Preterism:
What is Preterism?
Note: There are at least 12 different doctrines of Preterism. Only the most popular will be addressed.
One modern doctrine is that ‘all’ of the apocalyptic prophecies are fulfilled. Another is that ‘most’ of the apocalyptic prophecies are fulfilled.
What did the original Preterist doctrine teach?
The original Preterist doctrine was written by Luis de Alcazar, around 1600 A.D. Alcazar was a Roman Catholic Jesuit Priest.
His proposal was that all of Revelation applied to the era of pagan Rome and the first six centuries of Christianity.
What was the objective of Preterism?
The objective of Preterism was the same as that of Futurism; to overthrow the teachings by the Protestant Reformers about the Pope and the Roman Church.
Why Preterism?
If Preterism could lead the Protestant churches in this direction, it would take some of the pressure from off the Pope and the church.
Note: The doctrine of Futurism was introduced before Preterism. When the counter doctrine of Preterism was introduced to the Protestants, it made no difference to the Catholic Church which one would be accepted. The objective was the same, but neither doctrine was of any interest to the reformers.
Neither doctrine was considered by protestants for over 200 years. However, Futurism has become prevalent over Preterism today.
What is Preterism Today?
The doctrine of Preterism has been revised several times since its original publication. Some of these revised doctrines are being taught today.
There are many views and teachings on Preterism, so now there are at least twelve different definitions. Therefore, only the most popular of these teachings will be stated.
1. All prophecy in the Bible and the return of Christ was fulfilled in 70 A.D. (Full Preterism.)
2. All prophecy in the Bible was fulfilled by 340 A.D.
3. All prophecy except Revelation chapters 21 and 22 has been fulfilled. (Partial Preterism.)
4. Most of the prophecies of Daniel have already been fulfilled, so there isn’t any significance for the present day.
5. Some of the prophecies of Daniel have not been fulfilled, and there is significance in our present day.
Note: Christ appearing the second time in 70 A.D.; 340 A.D.; or Revelation chapters 1-20 being fulfilled and 21-22 are not fulfilled, is an opinion and/or an assumption. The idea that the Bible indicates any of these periods of time is irrelevant. Mark 13:32 “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.
The idea that Christ could have returned in 70 A.D. or 340A.D. seems possible. But the words of Jesus Christ do not change.
If Christ did return in 70 A.D. or 340A.D., no one would have known the day or hour then, just as today.
To argue that Jesus (or anyone else in the Bible) didn’t say ‘what year’ is irrelevant.
By what Biblical authority does anyone have to state a year based on an assumption or probability?
The Bible does not imply or say that men are to ‘figure it out ‘and then come to a conclusion. [See: 'Is All Prophecy Fulfilled'?]
Summary
Preterism is not a Biblical doctrine.
There are at least twelve different revised definitions and interpretations, and none of these are Biblical.
All twelve interpretations of Preterism contradict each other. To pick and choose which interpretation fits with ones idea or thought is only an opinion, and is not Biblical.
Preterism is a fable.
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