theology)
10. The Daniel (ch9) prophesies have been concluded without any
gap in the 70 weeks
11. The Book of Revelation should be read as insight on a metaphorical
level
12. Epistles need to be interpreted as a message given to that/those
specific recipient,s
13. There is to be no future kingdom as we are already in the kingdom
age
14. The "millennial reign" of Christ has occurred already (Amillennial
interpretation)
15. Satan has been dethroned as Jesus declared, "All authority...
is given to me."
Themes
Inconsistent With the A.D. 70 Dating of Revelation
- "Behold
He comes in the clouds and every eye shall behold him" This speaks
to the physical and glorious return of Messiah.
This has never happened.
-
"A seven year peace covenant confirmed" He confirms a covenant
with many.(Dan 9:27)
This has never happened.
-
The destruction of the city of Babylon; (Rev. 18:21)
This has never happened.
-
The Euphrates River drying up to allow the Kings of the East to pass
over; (Rev.16:12)
This has never happened.
The two witnesses who testify and are killed, resurrected.
The whole world being able to see their bodies; (Rev.11)
This has never happened.
-
A mark that was required for buying or selling; (Rev. 13:16)
This has never happened.
-
Destruction by great seventy pound hailstones (Rev. 16:21)
This has never happened.
-
Rescue of Israel at the battle of Armeggedon (Rev. 19:17)
This has never happened.
-
Death of 1/4 all of the world's population, earth's vegetation, life
in the seas, etc.
This has never happened.
- A
mark that is given all to buy and sell.
This has never happened.
- The
regathering of Israel into her own land
This has never happened.
- The
"False Prophets" supernatural signs and wonders.
This has never happened.
- The
Euphrates river dries up.
This has never happened.
- A
new temple (third) in Jerusalem with daily sacrifices.
This has not yet happened.
- The
salvation of 144000 Jewish witnesses who evangelize the world.
This has never happened.
- The
"man of sin" sitting in the temple in Jerusalem.
This has never happened.
- Great
hailstones weighing 200 lbs fall and a earth changing earthquake in
Jerusalem.
This has never happened.
- Jesus
return will destroy all the works of the devil and purge the earth
of sin (Dan.9:24)
This has never happened.
- The
earth will be renewed after being nearly destroyed totally.
This has never happened.
- The
literal return to the Mt. of Olives to be seen by human eyes.
This has never happened.
- Peace
will ensue, no more wars!
This has never happened.
Dating
the Book of Revelation as 90 to 95 a.d.
The
majority opinion by conservative Bible scholars is that Revelation was
written by John at the end of the reign of Emperor Domitian whose reign
ended in 96 a.d. It was under Domitian that Christians were sought out
for persecution throughout the farther reaches of the Roman empire.
A number of early church writers including Iranaeas mention this detail,
connecting John's writing to the reign of Domitian. He was sentanced
by Domitian to Patmos. Therefore, any association with the last trumpet
mentioned in the Book of Revelation that ties it to Paul's referance
to the trumpet would then be incorrect since Revelation had not been
written when Paul addressed the issue of the resurrection and the trumpet
of God (1Thess.4:16 and 1Cor.15:52)
Final
Thoughts about the Preterist View of Eschatology
I
believe that scripture teaches that the present Church age (dispensation)
we are living in as I write this is still the "age of Grace."
The age of Judgment is an entirely different time and can not coinside
with grace. We are not to engage our detractors, nor take up arms against
those who speak evil of us. "As he is so are we in this world."
We are told to love our enemies even those who spitefully abuse us.
In Isaiah 61 the verses read by Jesus apply to the church age. He ended
the reading in the middle of the text, omitting the discussion of vengeance
and wrath. Judgment is deferred but it has not been deleted from the
Word of God. The time of wrath must be separated from the age of grace.
Preterism seems to blend these together. Jesus said, "Now my
kingdom is not of this world. If it were my people would fight.!"
The king is coming and it is he who shall tread down his enemies. It
is he who will be proclaimed 'King of Kings and Lord of lords,' It is
He who will tread down the winepress of iniquity and destroy all that
is evil with the brightness of his coming.!! Amen
How
Will the Millenium Look Compared to Today's World?
I
am compelled to ask the question, how should this Millennial Kingdom
look? It will bear no resemblance to present society! In the promised
kingdom to come, and we continue to pray for it, God's divine peace
and justice will be in evidence throughout the world! Today, does nature
itself reflect Edenic serenity? Or are we still ravaged by disease,
evil men and nature? A view that the argument that this present church
age has entered into any kind of enlightened, overcoming influence
on Planet Earth is all but impossible to believe!
Yes,
we believers in this church age are indeed promised a token, a downpayment,
of kingdom authority and status as adopted sons of the Most High. Christians
know that through we bear witness to the "Kingdom of Heaven"
within us, with righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit. But can
we say that the perfect has come? It is impossible to deny that the
expression of evil has grown worse and worse in the world. If we are
objective we can see the institutional church remains mostly adrift
in darkness. Institutional churches strain to exercise there own authority
and status quo.
I
can only conclude that preterists are stretching Bible interpretation
more for the sake of intellectual argument than in measuring the evidence
of the world we are facing at the start of the 21st Century. The Apostle
Paul has noted that the natural man, through natural (soulish) wisdom
and scholarship can not know God. Preterists, belligerently,
uphold a theology of; no Israel, no rapture,
and evidently, no future physical second coming and rule of Jesus the
Messiah upon the throne of David.
I
remain convinced of the soon-return for the bride as taught in the allegory
of the Jewish Bride by Zola Levitt and other spirit-filled believers;
By the typology of Noah and Lot;
By the great distress and deception currently manifested through
all the earth;
By the manifestation of Israel as a nation fulfilling numerous prophetic
scripture'
By the dream of Nebuchadnezzar;
By the proper reading of the Olivet discourse of Jesus;
By the typology of the 6 days and the Sabbath rest;
By the two witnesses seen dead and by the whole world followed by their
resurrection and ascension;
By the parenthetical prophecy of Isaiah 61, quoted by Jesus in Luke
4;
By the growing evil and darkness in this present age; (1Timothy 4 and
2Timothy 3:1-3)
By the separation of the sheep and goats in Math. 25 with the subsequent
Kingdom of God commencing at that time;
By the present Kingdom of God (Kingdom of the heavens) being invisible
as Jesus told Pilate;
By the physical coming of the Lord in power and great glory with thousands
and ten thousands to exact judgment on the whole world.
I am further pursuaded by revelations and first hand accounts of numerous,
contemporary saints who "died," and miraculously returned
from heaven to testify that Jesus personal admonition-- 'My coming
again is at hand; I am coming soon; Tell my people I am coming again
very soon'; There are many with such testimonies by those that I know
personally, Paul Crisan, Roxanne Brandt, and other persons I know who
died and returned from heaven with messages that Jesus gave to
them regarding things shortly to come;
I also do not discount end time warning dreams and visions given to
me and to others.
These I believe are god authored visions and messages warning of coming
judgment.
Here are some other particular points to challenge the preterist view
of Scripture:
The re-gathering of Israel as a mile marker in prophetic fulfillment
The perfect has not come, prophecies have not ceased, etc. (1Cor.13)
we still see darkly and not face to face
We are not yet in Christ's (Messiah's) resurrection likeness
The sheep and goat judgment of the nations and handing over the Kingdom
(Matt 25.)
The battles spoken of in Ezekiel 38 & 39 The 2nd bodily return of
Christ (to return spiritually equates to Jehovah witness doctrine)
Zechariah's prophecy (Ch.14) of the returning Messiah, being recognized
and accepted when they look upon him whom they had pierced, see his
wounded hands, etc.
The Messiah Jesus stated they (The Jews) "-would not receive me
but another you will receive- -" This referring to 'the antichrist
deceiver.
In the millenium the lion will lie down with the lamb.
These are some of the end time prophecies of Israel remaining to be
fulfilled.
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