Preterism

Definition

Preterism is a theological perspective that interprets prophecies of the Bible, particularly those in the Book of Revelation, as events that have already occurred in the past rather than future predictions. This view emphasizes that many prophetic messages were fulfilled during the first century CE, especially in relation to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE and the early Christian church's experiences under Roman rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Preterism divides into two main types: partial preterism, which asserts that most prophecies have been fulfilled but some are still pending, and full preterism, which believes all prophecies were completed by the first century.
2. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 CE is often cited as a key event that validates preterist interpretations of biblical prophecy.
3. Preterism gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation as reformers sought to understand scripture outside of a strictly futurist perspective.
4. Some preterists argue that the Book of Revelation was written primarily to encourage early Christians facing persecution, providing hope through its messages rather than predicting future events.
5. Critics of preterism often argue that it dismisses the relevance of prophetic scripture for contemporary believers by claiming those prophecies have no future significance.

Review Questions

• How does preterism interpret the events described in the Book of Revelation in relation to first-century history?
  • Preterism interprets the events in the Book of Revelation as having been fulfilled during the first century CE, particularly linking them to historical occurrences such as the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. This perspective suggests that the book served as both a warning and encouragement for early Christians who faced persecution under Roman rule. By understanding these prophecies in their historical context, preterists believe they reveal God’s sovereignty over historical events rather than forecasting future occurrences.
• What are the implications of preterism for contemporary Christian beliefs regarding prophecy and eschatology?
  • The implications of preterism for contemporary Christian beliefs center around how believers understand prophecy and its relevance today. Preterists emphasize that many prophetic messages are not about future events but rather about God’s past actions and faithfulness to His people. This view challenges futurist interpretations that focus heavily on predicting end-times scenarios, suggesting instead that Christians can draw lessons from historical fulfillments and focus on living out their faith in the present rather than waiting for future signs.
• Critically evaluate how preterism might reshape traditional views on prophecy and its fulfillment within Christian eschatology.
  • Preterism significantly reshapes traditional views on prophecy and fulfillment by proposing that many key biblical prophecies have already come to pass, primarily through first-century events. This perspective can lead to a more historical understanding of scripture, encouraging believers to engage with their faith contextually rather than anticipating future fulfillments. By emphasizing historical events like the fall of Jerusalem, preterism challenges believers to reconsider their expectations of divine intervention and how they interpret scriptural messages about God's plans for humanity. This shift may foster a more action-oriented faith focused on present-day application rather than merely awaiting prophetic fulfillments.

Related terms

Futurism: A contrasting theological view that sees biblical prophecies, especially those in Revelation, as events that are yet to occur in the future.

Historicism: The interpretation of biblical prophecies as unfolding throughout history, suggesting that they represent a timeline from the past to the present and future.

Amillennialism: A belief that there is no literal thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth as described in Revelation, seeing it instead as a symbolic period representing Christ's current reign.