During the 20th century, the world witnessed a number of key events that pushed us closer toward the brink of end-time fulfillment. As history unfolded, many persons (particularly those who sought their solace in the things of this world) looked upon these events with disinterestedness; feeling that perhaps such things didn’t affect them. After all, their jobs were relatively secure, their homes were being paid for, and they had a nest-egg in the bank. While major portions of the world were starving, or undergoing ravages by terrorists and subversives, America slept securely through it all.
Now it seems, however, that things have changed. Wherever we look we see warning lights flashing. No longer is the public so certain that it will carry through the next four years in peace. As the coming election looms closer, the debate on who is worthier candidate simmers to a boil. With bated breath the inquirers stand, as before the fabled Sphinx, and await an answer.
During this time I’ve noticed a sharp distinction between issues of concern among Christians. Reconstructionists and Dominion Theologians are concerned with collateral issues that involve the maintainance of a sound society–issues like education, abortion, gay rights, etc. Those of Pre-Millennial persuasion, however, are thinking along totally different lines. We are concerned whether or not society will even continue to exist as we know it. What accounts for this divergence of views? It is nothing more nor less than our respective beliefs concerning the fulfillment of BIble prophecy.
Pre-Millennialists believe that prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes, and that we are nearing, with breakneck speed, the “consummation of the age.” On the other hand, Preterists think the world will continuing running its course for thousand and thousands of years. Thus, in such a crisis as this, they are really looking for a bandaid to patch things up; whereas we are looking for a long-term solution. That long-term solution is none other than the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
While the battle among variant prophetic views rages, we wonder whether Preterism will survive the next few years. My honest answer is, no, it will not. And I base my opinion on the following rule-of-thumb: no prophetic view which lacks current relevance will survive in an atmosphere of social unrest. The reason is quite simple. When people get discouraged, they turn to Biblical prophecy for answers. What good will a history lesson do them? Even if Preterism were correct (which it is not) it would fail to have any hold on Christians at a time like this. And so it must wane. My hope is that its demise comes swiftly, that those who are immersed in its doctrines may awaken out of their slumber and believe the “Glorious Gospel of Christ” to which Satan wishes to blind their eyes (2 Cor. 4: 4).
My opinion is also grounded on the past history of Preterism. Prior to WWI, Preterism had become accepted by a vast number of seminary professors and critical scholars. Yet all it took was the rise of Fundamentalism, coupled with the events of the “Great War,” to completely eclipse the doctrines of “past fulfillment.” I think a repeat occurrence is happening now. Preterism is certainly growing dimmer in its testimony that “all things were fulfilled in A.D. 70.” This is, moreover, a healthy trend. For it forces Christians to return to a view which sees current events as the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. In short, it fosters and encourages a futuristic outlook.
As the Dispensational testimony grows more vocal, Preterists become strangely silent. As our faith increases, belief in Preterism decreases. In a way I cannot say that I am unhappy with this “wake-up call” that we have received. The western church has become stagnant, and is in need of a good shot in the arm. We must realize that the time for reproclaiming the “Gospel of the Kingdom” is almost here. Once the temple at Jerusalem has been re-built, the Jewish prophetic clock will start ticking once more, and the consummation of Christ’s worldwide kingdom will race to its glorious finale. To Him be the victory!
But apart from the rebuilding of the temple, what else are we waiting for? Call it a fantasy, call it a pipe dream, but we are looking for the reconstitution of the Apostolic church; for the Spirit to be poured from on high, and for the Lord to send forth, once more, His apostles and prophets, that they may call upon men to “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then will the consummation of the age, postponed during the first century, resume its progress to the “time of the end.” Then will the seals be broken, and the trumpets sound. And when the last trumpet sounds, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His CHrist: and He shall reign forever (Rev. 11: 15).
How can Preterism downplay these great truths? Their theology is a house of cards, which is ready to fall at the slightest tap of the hand. Instead of immersing themselves in stoical apathy and looking for short-term “bandaid” solutions to the world’s problems, they ought to wake up and pay attention to the “signs of the times.” Once they see where we stand as regards the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, they will leave their system behind and run the race that is set before them. And if, in the end, we should find ourselves running together, I will consider my efforts to have been well-spent. Onward to the crowns!
