Who would have thought that we’d ever be living through such times?  Whenever we watch the news or read the papers, we see the state of things growing worse and worse.   The clouds gather; peals of lightning flash; thunder roars in the distance.  It is evident that some great catastrophe is about to befall; but of its precise nature we can only conjecture.  Nevertheless, the facts are clear: we are rapidly approaching the end of the age.  The events unfolding before our very eyes deal Preterism such a stunning blow that its recovery would be as marvelous as the healing of the head of the beast which received a death-wound (Rev. 13: 3).

  How can anyone observe what is going on in the world, and remain a Preterist?  Is it perhaps time to submit our “past fulfillment” theories to a bit of honest revision?  I believe so.  As long as prosperity continued, it was safe to poke fun at a future tribulation.  I did it; you did it; many of us did it.  However, now that prosperity has ended, and is no more in sight (no, not by a long-shot!), one can almost see the Lamb of God receiving the scroll from the hand of His Father and breaking the seals one by one.  What trying times!  Will the church be “raptured out” as many believe? or will we, as the body of Christ, be required to carry our testimony through the Dispensation of Judgment that now looms ever nearer?

  Regardless of our individual views, this present juncture is one that may be seen as a period of renewed grace.  Now is the time to return to the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  Let us do this while we have a chance.  This development of end-time phenomena, while rapid in its course, has not yet reached the point where we can say that tribulation must begin at any moment. 

   While keeping my focus on the Second Advent, I am also waiting for the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem, an epic event in preparation at this very moment.  In fact, all the utensils are made, and the rabbis have been fitted for their priestly garments.  Does this surprise us?  Prior to 1948, many Christians thought that Israel would never again become a nation.  But, true to God’s word, the return of God’s chosen people to the land of their fathers came to pass with unerring precision.  I think it will be the same in regard to the temple.

   In a way, I feel privileged to be living through these times.  In another sense, I, like Paul, would rather be out of the world and present with Christ (Phil. 1: 23).  However, I know not where I shall be when the tribulation begins.  One thing only I know: that my faith has become stronger now that I see the end is nigh. 

   And what about Antichrist?  Where is he hiding, and what is his identity?  Questions such as these make one search the Scriptures daily, that he/she may find the truth.  But, nebulous though the solution now seems, the “wise will understand” when events reach their full development (Danel 12: 10). 

  It appears that the long-awaited “one world government” is now being discussed, no longer as a theory, but as the only viable solution to the world’s problems.   In an article which I wrote several months ago, I discussed the conditions that would be needed to bring about this one-world government over which Antichrist will be head.  Speaking of the image seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream  (Daniel 2), and the significance of the feet of iron and clay, I wrote:

   “The feet, then, must represent the last kingdom which shall bear rule over all the world before Christ returns.  It shall be one empire divided into ten nations.  Interestingly, Hippolytus identifies these ten nations as democracies.  If we take his view, it is quite reasonable to assume that the ten nations will be held together by the strength of a Rome-like administration.  Howbeit, because of the wide intermixture of various ethnic and cultural classes (represented by the clay) it shall not cleave together.  That is, there will be no common interest among the several toes.  This I think is the best, or at least the most credible, exposition of Daniel’s vision.  Of course, we cannot be absolutely certain.  But one thing is sure.  The world must first be re-organized into ten nations, ere Daniel’s prophecy of the feet can be fulfilled.  How will this take place?  Who knows.  Perhaps this preliminary division of the world will be preceded by a Third World War, or some such upheaval so great as to break down the structures of national governments.  It is too early to tell.”

   Friends, it is no longer “too early to tell.”  What is the difference between a WWIII and a worldwide financial crisis?  Either may be sufficient to break down national governments and allow for their restructuring along global lines.  If this should happen, will not its end result be the fulfillment of the Apocalyptic Bablylon?  Instead of calling Babylon “first century Jerusalem,” as Preterists do, think of the original Bablyon, and you’ll come closer to the truth.  Instead of heeding God’s command to disperse into many nations, they sought to unify, and build themselves a marvelous society in which God would play no part.  But their project amounted to nothing; for the Lord sent confusion into their midst (Genesis 11: 1-9).

   What is happening today?  Do we not see, on every hand, a fervent striving for unity in all facets of society?  Even among Christians there has been a tell-tale movement to “unify” those of widely divergent views.  Preterist Reconstructionists have played a conspicuous role in this endeavor.  Open Theists and other cultists have joined hands with them in an attempt to bring about a wholesale apostasy within the ranks of evangelical Christendom.  This must surely prognosticate how close we are to the end. 

   I ask again: how can anyone witnessing these events continue to hold to the doctrines of Preterism?  Such theology is doomed.  Its teachers are on the verge of being publicly discredited.  Their attempts to brand the blessed hope a “Pre-Millennial fairytale” have now backfired; and the real “fairytale” is revealed to be their own theology, which depends upon evolutionary ideas of progress.  But do things show signs of getting “better and better?”  Rather, they are becoming worse and worse!  Will Preterists remain in the house until the walls cave in upon them?  Or will they get out now, while there is time to spare?

   At this crucial time, my advice is to shake off all apathy, and return to the study of Biblical prophecy.  For by this we shall become prepared for the coming tribulation.  Let us leave behind that lie which conceives the Olivet Discourse to have been fulfilled in A.D. 70, and embrace Biblical theology, which teaches a Pre-Millennial coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at the close of the present age.  Today is the day of salvation.  Now is the time to make your decision, and return to the truth.  I pray that you do so, before it becomes too late.