In Christian theology, futurism and preterism are two primary,
opposing methods for interpreting biblical prophecies,
particularly those concerning end times events
found in books like Daniel, Matthew 24, and Revelation
Preterism is the view that most biblical prophecies,
particularly those in the Book of Revelation,
have already been fulfilled in the past,
especially in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Futurism is the opposing view that many of these prophecies,
especially those in Revelation chapters 4–22,
refer to future events that will occur
just before Christ's second coming.
The core difference is whether prophetic fulfillment is
primarily past (preterism)
or future (futurism).
Preterism
- View: Most or all prophecies regarding "end times" have already been fulfilled.
- Key event: For preterists, a major fulfillment event was the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70.
- Variations:
- Full Preterism: Believes all prophecies, including the second coming and final resurrection, were fulfilled in A.D. 70. This view is often considered heretical by other Christians.
- Partial Preterism: Believes most prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, but that a future resurrection and the return of Christ still await.
Futurism
- View: The events described in apocalyptic sections of the Bible, particularly Revelation chapters 4–22, are yet to occur in the future.
- Key event: This view looks forward to a future "end times" period, often associated with the rise of the Antichrist and a great tribulation, immediately preceding the second coming of Christ.
- Mainstream support: This interpretation is currently the most widely supported view among mainstream Protestant Christianity.
* I used a Google AI search to pull together these basic facts
about the two different viewpoints.
Specific scripture passages will be addressed in future posts.
Saved by Grace,
Andrew Cross
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
but exhorting one another,
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
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