The preterist view of the end times interprets biblical prophecies, particularly those found in the Book of Revelation and the Olivet Discourse, as events that have already occurred in the past, particularly in the first century AD. Preterists believe that many of the prophecies related to the end times were fulfilled during the period of the early church, specifically with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the establishment of Christ’s kingdom through his resurrection and ascension.
Key beliefs within the preterist perspective include:
1. **Fulfillment in the First Century**: Preterists assert that many prophetic texts, especially those concerning judgment and tribulation, refer to events in the first century rather than future occurrences. They see the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem as a pivotal event in prophecy fulfillment.
– **Biblical References**:
– Matthew 24:1-2 – Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple.
– Luke 21:20-24 – Jesus describes the coming siege of Jerusalem and the consequent judgment.
2. **The Kingdom of God**: Preterists believe that the kingdom of God was established with the ministry of Jesus and was fully realized at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was given to the church. They maintain that Christians are currently living in the kingdom of God, which is a spiritual reign rather than a physical one.
– **Biblical References**:
– Matthew 12:28 – Jesus states that the kingdom of God has come upon them.
– Acts 2:1-4 – The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
3. **The Book of Revelation**: Preterists often interpret Revelation as a symbolic account of the early church’s struggles and victories, particularly relating to the conflict with Judaism and the Roman Empire. The visions and imagery are seen as addressing the first-century audience experiencing persecution.
– **Biblical References**:
– Revelation 1:1-3 – Indicates that the events in Revelation were meant to be communicated to the church and were imminent.
– Revelation 11:2-3 – Some preterists see the two witnesses as representing the prophetic witness of the church during this time.
4. **Return of Christ**: Within the preterist framework, the “return of Christ” is often interpreted as a spiritual event rather than a physical one, signifying the conclusion of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus.
– **Biblical References**:
– Matthew 24:30-31 – Often interpreted to describe the coming of the Son of Man in a context understood by early Christians as realizing Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – Preterists view this as a metaphorical expression of believers’ eternal hope rather than a literal future event.
5. **Judgment**: Preterists assert that the final judgment was represented by the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and that spirits enter a state of eternal destiny upon physical death rather than a later resurrection.
– **Biblical References**:
– Matthew 23:36-39 – Jesus pronounces judgment on the generation of his time.
– Revelation 20:11-15 – The great white throne judgment is interpreted as the culmination of historical judgment, reflecting on the fate of Jerusalem and those who rejected Christ.
In summary, preterism presents a view of the end times steeped in historical context, focusing on the implications of Christ’s life and the establishment of the church, suggesting that many events described in scripture have already taken place rather than being deferred to an uncertain future.