The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I

The word “preterist” is from a Latin word meaning “past.” Those who adhere to this viewpoint of Bible prophecy argue that the prophecies of the Olivet Discourse and the Book of Revelation were fulfilled in the events of the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple.

Those who argue for this particular view of Bible prophecy include such teachers as R. C. Sproul, Kenneth Gentry, Gary DeMar, Gary North, and Greg Bahnsen. The late David Chilton also believed this view and is represented by his books on the subject.

Preterists believe that the Second Coming of Christ occurred in 70 AD in the sense of judgment, and that the result of this destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple is the replacement of the nation of Israel with the Church.

There are three primary proof texts which are used continually by those who believe this view of Bible prophecy:

PROOF TEXT #1
Matthew 10:23 – “But when they persecute you in
this city, flee ye into another; for verily I say unto
you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel,
till the Son of man be come.”

Consider the following facts about this verse:

(1) There is no evidence whatsoever that the disciples experienced this kind of persecution
before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

(2) The verses of the context are exactly parallel to those of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17 & 21.

(3) There is no reference in this passage to the destruction of Jerusalem.

(4) The phrase “the Son of Man” is referring to the Second Coming and speaks of His humanity being seen – that did NOT happen at the destruction of Jerusalem.

John Calvin says that those who suggest that this verse was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem “is too far fetched.” Even Dr. R. C. Sproul who uses this verse to support his theories concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, and who is the General Editor of the Geneva Bible says of this verse – “The coming is the Second Coming of Christ to judge the earth”

PROOF TEXT #2
Matthew 16:28 – “Verily I say unto you, There be
some standing here, which shall not taste of death,
till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.”

(1) The connection with the Mount of Transfiguration is obvious – Matthew 17:1-2
(The conjunction “and” clearly establishes the connection between the two passages)

(2) The remark of Peter in II Peter 1:16-18 clearly points to the transfiguration and not the
destruction of Jerusalem.

(3) The “some” is referring to Peter, James, & John

PROOF TEXT #3
Matthew 24:34 – “Verily I say unto you, This
generation shall not pass, till all these things be
fulfilled.”

(1) The word “generation” from the Greek word genos is used 21 times; from the Greek word genea it is used another 42 times – a total of 63 times in the NT. The words “this generation” appear 16 of those times.

(2) Whatever the meaning of the word “generation” it is clear that they will exist until “all these things” are fulfilled. That cannot apply to the destruction of Jerusalem.

(3) It is quite possible that the word “generation” refers not to a period of time as some suggest that Hebrews 3:9-10 teaches (40 years) but rather to the nation of Israel. The words “this generation” are more consistent when it is understood to be Israel. It is a promise of the survival of the nation of Israel during the tribulation. cf. Luke 11:50-51. Why would the words “may be required of this generation” apply to first century Jews who were not responsible for the death of the prophets mentioned? It would make sense if it applies to the nation of Israel.

Also, we have the problem of Revelation 22:16 where it is translated “offspring” and refers to
our Lord as being the descendant of David.

PRETERIST VIEWS ABOUT PROPHECY

1. THE GREAT TRIBULATION – they believe that it took place in the days of the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem – to them, it is NOT a future event

2. THE GREAT APOSTASY – they not only believe that it happened in the first century AD, but that we should expect the increasing Christianization of the world

3. THE LAST DAYS – they believe that this term refers to the time between the birth of Jesus Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD

4. THE ANTICHRIST – they believe this refers to the widespread apostasy before the fall of Jerusalem. Some Preterists believe that it could possibly refer to Nero

5. THE MILLENNIUM – they believe that it is going on now with Christianity reigning as kings on earth – the period of time between our Lord’s first coming and His Second Coming

6. THE NEW JERUSALEM – they believe that it refers to the Church, now and forever

7. ARMAGEDDON – they believe it is simply a symbol of defeat and desolation and that there will never be a future, literal battle

8. THE BEAST AND FALSE PROPHET – they believe that it refers to the Roman Emperor Nero as well as the Roman Empire; they believe the “false prophet” is the leadership of Israel

9. THE GREAT HARLOT – they believe that it refers to Jerusalem

10. ISRAEL – they believe that Israel was excommunicated and will never be God’s kingdom. They say that there is no future plan of God for the nation of Israel. In the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD they say that our Lord transferred all the promised blessings given to the nation of Israel to the Church – the new Israel! The believe that what has been happening in Israel today has nothing whatsoever to do with any Bible prophecies.

This series is a two-part series…

Popularity: 9% [?]

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154669206389010432 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154463597421015040 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154463597421015040 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154463597421015040 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154463597421015040 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/creemos/status/154463597421015040 WILLIAM CODY BATEMAN

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/apuaXbak

• http://twitter.com/ruthshope2010/status/143241023915704321 RUTHS HOPE PROJECT

  The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Part I http://t.co/ooBOKpAJ