CIM Briefing Papers
C.I.M. Outline #60
Author: Bill Crouse
THE PRETERIST VIEW OF NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Interest in Biblical prophecy intensifies as we near the end of
the millennium. (If Christ was born in the spring of 4 B.C. it
is already 2002!). Along with an increase in sensationalism
we are also witnessing a revival of a view of Biblical prophecy
that was popular in previous centuries but almost unheard of
in this one. Now its revival is chronicled by the appearance of
books, tapes, many websites, and a growing number of
adherents. The prevailing view for most of this century is that
nearly all the great NT prophetic passages point to some future
fulfillment. This view is generally known as the FUTURIST
(FT) view of prophecy.
B. MAJOR Prophetic passages in the NT
Matt. 24,25; Mark 13; Luke 17:20-37; I Cor. 15:24-26,
51-52; I Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 2:1-12; Titus 2: 11-14;
Rev. 4-22.
II. REASONS WHY FUTURISM MAY BE WANING IN POPULARITY
A. Since WW II many Bible teachers and preachers have
sensationalized prophecy by making predictions and setting
dates for Christ's return. This writer has at least one
bookshelf of such genre of books! In these books, at least a
dozen world leaders in the last 20 years have been designated
the Antichrist! Some recent books that expose this
sensationalism in prophetic interpretation are: SOOTHSAYERS
OF THE SECOND ADVENT by William M. Alnor; DOOMSDAY
DELUSIONS by C. Marvin Pate and CalvinB.Haines, Jr.; and
SELLING FEAR by Gregory S. Camp.
B. As we approach the end of the century, recent historical
events in Russia and Europe have caused some to re-think
previous prophetic interpretation.
C. There is new discussion about the date of the last book of the
NT. One primary source is REDATING THE NEW TESTAMENT by
John A.T. Robinson (See below for more info.)
III. GENERAL PROBLEMS IN PROPHETIC INTERPRETATION
A. Eschatology, the doctrine of last things, is one of the most
difficult areas in all of theology. For 2000 years there has not
been a clear consensus among church leaders as to how the last
events will occur. For a good overview of the various
interpretations of end- time events among evangelicals we
recommend: THE MILLENNIAL MAZE, by Stanley G. Grenz.
B. Biblical prophecies are often given in highly figurative and
context sensitive language. Therefore, extensive knowledge of
the original language, and the historical and cultural situation,
is necessary for proper interpretation. Often presuppositions
about the nature of God's redemptive plan color the outcome of
prophetic interpretation.
C. In a list of why people have rejected Christianity over the
centuries, failed NT prophecy is often cited. The claim is, that
Christ predicted His return during the lifetime of His
disciples, and they clearly expected His return as they noted in
their writings. Since this did not occur in the First Century,
the deity of Christ, and the authority and inspiration of
Scripture are rejected. See WHY I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN, by
Bertrand Russell (p.16).
IV. THE PRETERIST VIEW (PT)
A. Definition: In theology, a preterist is one who believes the
prophecies in the book of Revelation were fulfilled in 70 A.D.
when the temple and city of Jerusalem were destroyed. With
the exception of some extreme preterists, most believe the last
three chapters are yet to be fulfilled. In other words, Christ
will appear in person, there will be a resurrection and a final
judgement, i.e., a consummation of the Kingdom.
A PT believes that the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. looms large
in the thinking and preaching of Jesus, John the Baptist and
the Apostles. The many imminency passages in the NT refer to
Christ's coming in judgement on Jerusalem for their failure
to keep the covenant and for rejecting the Messiah. They argue
that when the NT writers used the phrase "this generation" it
referred to that generation that was alive at the time of Christ,
and that the phrase "last days" refers to the last days of the Old
Covenant. It is argued that the destruction of the Temple is
crucial to God's program with the church. Israel was a
theocracy; their whole life was centered around the Temple
and its ritual. With the destruction of the Temple it would
have been obvious that the Old Covenant (the Mosaic) had
ended. This seems to be exactly the argument of the writer of
the Epistle of Hebrews. At the beginning he immediately
announces that these are "the last days." PTs further argue
that it helps explain the dire warning passages in the book and
its argument about having a better covenant.
B. Adherents
While this view is currently not that well known, in previous
centuries (as recently as the 19th) it was held by the
majority of Biblical scholars. Most readers may be surprised
to know that two of the most popular one volume commentaries
of all time espouse this view. They are the commentaries by
Matthew Henry, and Jamison, Fausset and Brown. Other
earlier adherents were Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, David
Brown, Frederic Farrar, John Lightfoot, F.J.A. Hort, B.F.
Westcott, Moses Stuart, C.F.D. Moule, Milton Terry, Patrick
Fairbairn, J. Stuart Russell, and J.A. Alexander, just to name
a few.
More recent and contemporary adherents of PT are: Marcellus Kik,
Jay Adams, Douglas Wilson, Gary DeMar, Kenneth Gentry, Gary
North, Greg Bahnsen, David Chilton, Ralph Woodrow, Peter
Leithart, Iain Murray, George Grant, R.T. France, R.V.G. Tasker,
and R.C. Sproul.
C. The Importance of the Date of the NT.
Both FT's and PT's believe that the NT books were written early,
that is before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. An exception is the
FT's who believe the Apostle John''s writings, particularly the
Apocalypse, were written about 20-25 years after the fall of
Jerusalem, and near the end of the century. Note: it is important
to the FT's position that the book of Revelation be composed at a
late date for their view of prophecy to be credible. Likewise, it is
equally as important for the PTs that the book be composed early
(before 70 A.D.) for its view to be viable. Like no other book in
the NT, the date of its composition is the most valuable key to its
correct interpretation. For most of this century, the prevailing
opinion has been that John wrote the Apocalypse while an aged man
near the end of the First Century during the reign of emperor
Domitian around 90 A.D. when liberal NT scholar, Bishop John
A.T. Robinson, wrote his earth-shaking REDATING THE NEW
TESTAMENT, it was largely ignored by evangelical scholars with a
FT view of prophecy. But the fact is, the book is partially
responsible for the revival of the PT movement. A good review of
the evidence for the late date can be found in: THE BOOK OF
REVELATION, by Robert H. Mounce. For the other side see: BEFORE
JERUSALEM FELL, by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.
The trend today in NT studies in general is shifting the date of the
composition of the books of the NT to an earlier and earlier date.
There are two main, and inter- related reasons for this: (1)
Studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls and early papyri of John's writings
are pushing back the date of composition. (2)If John wrote after
the Temple was destroyed why in all of his writings is there not
even an allusion to it?
D. A Review of the Key Scriptural Passages
1. The Olivet Discourse and its context. (Matt 23, 24; Mk. 13;
and Lk. 17:20-37).
a. The Context: Just prior to the discourse (Matt. 23) a
curse was pronounced on the nation in the form of seven
woes. After the 7th woe, Jesus said: "...all this will come
upon this generation"(vs. 36). Jesus then followed that
statement with: "Look, your house is left to you desolate"
(vs. 38).
b. The Questions of the Disciples (Mk. 13:4; Lk. 21:7ff.):
The disciples immediately grasped that Jesus referred to
the destruction of the Temple, a building that was one of
the greatest structures on the earth at the time. The
disciples were dumbfounded, and immediately wanted to
know the exact time this would take place.
c. The Answer: In Matt. 24: 34, Jesus said: "I tell you
the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away
until all these things have happened." The problem with
this passage is that Jesus did not say "some" things, but
"all" things.
d. The Preterist Argument: The PT's argue that the Olivet
Discourse is a prophecy about the coming destruction of the
city and the Temple, and does not refer to some cataclysmic
event some 2000+ years in the future. They would refer
to the obvious reference to the destruction of the temple in
Matt. 24: 2. Furthermore, they conclude that all the events
described in Matt. 24 (and the Mark and Luke passages) can
be made to fit into events that surrounded that day in 70
A.D. The "coming" Christ referred to was not His coming
that precedes the final judgement, but His coming in
judgement on that generation, a generation that Josephus
says was the most wicked ever.
e. Support: (1)There are many passages in John's preaching
and that of Jesus that stress the nearness of coming
judgement. It may even be anticipated in Mal. 3:2. (2)In
most cases, the Greek word for "generation" always refers to
a generation living at that time. It is even more so when
used with the demonstrative "this." (3)Other warnings
about the imminency of coming judgement in the Epistles and
the book of Revelation strengthen their case. See
especially James 5:7-9 and I Pet 4:7 "The end of all things
is near." (4)Extra-biblical writers describe the
destruction of Jerusalem in similar terms.
f. The FTs Respond:
Not all FTs deny that there is some reference to 70 A.D. in
the Olivet Discourse. Some admit that Matt. 24:1-14 refers
to the near view, but then Jesus describes His coming to
earth at the end of time. Others conclude that the entire
discourse is about the distant future, and is a condensed
version of the Apocalypse. FT's reject the near view
because they claim there are many events in the discourse
that were not fulfilled at that time. For example, the
signs in the sky and the gathering of the elect from the
four corners of the earth described in vss. 29-31.
The FT answer to vs. 34 is that the Greek word for
"generation" can have a secondary meaning of "tribe" or
"nation." But many FTs admit this is an unlikely usage
in view of Matthew's use of the term. Another view that is
offered is that "this generation" refers to that generation
of Israelites who are alive right before Christ returns in
the distant future. There are several problems with this
in that it may say more than FTs want it to say, because it
implies that at that time Israel as a nation will cease.
The other problem is the personal pronouns used in the
previous verse (33).
What some FTs offer as a compromise is the idea of partial,
(double, multiple) fulfillment. There is precedent for it
in Scripture (See Isa. 7:14 and Matt. 1:18). This certainly
is possible and needs further study. Our initial reaction
though, is how can we know for certain when a prophecy
might have a greater fulfillment in the distant future. It
seems to be a problem of subjectivity.
2. The Book of Revelation.
PTs believe the book of Revelation was written to 7 churches
who were about to undergo severe persecution for their beliefs.
The writer's purpose is to comfort them by showing them
prophetically that their two enemies: the Roman Empire ("the
Beast") and apostate Israel ("the False Prophet") are going to
be judged. PTs claim all the events described in the book can
be applied to the calamity that occurred on August, 70 A.D. and
the years just before. The main key to this interpretation is
the indication by the author that what he is about to tell them
will happen shortly. (See Rev. 1:1, 3; 22:7. 20.) Also, the
author is told not to seal up this prophecy (22:10) as was
Daniel (12:4)who prophesied about distant future events. PTs
believe Nero was the one persecuting the Christians and that he
was the one referred to as "the beast" (both he and the
empire). Indeed, his nickname to his contemporaries was just
that, "the Beast." Historians said he was the vilest man known.
In Hebrew his name adds up to "666." Nero persecuted the
Christians for 3 and one-half months just as was prophesied,
they claim. He was also the 6th Roman emperor, and when he
committed suicide another reigned for a short time (Galba).
After Nero's death a myth developed al over the kingdom that
Nero would rise again. PTs say this is all prophesied in Rev.
17.
The FTs main objection is that the events described in the
prophecy just could not have been fulfilled during the
destruction of Jerusalem, and therefore refer to a far greater
tribulation, one like the world has not yet seen. PTs counter
by noting that historians like Josephus and others give
descriptions of that day that are astoundingly similar to the
prophecy. For example, Josephus describes strange signs that
occurred in the heavens; he mentions a slaughter in the sea of
Galilee that turned the lake to the color of blood, that the
destruction was the worse since creation, that chariots and
troops appeared in the clouds, etc. Regretfully, we have no
space for these many quotes but we would like to give one
representative example from the pagan historian Tacitus:
In the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of
glittering armour. A sudden lightning flash from the cloud lit
up the Temple. The doors of the holy place abruptly opened, a
superhuman voice was heard to declare that the gods were
leaving it, and in the same instant came the rushing tumult of
their departure. The Histories, p.279. (Penguin edition)
3. Other important passages that stress the imminency :
Matt. 10:23; 16:27ff.; 26:64; Rom. 13:11ff.; I Cor. 7:26-
31; 10:11; II Thess. 2:7; Heb. 1:2; 9:26;10:25;10:37;
James 5:7-9; I Pet. 1:20; 4:7; I John 2:8,17, 18; Jude
18,19.
4. Important Extra-biblical Sources
The PT view counts heavily on extra-biblical sources like
Josephus, Tacitus, Suetonius, and Eusebius for support. For a
contemporary narrative account of the destruction of Jerusalem
which incorporates most of these sources, we recommend:
WHEN JERUSALEM BURNED, by Gerard Israel, and Jacques
LeBar (If you decide to read this some evening, make sure you
have the next day off!)
V. STRENGTHS OF THE PRETERIST VIEW
A. Their argument for the meaning of "generation" seems to have
solid linguistic support.
B. There appears to be good reasons to question the evidence for the
late date of the book of Revelation.
C. It seems right to give a more important place to the destruction of
the temple in the light of the transition from old covenant to new.
D. Their emphasis on the historical situation and what meaning the
prophecies might have had to the original readers is commendable.
VI. PROBLEMS WITH THE PRETERIST VIEW
A. The PTs do not entirely escape the special pleading, arbitrariness
and exegetical gymnastics of passages that seem to support the FTs.
They have some good arguments, but somehow right at key passages
something is lacking that prevents one from holding the view with
great conviction. It is not unlike the other views in this regard.
Each eschatological system seems to leave major questions
unanswered. As long as they can be discussed and presented as
models, some modicum of unity of the Body of Christ can be
maintained.
The problem arises when one of the views presents itself as the
hallmark of orthodoxy and is used as an excuse to withhold
fellowship.
B. Perhaps the most serious problem with the PT view is knowing
how to distinguish between the "already" and the "is not." What
is a sure-fire way to distinguish between the First Century
judgement and the future glorious appearing?
VII. SUMMARY
The PT view in our opinion has plausibility and should to be reckoned
with, not ignored. In particular, the question of the date of Revelation
needs further study. The hermeneutical questions about partial, or
multiple fulfillment need further study. There is a need for
intellectual honesty and friendly intermural debate.
What does not change, and will never change, is the fact that the Lord
Jesus will return and consummate His Kingdom.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud
command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of
God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still
alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to
meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore, encourage each other with these words. (I Thess. 4:16-
18).
FOR FURTHER STUDY
To access internet websites on this subject go to:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/deafpreterist/preterism.html
AND IT CAME TO PASS. (Bound volume of Symposium papers published
by Canon Press)
Chilton, David. PARADISE RESTORED.
Chilton, David. THE DAYS OF VENGEANCE: AN EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK
OF REVELATION.
DeMar, Gary. LAST DAYS MADNESS.
Fairbairn, Patrick. THE INTERPRETATION OF PROPHECY.
Farrar, Frederic W. THE EARLY DAYS OF CHRISTIANITY.
Gentry, Kenneth L. Jr. BEFORE JERUSALEM FELL.
Gentry, Kenneth L. Jr. THE BEAST OF REVELATION.
Kik, Marcellus. AN ESCHATOLOGY OF VICTORY.
Robinson, John A.T. REDATING THE NEW TESTAMENT.
Russell, Stuart J. THE PAROUSIA.
Terry, Milton. BIBLICAL APOCALYPTICS.
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