An acquaintance introduced me to this theory over the weekend. Here is the theory in a nutshell:
- The predictions Jesus made in Luke 21 were fulfilled through the events surrounding the fall of the temple in 70 AD.
- Jesus said, with evidence to support the Preterist view added:
a. "A time of wars": Jewish revolt 66 AD; British revolt led by Queen Boadicea; Germanic revolt; Roman Empire suffered a series of imperial assassinations and coups.
b. A foreign army would attack and lay siege to Jerusalem. See Josephus, Wars VI (512-513).
c. Period of unprecedented suffering; many will die of famine and plague. See Josephus, Wars VI (512-513).
d. False prophets would mislead many to their doom. See Josephus, Wars VI (283-287).
e. There would be heavenly signs. See Josephus, Wars VI (289-295).
f. Huge numbers killed and taken away in captivity. See Josephus, Wars VI (259, 271, 275-276, 404, and 420-421)
g. The city, temple will be completely destroyed. See Josephus, Wars VII (1-4).
h. The Son of Man will be seen in the clouds. See Josephus, Wars VI (296-300). See Tacitus, Histories V (513): "There had been seen hosts joining battle in the skies, the fiery gleam of arms, the temple illuminated by a sudden radiance from the clouds. The doors of the inner shrine were suddenly thrown open, and a voice of more than mortal tone was heard to cry that the Gods were departing."
i. Before all this, JC's disciples would be hated and persecuted.
j. When an army approaches Jerusalem, run for the hills, don't tarry.
There are two forms of Preterism:
- Partial preterism: Holds that the destruction of Jerusalem, the Anti-Christ, the Great Tribulation and the advent of the Day of the Lord as a judgement coming of Christ were fulfilled either in 70Ad or during the persecution of Christians under Nero.
- Full preterism: Holds that the destruction of Jerusalem fulfilled all "end times" events, including the resurrection of the dead and Jesus' second coming and the final judgement.
