Expert: Marvin Howard - 11/2/2008

Question
Do Churches of Christ practice preterism?

Answer
Hi!

Tokunbo, there is a chance that we do not mean the same thing when we speak of preterism or preterists. Let us understand that we may compare apples with apples. Preterism is not in the dictionaries to which I have access, but preterist is.

"A person who maintains that the prophecies in the Apocalypse have already been fulfilled."

"A theologian who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) have already been fulfilled."

This term exclusively applies to the book of Revelation, even though many try to apply it in other places; such as Matthew 24 & 25, or 1st Thessalonians 5.

In short, the answer to your question is that the church understands from Scripture that most of the prophecies have been fulfilled and a small part have not. However, there are some groups which left us, while pretending to retain the identity of Christians, who are full preterists. They believe the only resurrection is figurative and happens as each of us die. One of these groups is led by a man named Max King. The church, however, believes in partial preterism.

The resurrection is yet future (John 5:28-29). The Judgment is still coming (Hebrews 9:27). The destruction of the world is yet to come (2nd Peter 3:10-12). Other than that, the rest is fulfilled.

The kingdom is present (Revelation 1:9), and was established on the first Pentecost after Christ's resurrection (Acts 2:47 and Matthew 16:18-19). If not, there are some people alive today that are nearly 2000 years old (Matthew 16:28).

Jerusalem was destroyed, as promised (Matthew 24:1-34). The church split as prophesied (Acts 20:29 and 2nd Peter 2:1-4). A new religion, known as catholicism (among others that failed) arose; again as prophesied (1st Corinthians 1:12). The church hid from catholicism for 1260 years; from 533 AD to 1793 AD (Revelation 12:6).

Even still, some events, yet to transpire, are so sure for all Christians they are assumed in the present tense. Our salvation or damnation, will come at the judgment (John 5:28-29). Yet it is sure if we obey because God is faithful (1st Corinthians 1:9). The same holds true with our promise (Acts 2:39 and Romans 4:13), our hope (Acts 27:20), and our rest (Matthew 11:29). All will only be realized as we are ushered into Heaven.

Tokunbo, I hope I have given you a good summary. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

In His Service
Marvin Howard