Archive for August, 2007

“Therefore the redeemed of Jehovah shall return and come with singing into Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their head. Gladness and joy shall overtake them; sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isaiah 51:11

The "theology" behind "preterist" seems simple enough – the church (all followers of Jesus Christ) have replaced Israel and now inherit all the promises originally granted God to them.

Unfortunately, this view has deeper and more profound ramifications than the casual observer might understand. The tentacles of "preterist" effects numerous church doctrines and their applications to the Christian life.

Over the next few months, I will be posting numerous articles on the "preterist" view of God’s promises, God’s covenants and God’s sovereignty as it relates to the true Church, Israel the people, Israel the land, the kingdom age and the second coming of Jesus Christ to reign.

For now, here are some interesting teachings from God’s word that are stumbling blocks to the "preterist" theology:

PREDICTION of Jesus Christ fulfilled -

"And Jesus went out and departed from the temple. And His disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, There shall not be left here one stone on another that shall not be thrown down." Matthew 24:1-2

"And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its destruction has come. And let those in Judea flee to the mountains. And those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are with child, and to those suckling in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land and wrath on this people. And they shall fall by the sword’s edge. And shall be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the nations until the times of the nations is fulfilled." Luke 21:21-24

- The buildings of the temple were thrown down – Matthew 24:1-2

- Jerusalem was “compassed with armies” – Luke 21:20

- Many residents of Judea fled – Luke 21:21

- Many were killed by the sword – 21:24a

- Many were taken captive by Rome – 21:24b

- Jerusalem was “trodden down” by Gentiles until “the times of the Gentiles” were fulfilled. HAS NOT YET HAPPENED!

PROPHECIES of God about Israel ARE NOT canceled nor fulfilled in the history of the Church -

- The prophecy of God’s everlasting and unconditional COVENANT to the children of
Israel was NOT canceled – Genesis 12:1-3; 17:7-8; Psalm 89:30-37

- God has NOT forsaken them – Isa. 41:8-9, 17; 43:5-7; 45:25; 49:13-16; 54:6-8; Jer. 31:35-37; Romans 11:1-2

- The prophecies of worldwide CALAMITIES did NOT occur in 70 AD – Matthew 24:4-28 (widespread deception, wars, plagues, famines, earthquakes, etc., and coming of Messiah, etc.)

- The prophecy of Israel’s COMING back to the land in the future did NOT happen – Isaiah 35:10; Jer. 30:3; 31:7-9; Ezekiel 36:24; Amos 9:13-15

- The prophecy of a global CATASTROPHE called “The Great Tribulation” did NOT occur.

- The prophecy of Israel’s CONVERSION at the end of the tribulation did NOT happen – Isaiah 44:21-23; 59:20-21; 62:11-12; Zechariah 12:10; 13:1; Romans 11:25-27

PROPHECY in the Book of Revelation was NOT fulfilled in 70 AD –

The Preterists MUST argue for this book (Revelation) being written BEFORE the destruction of Jerusalem; However, history is clear that John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD) – long after the destruction of Jerusalem.