Full Preterism holds that all Bible prophecy was fulfilled by the fall of Jerusalem in AD70. It arose out of Preterist Universalism in the 19th century, and teaches that all “end times” prophecies had sole application to ancient Israel, but that the consequences of that fulfillment are enduring in the New Covenant Age.
The Office of Prophet
In the bible, we observe that only a Prophet of God has the authority to proclaim a prophecy fulfilled. Jesus as God proclaimed fulfillment (Luke 4:21). But even he held the office of Prophet (Luke 4:24, Heb 1:1-2). So who are the preterist prophets that proclaim fulfillment of Jesus returned in 70 AD? Well, there are none because if the preterist belief is true then the office of prophet also ceased in 70 AD. Therefore if preterism is true then it is not true.
No More In Part
The 1 Cor 13:9-10 passage forces us into a tight box. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” (1 Co 13:9–10). If we take the preterist view that the perfect has come then we can only conclude 2 possible meanings from the passage:
- No one will prophesy anymore. I believe this is the correct option because, indeed, there will be no need. The Lord will be present and speaking the mind of God directly (Rev 19:15). Of course, as we have seen above, this negates the ability for anyone to proclaim fulfillment. This definition causes a self-refuting conflict within preterism. The only prophet that could proclaim the prophecies of Jesus’ return being fulfilled is Jesus himself. Any other prophet that would make that claim would necessarily be a false prophet.
- We will still prophesy but it will be in full. This can only mean we speak the full word of God completely in all situations. And it must also mean that no one will do it incompletely. But since we do not agree then how can this be? In addition, preterism comes out of universalism and unitarianism so it does not even agree with its own beginnings. Did the Robert Townley, Pastor of the Universalist Church, Boston and writer of the first full preterist book in 1845, prophesy in part when he said prophecy was not complete until 312 AD at Constantine’s conversion? Or when he preached Universalism? Then why did he recant Preterism in 1952[1]?
Where is the testimony of our Lord that he has already returned? All we have is the speculation of false prophets by there own admission. Instead, the bible clearly teaches that prophecy will be fulfilled soon. That the fulfillment of prophecy is near. This language is in the old testament and the new. We see Zephaniah 1:14 says in 640 BC that the great day of the Lord is near. We are to be expectant and ready. That is the clear message of the new testament.
“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:3-9
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