The roots of preterism
The emergence of Preterism as an end-time view.
The rise of praeterism began in the late 1600s with Jesuits who were upset with Protestants who saw the pope as the Antichrist. Then Hugo Grotius and Henry Hammond, who wanted reconciliation with Rome, made sure that this doctrine was spread to the deists and the clergy of the Enlightenment. This was in the 1691 – 1730s.
Richard Baxter, a central theologian and Puritan church leader in the 1600s, insisted that the ten tribes of Israel would never be found or reunited. “If there will be any kingdom of Jews in any Jerusalem, or any conversion of them, I know of no such promise in the Word of God.” Baxter insisted that all prophecies about the return of the Jews were fulfilled under Zerubbabel and under the Maccabees. “Today, the Turks would never allow such a thing to happen,” he claimed.
Daniel Whitby, a controversial English theologian and Bible commentator, wrote in 1703 the book “Paraphrase and Commentary on the New Testament,” in which, under the title “New Hypotheses,” he put forward a number of preteristic ideas: “The Jews are no longer God’s people, even those who sought God. These unbelieving Jews who lack Abraham’s faith will be deprived of the blessing promised to his seed. Those who try to enter will not be able to do so. For the Lord has shut the door and the kingdom has been taken away from them.”
He claimed that the Second Coming of Christ took place when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. “Until the Son of Man comes with the Roman army to destroy the nation and burn its cities… by means of the Roman army he will destroy them and their capital… the abomination of destruction to the Roman army will surround Jerusalem… does not refer to the Final Judgment, but to the time when the Jews were crushed by Roman armies… where the carrion (the Jews) are, there the eagles (the banner-rods of the Roman army had an eagle on top) will be gathered.”
He called the Jews “Christ-murderers” and claimed that the Gentiles, not the Jews, were God’s people. “Christ has foretold a terrible judgment that would come upon this nation for marking the Messiah… to punish the unbelieving and stubborn Jews… to raise up a kingdom among the Gentiles, and then to come back to punish the Jews… the Jewish nation… who are forever His enemies… and fell to be cut off by Him.”
Furthermore, he referred to the Jews as the Antichrist and the Great Harlot.
“The son of perdition is perfectly suited to the Jews, not only because Christ should devour them with the breath of his mouth… and devour the land with a curse… but because they stand as a vessel of wrath, made fully worthy of destruction, (Romans 9:22) as men destined for wrath (1Thessalonians 5:9)… this fits perfectly with the description of the great harlot who goes away to destruction, (Rev. 17:8, 11).
Allegorical hermeneutics
When preterism interprets biblical texts, it makes use of allegorical hermeneutics, that is, it imports ideas that are not specifically found in the passage of the text and interprets the text accordingly. This is important in order to understand the conclusions that the preterists come to when they interpret Scripture. Here is a brief description of the difference between literal and allegorical interpretation.
Literal interpretation of the Bible means that one understands the content based on a normal reading of the text. It can only be done by a grammatical (according to the rules of grammar), historically consistent (based on the historical setting of the passage) and contextual interpretation method, (based on the literary context of the text).
Allegorical or non-literal interpretation imports ideas that are not specifically found in the passage of the text. Therefore, an allegorical interpretation is the opposite of literal interpretation. Historically, if you don’t like what a document says, or want it to fit into the philosophical twist you have, you allegorize the text. This is what the Greek-Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria did with the Jewish Bible to harmonize and fuse Judaism and Greek philosophy. This approach to the texts was picked up by Christian theologians, the foremost being Origen of Alexandria. His exegetical method was heavily influenced by the intellectual climate in which he grew up. The Greeks had used allegorisms to make the texts of Homer and others acceptable to a philosophically oriented audience. Origen was also influenced by Philo, who had begun to interpret texts from the Old Testament allegorically in order to harmonize them with Platonism.
Four Methods of Interpreting Bible Prophecy
- The Preteristic method – the prophecies have already been fulfilled.
- Preterism takes passages that require supernatural intervention and that refer to global events and change them into local, natural phenomena. Uses allegorical interpretation.
- The historical method – the prophecies are eventually fulfilled in the age of the church.
- The historical interpretation allegorizes days to years, Israel to the church, and the future tribulation of events in the church age. Using allegorical interpretation
- The idealistic/timeless method claims that we cannot say anything from the Bible regarding the timing of the fulfillment of the prophecies.
- Idealism says that prophetic predictions do not represent future, historical events, even if these resemble events in the past. Idealism reduces future prophecies to ideas that will not be fulfilled in the future. Requires an allegorical interpretation
- The futuristic method claims that the final fulfillment of prophecies lies in the future.
- Only futurism is capable of using a consistent, grammatical, historical, and contextual method of interpretation. Interprets the text literally.
There is only one way to interpret Revelation and other prophetic texts if one wants to take a literal approach, and that is from a futuristic method. This means that the other three methods of interpreting prophecy (preteristic, historical, and idealistic) allow for a certain degree of allegorical hermeneutics. A common example used by the three methods of interpretation is that when the biblical text clearly says “Israel,” it is understood to mean “the Church.” Although there is no basis in the text for this, it is believed that it is okay to allegorize the text in this way.
A review of some texts in the Gospels that deal with the end times and the second coming of Jesus clearly shows the difference between a preteristic interpretation and a future interpretation of the word of prophecy.
Texts in Matthew
Matthew 10:23
If they persecute you in one city, flee to another. Assuredly, I say to you, you will not be finished with the cities of Israel until the Son of man comes.
Preterist interpretation
- The prophecy was fulfilled at the coming of the Son of Man in 70 e.Kr through the Roman army.
Futuristic interpretation
- Christ looks forward to a time of tribulation that will culminate in His Second Coming.
- There is no evidence that the disciples experienced the persecution mentioned in this paragraph during their evangelism before Jesus was crucified.
- The title “The Son of Man” always points to Parousia, the Second Coming of Christ. This expression, which so strongly emphasizes Jesus as a human, must mean a visible, personal return that could not possibly have taken place at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E.
- Probably, all the disciples, except John, died before 70 C.E.
Matthew 16:27-28
The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward everyone according to what he has done. Assuredly, I say to you, anyone who stands here will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
Preterist interpretation
- The passage contains a so-called “Time text”, and points out that the prophecy of the coming of the Son of Man took place at Romans in the year 70.
Futuristic interpretation
- Jesus was not physically present at the destruction of Jerusalem.
- Matthew 16:28 was fulfilled by what took place on the Mount of Transfiguration, which continues in 17:1ff.
- Mark 9:1-2.
- Luke 9:27-28.
- 2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 23:36-39
Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, she who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often would I gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not! Look! Your house is left desolate for you. For I say to you, you will see Me no more until you say, ‘Blessed be He who comes in the name of the Lord.’
Preterist interpretation
- Argues that the phrase you must refer to those who heard Jesus.
- All fulfilled in the year 70.
Futuristic interpretation
- The meaning of the expression generation/generation or this generation/generation must be understood from the context.
- On this basis, Mat 23, 36 and 38 point to events in the year 70.
- Matthew 23:39 implies a shift in the meaning of this generation pointing forward. There was no repentance or hope for Israel in what happened with the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.
- Matthew 23:39, interpreted from the text, points to a future fulfillment where Israel will turn around and humbly say, “Baruch Ha’ba B’shem Adonai.”
Matthew 24:15
Then when you see the abomination of destruction, of which the prophet Daniel has spoken, standing in the holy place—he who reads, let him understand it
Preterist interpretation
- Refers to the Roman banner poles that bore the figure of eagles, symbolizing the Roman gods. It was set up in the Temple where sacrifices were made to these gods after Jerusalem was destroyed.
Futuristic interpretation
- Points to a future fulfillment as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
- Requires the construction of a future third temple
Matthew 24:21-22
For then there will be as great a tribulation as there has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, nor will there ever be. If those days were not shortened, no man would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.
Preterist interpretation
- Limits the content to the events in Israel in 70 C.E. and the Jews who lived there.
Futuristic interpretation
- Pointing to a future time of tribulation that includes all people and that is shortened by the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:27, 30
For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in the heavens, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory
Preterist interpretation
- When Christ came again to judge Israel in 70 C.E., lightning was frightening.
Futuristic interpretation
- Points to a future fulfillment at Christ’s second coming, parousia,
Matthew 24:34
Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things come to pass.
Preterist interpretation
- Matthew 24:4-33 was fulfilled in 70 C.E. from the expression this generation.
Futuristic interpretation
- “This generation” points forward to those who will experience “all these things,” as described in verses 4-33.
Matthew 26:64
Jesus answered him, “It is as you said. But I say to you, from now on you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Preterist interpretation
- The high council, to which Jesus spoke, would see a fulfillment in 70 C.E. of the Son of man in heaven and the destruction of Jerusalem.
Futuristic interpretation
- Points to Christ’s second coming, Parousia. Then these leaders will acknowledge Jesus for who He is, even if they do not ground it in their earthly life. “Every knee bow and every tongue confess.” Philippians 2:10-11.
Conclusion
None of Jesus’ speech on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21) requires a fulfillment in the first century, except Luke 21:20-24.
Revelation
As is the case with Jesus’ discourse on the Mount of Olives (Mt 24; Mr 14; Lk 21, the preterists view Bible prophecies not as “things to come” but as “things to come.”
- According to the preterists, the prophecies in the book of Revelation have already been fulfilled.
“The book of Revelation is not about the Second Coming of Christ. It tells of the destruction of Israel and Christ’s victory over His enemies when He establishes the temple of the New Covenant. As we shall all see, the word “to come” in the book of Revelation never refers to His Second Being. Revelation prophesies of God’s judgment on apostate Israel, and while it briefly points to events beyond this main issue, this is done only as a summary to show that the wicked will never overcome Christ’s kingdom. But the main point of Revelation is on events that were soon to take place.” —David Chilton, Preterist.
- How can the past tense come to such an erroneous conclusion?
The “time argument” of the preters
The following “time texts” lead the Preterists to claim that Revelation was fulfilled in the first century:
- The things that must happen soon (ταχύς). 1,1.
- Currently is close (ἐγγύς), 1.3
- Otherwise, I will come upon you suddenly (ταχύς), 2:16
- Look, I’m coming soon! (ταχύς), 3,11
- Behold, the third woe is coming soon (ταχύς), 11:14.
- The Things That Will Happen Shortly (ταχύς), 22:6.
- Look, I’m coming soon! (ταχύς), 22,7
- At present is near (ἐγγύς), 22,10.
- Behold, I am coming soon (ταχύς), 22:12.
- Yes, I’m Coming Soon (ταχύς), 22.20.
How will He come? ταχύς and ἐγγύς – abruptly, swiftly – adverbs of degree
He will not come soon, in the sense of a short time. But when he comes, it will happen quickly, quickly.
Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn against Him. Yes, Amen.
Preterist interpretation
- The Preterists believe that the main focus of Revelation is this: God will soon judge first-century Jews for rejecting and crucifying His Son, their Messiah.
- The Preterists do not believe that this verse speaks of the Second Coming of Christ. Instead, they see it as yet another reference to the destruction of 70 C.E. In familiar style, the Preterists are shifting the perspective of Revelation 1:7 from a global to a local perspective, from being about the Gentiles to being about the Jews, and from a future fulfillment to something that has already happened. All of this distorts the original meaning.
Futuristic interpretation
- The verse points to a global fulfillment among both Jews and events. Thus, a first-century fulfillment is impossible.
- Christ Comes with the Clouds
- Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him
- All the tribes of the earth will mourn for Him
When was the book of Revelation written?
- The time when the book was written is crucial to whether there is any truth to a preterist interpretation, but does not mean anything for a futuristic interpretation.
- The arguments of the preterists:
- The mention of Jerusalem’s temple in 11:1-2 proves that the book was written before 70 C.E.
- The mention of the seven kings in 17:1-6 refers to Roman rulers in the first century.
- Futuristic interpretation:
- The temple in 11:1-2 is a future temple that John was to measure in his vision, cf. Ezekiel 40-48
- The kings of 17:1-6 are also part of a future fulfillment
- Most theologians are of the opinion that the book of Revelation was written around 95 C.E., which makes a Preteristic interpretation impossible, since the temple was already in ruins.
What consequences does preterism have for the rest of the New Testament?
Satan: Bound or loose?
- According to praeterism, Satan was bound when Jesus returned in 70 C.E. Revelation 20:2-3. He is now crushed, Romans 16:20. As Christians, we now have only the flesh to struggle with. Believers now rule in the new heaven and the new earth.
- These are interpretations that are impossible to defend based on James 4:7b; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Ephesians 4:26-27?
Current and future dropout?
- According to the Preterists, the Great Apostasy took place in the first century C.E. and affected the Jewish people.
- This is an interpretation that is impossible to defend. a. from 2 Timothy 3:1-4.12-13.
Deuteronomy—God’s Prophetic Roadmap
- When Israel encamped at the Jordan River, before they had set foot in the Promised Land, the Lord gave them the outline of their entire history through His mouthpiece Moses. Deuteronomy contains this map before the journey has begun. Details have been added along the way, but nothing has been changed in the original map.
- The draft is found in Deuteronomy 4:25-31:
- Israel and their descendants will live in the land for a long time.
- Israel Will Do Evil and Fall into Idolatry
- Israel will be driven out of the country
- The Lord will scatter them among the nations
- Israel will be given over to idolatry during their wanderings
- Where Israel is scattered among the nations, they will seek and find the Lord as they seek Him with all their hearts
- There will be a time of tribulation, which will take place in the last days. During this time, they will turn to the Lord
- “For the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will not let you go, nor destroy you. He will not forget the covenant that He made with your fathers, and which He confirmed with an oath.”
- The first five have been fulfilled. No evangelical interpreter of the Bible will deny it. It is clear from the text that the remaining events will be fulfilled in the same way in the future.
- The preterists say that Israel has received the curses while the church has received Israel’s blessing. That is not what the Bible says.
Deuteronomy 28 as prophecy.
- Verses 49-68 refer to two specific abductions from the land.
- The first refers to “one nation” and is the Babylonian captivity (vv. 49-57)
- The second refers to “among the peoples from one end of the earth to the other” and is the diaspora (vv. 64-69) in 70 C.E.
- Countless Bible Passages Promise Israel a Bright Future
Conclusion
Because of the recent spread of Presterism, pastors, leaders, and preachers need to be prepared to defend classical end-time doctrine against this doctrinal error. Those who believe that Christ returned in 70 C.E. certainly do not want to wait for the Lord’s imminent coming, when His church will be snatched away without signs or warnings.
Do we look backward at something that has happened or do we look forward to our blessed hope?
Maranata!