preterist

\Pret"er*ist\, n. [Pref. preter- + -ist.] 1. One whose chief interest is in the past; one who regards the past with most pleasure or favor.

2. (Theol.) One who believes the prophecies of the Apocalypse to have been already fulfilled. --Farrar.

I feel it necessary to begin this article with a brief definition of Preterism.   This is the dictionary definition. They teach that Messiah has already returned, killed antichrist with the brightness of his coming, that the 7 seals were already opened way back in 70ad. Another words for 2000 years or so we have been in the new heavens and new earth. They are forced to spiritualize everything. I do not like to type to much chit chat, so let us just get right down to answering their verses. Then I will show many verses that prove Preterism to be wrong.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

 The problem they raise in this verse is that the gospel was preached to all the world, according to other verses. Messiah says that after it is preached in all the world, unto all nations, that the end would come. They pose the question, if it was already preached to all the world, then why did the end not come? The problem is, the verses they are using do not prove it was preached in all the world and unto all nations.

All the world can mean the known world, as will be proved out. However this verse also says unto all nations. Even if one wanted to stress that this was already fulfilled, does not mean the end should come right after it is preached to all the world. In this same chapter, Messiah says many things that must happen before the end is. It is not just one of these things, then the end comes, but rather all these things, then the end comes.

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

 

There will be false Christ that deceive many. How many claimed to be the Messiah and deceived many before 70ad? How many can you think of even to this day that claimed to be the Messiah and deceived many? Matriyah he is one I can think if, came out in 1980’s.

Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

This has happened throughout history.

Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

It can be argued, is this only about the disciples, or all believers?

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

This has happened throughout history.

Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

This has probably happened in every generation since Adam.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

However has the end happened?

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

As already said above, there is more that has to happen.

Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Has the abomination of desolation already taken place? Preterist will say yes, when the temple was destroyed. We must now take a look at Daniel.

Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

 

Come in with a flood, prince of a covenant. Can they point out who this was in History, yes they will give you a name, however was he a prince or a king?

Dan 11:20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Dan 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

 

In verse 20 a ruler is destroyed not by anger or in battle. In this rulers estate a vile person takes the kingdom with peace. Can they point out who these rulers are. The first ruler only rules for a very short space. They claim that the antichrist is Nero Cesar. Which means the ruler that rules for a short space must be someone who ruled right before Nero, and must have only ruled for a short space.

Now the prince of the covenant is not Antichrist, he is someone totally different. The ruler in verse 21 is antichrist, the prince in verse 22 is a prince, not the ruler of the kingdom. Can they identify what prince made a covenant in the ruling of Nero?

In this article I will not be saying much for their beliefs, but rather the refuting thereof. Nero in Latin numeric equals 666. Throughout history there have been men in which their names equal 666, whether in Latin, Hebrew or Greek. Why would one think his name in Latin would be 666? Why not Greek or Hebrew? The church fathers thought it would be in Greek.

www.encyclopedia.com

Look up Nero, at the end it says this.

Nero had ambitions to be a poet and artist. In AD 68 a series of revolts, including one by his own Praetorian Guard, caused him to commit suicide. Among his last words were, “What an artist the world is losing in me!” His memory was publicly execrated.

This is very important that Nero committed suicide. In which we will go more into later. 

Back to the Daniel 11:20-22. Who was the ruler before Nero, does he fit the bill of ruling for only a few days, raising taxes, destroyed not by battle or anger?

The emperor of Rome before Nero was Clauduis I.

(klôd´ēes) (Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus) , 10 BC-AD 54, Roman emperor (AD 41-AD 54),

Then Nero - (nēr´ō) (Nero Claudius Caesar) , AD 37-AD 68, Roman emperor (AD 54-AD 68). He was originally named Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus

As you can see Clauduis who was emperor before Nero, Ruled for 13 years, that by no means fits the bill of after a few days he will be destroyed. Nero does not fit the Antichrist in Daniel 11. Besides all this In Daniel 11 the son of perdition is the last king mentioned, does not say anyone will rule after him. Which fits the scenario of the bible. Because it is written that Messiah destroys the son of perdition when he returns, we will go more into this.

It is most clear that the abomination of desolation was not fulfilled in 70ad by Nero. After Nero the Romans emperor was

(vĕspā´zhen) (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) , AD 9-AD 79, Roman emperor (AD 69-AD 79). Vespasian

After Vespasian Titus.

Titus (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus)tī´tes, AD 39-AD 81, Roman emperor (AD 79-AD 81).

The temple was destroyed in the ruling of Vespasian, he sent his son Titus to do that. This all plays a big part later on, in refuting preterism.

Back to Matt. 24.

Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

 

Soon after the abomination of desolation this is the advice to Judea.

Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

 

Which proves we should keep shabbot still.

 Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

 

Was 70ad the worst tribulation ever? What about Hitler? If 70ad was the fulfillment of all this, then why did a greater tribulation come after with Hitler?

 Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

 

Were the days shortened?

Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.

Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Mat 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

 

It is most clear in Matt. 24 that all these signs must first come before the end, not just the gospel preached to the world.

In verse 34 it says THIS generation. Preterist teach this means the generation he was speaking to, on the contrary it means the generation that sees all these things. He was the whole time speaking of a specific generation, a generation that would see all these things. The generation Jesus was speaking to did not see all these things in 70ad. If so then Nero must fit the evil king spoken about in the bible, among other things said about the son of perdition.

Let us now totally destroy the concept of Nero being antichrist. If this can be destroyed then all of preterism falls on its face. The reason they must hold so strong to Nero or Titus being the Antichrist is because of the warning given by Paul.

 

2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

 

Paul warns us of people who would try to convince us that Messiah already returned. Why would this be a warning? I mean bid deal right? What if you believed Messiah already returned before he actually did, big deal right? This is what preterist say today, so what if we are wrong what harm is there that we believe Messiah already came, even if it is a lie. Paul seems to say it is very important. The reason why is, because if one believes Messiah already returned they will not be watching. Messiah says those who are not watching he will come on as a thief in the night, you do not want that. Also it leaves them open to follow the real antichrist.

4 major points about antichrist in these verses.

1. There must be a great falling away before the end comes.
2. The son of Perdition must be revealed.
3. He will sit in the temple of God making him self as God. Meaning he will make him self as God.
4. Messiah will kill him when he returns.

 Let us show how Nero and other Romans Emperors do not fit this mold then move on showing more and more proofs. One could say there was a falling away before 70ad. Was the Son of Perdition revealed? Well did Nero sit in the temple of God making himself as God? The answer is no.

 

 In which I use to list the Roman Emperors

Caligula (kelĬg´yoole) , AD 12-AD 41, Roman emperor (AD 37-AD 41); son of Germanicus Caesar and Agrippina the Elder . His real name was Caius Caesar Germanicus. As a small child, he wore military boots, whence his nickname [ caligula =little boot]. On the death of Tiberius the army helped make Caligula emperor. Shortly afterward he became severely ill; it is widely believed that he was thereafter insane. He earned a reputation for ruthless and cruel autocracy, and torture and execution became the order of the day. He was responsible for serious disturbances among the Jews, and he nearly caused a rebellion in Palestine by attempting to erect a statue of himself in their temple. He was assassinated by a tribune of the Praetorian Guard and succeeded by Claudius I .

Claudius I (klôd´ēes) (Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus) , 10 BC-AD 54, Roman emperor (AD 41-AD 54), son of Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus and thus nephew of Tiberius . When Caligula was murdered (AD 41), the soldiers found Claudius, who had been of little importance, hiding in abject terror behind a curtain in the palace. They hauled him forth, and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. This act offended the senators, who never forgave Claudius. It also made him favor the army. He annexed Mauretania and landed in AD 43 in Britain, which he made a province. Agrippa's kingdom of Judaea and the kingdom of Thrace were reabsorbed into the empire, and the authority of the provincial procurators was extended. He caused Messalina , his third wife, to be executed and was in turn supposedly poisoned by her successor, Agrippina the Younger , after she had persuaded him to pass over his son Britannicus as heir in favor of Nero , her son by a former husband. Claudius was much reviled by his enemies and historians have accused him of being only a tool in the hands of his freedmen-secretaries and his wives; there are indications, however, that he had considerable administrative ability. Claudius' literary works are lost. He is the chief figure in two novels by Robert Graves, I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1935).

Nero (nēr´ō) (Nero Claudius Caesar) , AD 37-AD 68, Roman emperor (AD 54-AD 68). He was originally named Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus and was the son of Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul in AD 32) and of Agrippina the Younger , who was the great-granddaughter of Augustus. Agrippina married (AD 49) Claudius I and persuaded him to adopt Nero. In AD 55, Agrippina saw the bonds of her domination of Nero loosening and intrigued in favor of Claudius' son, Britannicus, but Nero poisoned the boy. Poppaea Sabina , the wife of his friend Otho , became his mistress; according to rumor she was to blame for the worst of Nero's behavior. In AD 59 he murdered his mother and in AD 62, his wife Octavia. He later married Poppaea. When half of Rome was burned in a fire (AD 64), Nero accused the Christians of starting it and began the first Roman persecution. In AD 65 there was a plot to make Caius Calpurnius Piso emperor. The detection of this plot began a string of violent deaths, e.g., of Seneca, Lucan, and Thrasea Paetus. Nero had ambitions to be a poet and artist. In AD 68 a series of revolts, including one by his own Praetorian Guard, caused him to commit suicide. Among his last words were, “What an artist the world is losing in me!” His memory was publicly execrated.

Galba găl´be) (Servius Sulpicius Galba) , 3 BC-AD 69, Roman emperor (AD 68-AD 69). He distinguished himself in a political and military career as praetor (AD 20), governor of Aquitania, consul (AD 33), commander in Gaul, and governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (AD 60). In AD 68 an insurrection against Nero broke out, and Galba was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers. Nero committed suicide, and Galba succeeded him. A few months after his reign began, a rebellion led by Otho took place. Galba was killed, and Otho succeeded him. Galba's brief reign was distinguished by an honest but parsimonious administration.
Otho, Marcus Salvius (ō´thō) , AD 32-AD 69, Roman emperor (Jan.-April, AD 69). He was a friend of Nero , and his wife, Poppaea Sabina, became Nero's mistress; Otho was repaid (AD 58) with the province of Lusitania. In AD 68 he joined the revolt of Galba against Nero, but on Galba's accession Otho formed a conspiracy. Galba was killed, and Otho made himself emperor. Meanwhile Vitellius had been proclaimed emperor at Cologne and was on his way to Rome. Otho was defeated in N Italy and killed himself.

 

Vitellius, Aulus (ô´les vĬtĕl´ēes) , AD 15-AD 69, Roman emperor (AD 69). He was made commander of the legions on the lower Rhine by Galba in AD 68. On Galba's death he was proclaimed emperor at Colonia Agrippina (now Cologne). The generals who favored him defeated his rival, Otho , in Italy, and Vitellius was briefly the emperor. He distinguished himself by extravagance, debauchery, and general incompetence. When his rival in the East, Vespasian , moved into Italy, Vitellius quickly lost his supporters. His troops were defeated at Cremona, and Vitellius fought with Vespasian's brother, Flavius Sabinus, in Rome. When Vespasian's troops entered Rome, Vitellius was captured while in hiding and murdered.

Vespasian (vĕspā´zhen) (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) , AD 9-AD 79, Roman emperor (AD 69-AD 79), founder of the Flavian dynasty. The son of a poor family, he made his way in the army by sheer ability. He served in Germany and in Britain (where he conquered the Isle of Wight) and was made consul (AD 51). Later he was proconsul in Africa under Nero. In AD 66, Nero put him in charge of the war against the Jews, and he was in Judaea when the emperor died. He recognized Otho and then Vitellius , but when he himself was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers in Judaea and Alexandria, he set out to make good his claim. He arrived in Italy late in AD 69. He set about restoring the state and its finances and gave an example of frugal living that contrasted greatly with the life of Nero. His son Titus, whom he had left to prosecute the Jewish war, destroyed Jerusalem and returned to Rome to enjoy the triumph with his father. To commemorate the beginning of an era of peace (which lasted a century), Vespasian closed the gates of the temple of Janus and built the temple of Pax. He also erected the Colosseum. The principal external events of Vespasian's reign were the revolt of the Batavii (see Civilis ) and the campaigns and administration of Agricola in Britain. He was succeeded by his son Titus ; his other son, Domitian , later succeeded Titus. The reign of Vespasian was noted for its order and prosperity.

Titus (tī´tes) (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus) , AD 39-AD 81, Roman emperor (AD 79-AD 81). Son of Emperor Vespasian, Titus was closely associated with his father in military campaigns, and after AD 71 he acted as coruler with the emperor. He served in Britain and in Germany and captured and destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. On succeeding his father he pursued a policy of conciliation and sought popular favor. A benevolent ruler, he stopped prosecutions for treason and was lavish with gifts to his subjects, a practice that caused financial difficulties for his successor. He completed the Colosseum and built a luxurious bath. During his reign there occurred two disasters—a great fire in Rome and the eruption of Vesuvius, which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. On both occasions Titus was active in lending aid to the distressed. Although Titus was not friendly with his brother and successor, Domitian , there is no reason to believe the rumor that it was Domitian who arranged his death. The Arch of Titus, now restored and standing outside the ancient entrance to the Palatine, was erected by Domitian to commemorate Titus' conquest of Jerusalem.

 

I highlighted important parts we will be using through out this paper. Nero fails the below

The son of Perdition must be revealed.

He will sit in the temple of God making him self as God. Meaning he will make him self as God.

Messiah will kill him when he returns.

 

Nero was not the Son of Perdition revealed, He did not sit in the temple of God making himself God, and Messiah did not kill him, Nero killed himself before 70ad. In all honestly Titus is a better candidate for antichrist, however we will prove that incorrect as well. Titus at least was in Jerusalem during the destruction of the Temple, in which one could say maybe he was in the temple, and just maybe he made himself as God in the temple. Titus returned back to Rome to celebrate with his father. Titus was not killed by the coming of Messiah because he ruled all the way to 81ad. Rumor has it his brother killed him. Also when Titus destroyed Jerusalem he was not even Emperor, his father Vespasian still was. His Father sent his son Titus to destroy Jerusalem. So none of the rulers of Rome in this time frame of 70ad fir the first 4 points of Thess. 2. Let us prove it out more.

 

Dan 11:19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Dan 11:20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

 

In the above verses we see a total of 3 rulers. If you want to read a little before verse 19 you can learn more about that ruler. I am most concerned with how he will not be found. Very import points to add to the previous four.

5. The 2 rulers before the Antichrist must be shown. One returns to his own land and is not found, the other only rules for a few days, known to raise taxes.
6. Antichrst will be a vile person in which the people do not want him to rule, but he wins it by peace and flatteries.

 

Nero, Vespasian, or Titus continue to not fit the mold. If Nero was the antichrist then the two rulers before him must fit the bible. The ruler right before Nero is supposed to have only ruled but for a few days, and be destroyed not in battle or anger. Though it does not say how Claudius I. Died, he did rule for 13 years, that hardly fits the mold of he will rule for a few days.

Then the ruler before this in verse 19, would have to be Caligula whom was murdered. However verse 19 says the ruler would not be found, Caligula was murdered and found.

What if the Antichrist was Titus or Vespasian even though they already fail because they ruled after 70ad. If one says it is Titus then the ruler in verse 20 has to be Vespasian, Vespasian ruled to long. Vespasian was not destroyed but handed the kingdom to his son Titus. No reason to even see if Vitellius fits verse 19, which he does not, because he was found and murdered.

If one says Vespasian is Antichrist then the ruler in verse 20 would have to be Vitellius. Vitellius does fit the mold of ruling for a short space. However he was murdered, so he clearly does not fit the mold of ‘destroyed not in anger or battle’. Verse 19 would then have to be Otho. Otho can somewhat fit into verse 19, however otho was not returning to his land from Islands. Otho was defeated in N Italy and killed himself. So clearly he was found, and was not returning to his land from the islands.

 

Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Titus - was wanted to be the next ruler it was handed to him by his father.

Vespasian – The people made Vespasian Emperor, which is clear he does not fit the above verse.

Nero – Well he did poison a boy so he was deceitful to get the kingdom. However they did give the honour of the kingdom to Nero.

 

Dan 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

 

7. A price who is not Antichrist is overflown by a flood, which means army. The price of the covenant talked about in Daniel 9, which some mistake for Antichrist.

 

Preterist surely cannot show a prince of a 7 year covenant who fits in the time frame of Nero and is overthrown by an army?

 

Dan 11:23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

 

8. Antichrist will become strong with a small people.

 

What small people did Nero become strong with?

Dan 11:24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.

Dan 11:25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

 

9. Antichrist will be at war with a ruler of the south.

Nero was at war with Jerusalem, he had Vespasian handle that war. Though Jerusalem is not really south of Rome, but east.

 

Dan 11:26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

Dan 11:27 And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

Dan 11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

 

Did Nero with this other king talk lies together, and their plan not prosper, then later return to his own land and become wroth against the covenant and do exploits? I suppose someone could say Nero was against the covenant after all he was sending Vespasian at war with Jerusalem. However that is a far stretch. Even Titus would fit some of the verse, shoot even Hitler does, however none of them fit all the verses.

Dan 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

 

Again what south does Nero go to? Egypt?

Dan 11:30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

 

Why would the ships of Greece area come against Nero of Rome? 

Dan 11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

 If one says this happened in 70ad at the destruction of the temple, then Nero is out. Nero killed himself before the destruction of the temple, the temple was destroyed when Vespasian was Emperor. It was destroyed by Titus who Vespasian sent to fight that war with the Jews. Notice how it says they and not he, because it is the whole army. Now one would have to then say it was Vespasian or Titus who are the Antichrist. And only Titus would fit the bill, he was the one in Jerusalem destroying the temple. He is the only Emperor of Rome who could have been in the temple making himself as God.

Big problem is, he does not fit into the verses as I have been pointing out. He was not killed by Messiah he ruled well past 70ad, all the way to 81ad. The main person a Preterist will say was antichrist is Nero.

Dan 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

 

Nero was not in Jerusalem to do any of this. When Nero was Emperor he had Vespasian in Jerusalem.

Dan 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

Dan 11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

Dan 11:35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

 

What was the little help Jerusalem got when they were falling in the time of Nero?

Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

 

Nero did not do this, neither did Titus. Nero did not prosper until the indignation was accomplished because he killed himself before 70ad. Titus never exulted himself above all gods etc.

Dan 11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

 

It is most certain Nero would of followed in the foot steps of his Father as far as religion is concerned. Nero also loved woman, even killed one of his wives because he other woman asked him to.

Dan 11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

 

Nero did not serve a new God that none of his father knew.

Dan 11:39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

 

His god was not strange. Interesting to note in Hebrew the singular eloha is used for god here. Then it calls his god a they. He never caused his God to rule over many.

Dan 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.\

 

This did not happen to Nero either. Titus and Nero just do not fit into the mold of antichrist, and we are just getting started.

Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Dan 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

Dan 11:45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

 

Nero nor Titus did such with tabernacles of their palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain.

Dan 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Dan 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

 

Only like 3 years left after the daily sacrifice is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate set up. Titus was the one who destroyed the temple in 70ad, if that was the abomination that makes desolate and then the daily sacrifice did have to stop. Titus was not even Emperor until 79ad ruled until 81ad. So how does that fit into the 3 years are left?

Nero killed himself 2 years before the destruction of the temple. If Nero killed himself 2 years before these verses could of even taken place, how can he be the Antichrist?

There is more problems as well with saying Nero is Antichrist. Revelation which is said by most scholars to be written around 90ad, proves out more. Preterst have to try to go against all the scholars and say Revelation was written before 70ad. Because if Revelation was written in 90ad it destroys their whole theology.

 

Rev 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Rev 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

 

Nero did not work any miracles. Nero did not gather kings of the east, or any kings of the whole known world. Nero did not gather them to Armageddon. Nero sent his own Vespasian to fight Jerusalem. Then when Vespasian became Emperor he sent his son Titus to fight Jerusalem. And no Vespasian nore Titus gather many kings from the east or anywhere to come against Jerusalem.

 

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Rev 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Rev 19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Rev 19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

 

Nero, Vespasian nor Titus fit into these verses. Messiah comes to judge and make war. If Messiah and his army came from heaven, surely something in history would show such a great thing as this. He comes to smite the nations [plural] not nation. You see if Nero was the Antichrist Messiah would not be using Rome to beat Jerusalem, which I guess some preterist say.

 

Now if Nero was Antichrist what other nations beside Rome did Messiah come fight against, and what nations fought against Messiah? When did Messiah rule the nations with a rod of iron, surely not in 70ad. It says he will beat them, even the remnant that is left he kills. Yet Rome was not defeated because Vespasian takes the throne after Nero dies. The brother of Titus takes the throne after Titus.

 

It says that the false prophet and the beast are cast alive into the lake of fire. Nero killed himself, he was not cast alive into any fire. Titus was not cast alive into any fire either.

 

It is clear none of these verses I have thus far shown have come to pass.

 

Preterism uses verses that seem as if Messiah was supposed to come very soon. Let us look at those verses and see if they hold any water for their position.

 

Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

 

Preterists say that this generation means the generation he was talking to must see all these signs. Preterist are weak in faith, thus forced like atheists to come to odd conclusions.

 

This generation is refer to the generation that sees all these things, not necessarily the one he was speaking to. This is easy to prove. Verily I say unto ‘you’ this generation…

 

Who is the you? Does not prophets speak in this manner ‘you’ for a future generation?

 

Deu 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Deu 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Deu 18:16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

Deu 18:17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

Deu 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Deu 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

 

The prophet is speaking to Israel who will and do posses the land, that very generation possessed the land. He said you will posses, but as for you, suffer you to do, etc. Then it says I will raise unto you a prophet. From reading this you would think this prophet would of game in that generation.

 

Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Act 3:20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Act 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Act 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Act 3:23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Act 3:24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Act 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Act 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

 

As you can see in above Duet 18 was about the Messiah. Why then did Prophet Moshe talk to that nation as it they were the generation the prophet would be raised to? It is the way of the prophet to speak. Thus Messiah the prophet spoke in the same fashion, you, this generation.

 

I do not think I know all the verses preterist use, so I am going to go over the ones I know they use.

 

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Mat 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

 

They will ask you the question: If the disciples were told by Jesus that if they endure to the end they will be saved, then should they not see the end? They will ask and Jesus says to them that they will be persecuted, and if so to flee to another city. He tells them that they will go over all the cities then the Son of man will come.

 

If you here their argument on this verse it might sound compelling, and you might think wow, I have no answer for this. Of course you have an answer, they twisted it to mean something it does not say. Read the verses again very slow and carefully. Do you see it?

 

Messiah says they will never run out of cities to run to. No matter how much they are persecuted they will have cities to run to. Messiah was not given them a countdown by saying once you run out of cities to run to then I will come. Rather if you read the verse carefully he says, you will not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of man will come.

 

When you are treated badly in one city, go to another city. I tell you the truth. You will not finish going to all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes again.

 

Sometimes it helps reading a modern English bible. Messiah comforts with a positive not a negative. Explaining to them that you will never run out of cities to run to. One Messiah comes we will not be persecuted anymore.

 

This statement is said to all Christians not just his students. We will prove this out by the apostles teachings to the churches. They understood Messiah and what he said to them, and understood he was saying to all when he spoke.

 

2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2Th 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

2Th 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2Th 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

2Th 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

 

That we do suffer for the sake of the kingdom of God, and that when Messiah comes we will have rest from the persecutions and tribulations.

 

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

That we are partakers of the sufferings of the Messiah, for his name we suffer. When he is revealed we will be glad, and the suffering stops. If Messiah was revealed in 70ad why has the suffering not stopped? After 70ad the sufferings continued on.

 

"For 250 years it was a martyrs' church; the persecutions were fueled by the refusal of Christians to worship the state and the Roman emperor. There were persecutions under Nero (AD 54-AD 68), Domitian (AD 81-AD 96), Trajan (AD 98-AD 117) and the other Antonines (138-161), Maximin (308-13), Decius (249-51), Valerian (253-60), and Diocletian (284-305) and Galerius (305-10); Decius ordered the first official persecution in 250. In 313, Constantine I and Licinius announced toleration of Christianity in the Edict of Milan." - encyclopedia.com

 

 

Let us examine the verse some more.

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Mat 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

 

Luk 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luk 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

 

If you look at luke 9 and matt 10, they did what Messiah told them, they went from city to city and healed etc. And if they were persecuted they went to another city. If a preterist says that these verses teach he has to return in 70ad, not at all, they finished doing what he asked before Messiah even died.

 

 

The key word in verse 22 of Matt. 10 is HE. But HE that endures proves Messiah was speaking to all that would follow him, but just his disciples. Indeed he told his disciples to go out and heal preach etc. and in luke 9 read the whole chapter, they did that, and they told Messiah all about it when they got back from going from city to city. And the believers will continue to do the good work and they did and still do. To this day we still have places to run.

 

It is like when Moshe told the people God will rise up a prophet like me among YOU. Yet they did not get to live to see the Messiah. However they did get to live to see Yehoshua son of Nun, whom was a prophet like unto Moshe, if you read Joshua chapter 1.

 

This is similar to that. When the Son of Man comes, all followers will not longer be persecuted.

 

The Apostles did not flee when they were persecuted later on why not?

 

Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

 

When persecution came the church fled, but the apostles did not. Messiah said when persecution comes flee to another city, why did the disciples not listen? Because they understood that statement was a general statement to all followers. The Apostles this time did not flee for they were in the will of God to not flee.

 

Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

 

 Preterist will ask you, who were the ones that did not taste of death, and are they still alive today, waiting for the Son of man of come. At first this questions might through you off, however think about it for a moment. It says SEE, not until he comes. They only have to see it, not that Messiah has to actually come. Another words if you have a vision of the Son of man coming in his kingdom, you seen it, yet it had not actually taken place yet, the event is yet future, even though you seen it in a vision.

 

John while in Patmos seen in a vision the coming of the Son of man, Revelation 14, 19, and so on.

 

The term ‘some’ in this verse can also mean certain, and can refer to one individual. Even though it is in the tis here is in the plural form it can still refer to one individual. Let us suppose it cannot refer to one individual, but most refer to more than one. That is not a problem either, do you think it was only John who seen a vision of the Son of man coming? So some of them did have visions and seen the Son of man coming in his kingdom before they died.

 

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Joh 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

 

 

Preterists say that Jesus said NOW, thus the end of the word had to come in 70ad. However if you read on Messiah is not talking about the great day of judgment. What does ‘now’ mean? If they say now means 40 years, then we can just as easily say it means 2000 years.

 

The key here is verse 33. By his death NOW the prince of this world is cast out. He defeated sawtan at his death, not 70ad. This does not mean sawtan is no more, but that all through his death have total access to the same power, the price of this word was cast out. He no longer has power over them that are sanctified by the death of Messiah. The judgment that is come on the world, is that no more will God blink at ignorance but commands all men everywhere to repent.

 

Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

 

Preterist teach the hour is come means 70ad. This has nothing to do with the coming of Messiah, this has to do with being raised from the dead and glorified.

 

Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

 

The holy spirit was not yet given because Messiah was not yet glorified. This means the holy spirit power is given after Messiah is glorified. The holy spirit was given in acts 2, thus Messiah had to be glorified before that point in time. Which was some 40 days after his resurrection.

 

Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Joh 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

 

If they only would of read a few more verses above huh?

 

Joh 13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

Joh 13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

 

So there you have it folks, Messiah was glorified some time before acts 2:38.

 

Luk 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

 

 

They say the kingdom of God is not observed therefore it is not literal. And that it is within you therefore it is not literal. We must first read on before one says this.

 

Luk 17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

Luk 17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

Luk 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

Luk 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

Luk 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Luk 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Luk 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luk 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Luk 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Luk 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Luk 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Luk 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Luk 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Luk 17:35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Luk 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Luk 17:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

 

If the preterist say the kingdom is not literal, that it is really not seen, then why does he go on to give clear cut signs that you will know when the time is. If it cannot be observed why gives indications to look for? If you read in context it is not observed because it is not over there that you must look for it, it comes as lighting, it will just all of a sudden be there. So you cannot observe it coming, it comes like lightning.

The kingdom is within you simple means that it is within your heart, mind, soul etc. Until the physical kingdom is here, you have it in your heart and mind. Furthermore Messiah says the kingdom of God is among you. Because it was in part, the people from heaven were right there walking the earth. We also are part of that kingdom, and our soul is in us, which is part of the kingdom. But the days come when all the kingdom will be on earth, and we will walk in it.

 

Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Col 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

 

Preterist point out that the Gospel was preached to all the world, and thus the end must of happened. But wait was not Collosians written before 70ad? Then if they are going to use this as a proof text, the end should of happened before Col. Was written.

 

However even if the Gospel was preach in all the world which it was not, it does not mean the end should come. In Matt. 24 more signs were given that had to happen, not just one or two of the signs, but all must happen before the end would come.

 

The Gospel was however preached to the known world. But was not yet preached to all the world, like North American etc.

 

Col. 1:23 can also be read, which is being preached to every creature under heaven. The Gospel was clearly not preached to ever creature under heaven in the time Paul wrote.

 

 

Joh 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

 

Preterism maintains the last day means the end of the Old Jewish System and the bringing in of the new. The problem with this is he says he would raise him up at the last day, there is no proof of a resurrection of all the saints in 70ad. Not one believer in Messiah ever talked about it.

 

You would think at least one of the believers would of wrote of the resurrection if it happened in 70ad.

 

One top of this it says Who so ever will, I will raise up in the last day. If the Last day already happened and the resurrection already happened, then why did Messiah word it in such a way that who so ever will? If the promise no longer applies then if you believe you will not be raised up. So what happens to those who die now, they do not get resurrected according to Preterism. Yet it says the just and unjust would be raised in Daniel 12:2.

 

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie

 

Preterism takes ‘for without’ to means outside of the city there are sinners. I thought all the wicked would be destroyed?

 

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

They are in the lack of fire, not right outside the city. Look at the verses again.

 

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 

The without means without the tree of life. If they are without the tree of life, they cannot live forever, they must perish in the lake of fire the second death.

 

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

The unbelievers perish, they do not get everlasting life. It is most clear for without means they are without the tree of life, not they are outside the city. They are in the lake of fire, the second death.

 

Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

They are not outside the city, they are in the lake of fire. Where is this lake of fire preterism, were is this tree of life and city?

 

 

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

The king of God was at hand, and it was among them, this however has nothing to do with the physical kingdom that comes in the last day, in which it says the Apostles rule over it on twelve thrones.

 

Luk 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

Luk 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

 

This verse has nothing to do with the last days, it has to do with judgment for what they did to the prophets. It is as if the preterist cannot distinguish things clearly.

 

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

 

Sawtan was bruised under their feet. Not in 70ad, but through at time. Paul was giving them the hope that they will overcome their trials, and it will be soon and not far off. This has nothing to do with the Great judgment of last days.

 

 Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

 

Paul was not talking of the last days, but rather of that church. Paul was giving them strength and blessing that they would soon stomp on satans head, meaning to get his influence away from them.

 

Phi 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

 

The Lord is at hand is not something that is going to happen soon, but rather is already happening. The Lord was already at hand working the great work in the people. This is not talking about the Day of the Lord is at hand, referring to the prophecies in Isa. Etc. No, rather it says the Lord is at hand, he is working right now.

 

1Pe 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

 

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

 

Rev 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

 

These verses are clearly about the last days, and it does seem to speak of them in urgency, that it is coming soon. However this is not uncommon in the way of a prophet to speak.

 

Isa 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

 

Yet Messiah did not come until like 600 years later. Near, to be revealed is the way of the prophet to means some 600 years.

Isa 46:12 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

 

He says this to Israel and Judah.

 

Isa 46:3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

 

This is very important because Israel was scattered. The remnant was never brought to Zion right away, they still have not been. Maybe one can say in Jesus days they were, however that is some 600 years off. So then the time here in the least would be 600 years.

 

NEAR, IT SHALL NOT BE FAR OFF, SHALL NOT TARRY = 600 years.

 

There is nothing uncommon about the prophets speaking of time in this fashion.

 

Joe 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

Joe 2:2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

 

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

  

If one says Joel 2 happened way back in history, then it does not match up. Joel says that there has never been a people like this before and would not be a people like it afterwards. If someone says these people are who came back in Joels days, then it would be false, for the Romans came, in who the preterist say was the time Christ talked about in Matt. 24:21. If so then that would have been greater than the time of Joel, in which Joel could not say these people were greater than any, and that would ever be.

 

Joel uses the words of the day of YHVH comes, for it is close at hand. Now even if that happened in 70ad, which it did not, that is years and years before hand. So we see it is the way a prophet speaks, even though it is not going to happen right away.

 

Joe 2:8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

 

Just read this chapter it is most clear this army did not come in Joel’s days. This is very similar to the locust type army mentioned in Rev.

 

Zep 1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

 

If the Preterist say this happened in the days that God punished Jerusalem in the first temple destruction which they will. Then it is clear from their view there has to be more than one great day of judgement.

Zep 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

 

So if this happened at the first Temple destruction as they will surely teach. Then there must be two great days of the Lord.

 

Act 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

 

Acts shows that the day Joel was talking about had not happened yet, not until the days of Messiah after his resurrection. So is there more than one great day of YHVH?

 

And if they say Joel’s great day happened at the first temple destruction, then why does acts quote it being fulfilled in the days of Messiah?

 

Joe 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

 

So it is most clear Prophets used this speak even though an even might be 600 years to come.

 

Now had not Peter as well given us a good sense of why prophets speak this way?

 

2Pe 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

 

Concerning the end Peter informs us that it is very important to understand that one day is as 1000 years to God, and a 1000 years is as one day. Had not Peter spoken this to let us know keep on looking for the end, for the coming of God, for the heavens will pass away etc. Peter wanted us to understand do not worry though it be 1000 years to you, but small time passed with God, keep on looking he will come. This would not apply if he was about to come like only a few years for now. Peter wrote this only years before 70ad.

Peter says that there dwells righteousness, surely the earth right now does not fit into this righteousness.

 

Psa 104:35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Pro 2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Pro 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

 

Surely the wicked are still among the earth, so if all prophecy had been fulfilled why are the wicked still on the earth? Why are they not in the lake of fire?

Luk 20:9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

 

 In this parable Messiah talks about how he would return and punish those that wanted him killed. However it starts it off, by saying he went into a far country for a LONG TIME. Messiah was showing he would be gone a while, not just 40 years.

 

Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mar 13:34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

 

Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mat 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

 

Messiah tells us to watch, and pray to know when the end time is. He says it is like unto the Son of man taking a FAR journey. It is most clear it would be a long time.

Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

 

The Messiah tarries, for how long, for as long as he wants.

Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

 

After a long time, not 40 years.

 

EZEKIEL -------------

 

Ezekiel is a great proof against preterism. It speaks of a huge temple and city being built, gives the exact messurments and everything. Preterist are so bothered by the last chapters of Ezekiel they try to spiritual it all, LOL. Now if that is not funny I do not know what is. Many chapters of exact sizes to for it to not be literal? Teaching how to build it and how to sacrifice and it be not literal?

 

Well here is the verses that SLAPS then right UPSIDE their hard heads.

 

Eze 43:11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.

 

 Never is this kind of speech used in the bible for something that is figurative. When God says for they may KEEP the LAWS thereof, it is most clear this is literal. God would not tell them to write it down that they may keep these laws, if the laws were not literal. The laws of how to sacrifice etc.

 

Eze 44:5 And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.

Eze 44:24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

 

 It is most clear this temple is literal, this is why the Jews have always known it was literal. The reason the Preterist are forced to say it is spiritual is because they cannot show no such temple in history. This temple was never built, not even to this day. However I have shown the verses that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is most literal.

 

Rev 10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

 

If all prophecy is fulfilled why is there still time to us?

 

I am sure there is so much more to say on this topic, but for now I have shown enough, I might add to this article later. Hope you enjoyed shalom.

 

 

Yup going to have to add to this to show that the interpretation of Daniel 11 is incorrect, in which it seems they want to pen it on, Antiochus the Great and his succession after him. To be updated after we conclude the discussion.

 

Before we look at Daniel 11 as to if it was fulfilled you must take a look at another line of rulers of Syria area. Though Daniel 11 is clearly about the last king to rule, called son of perdition, right before the resurrection is to take place, Preterist want to say this line of rulers is what Daniel 11 is about. Let us examine them and see if they fit into the verses.

 

He was succeeded by his son, ANTIOCHUS I SOTER (281-61), who, through fear of the Parthians, transferred his residence to Antiochia.

Under Soter's son, ANTIOCHUS II THEOS (261-46), began the wars with the Ptolemies for the possession of Phoenicia and Palestine. The marriage of Antiochus II to Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, brought about a temporary cessation of the struggle; but on Ptolemy's death, Laodice, the first and disowned wife of Antiochus, was recalled and avenged herself by having Antiochus, Berenice, and their child put to death.

The son of Antiochus and Laodice, SELEUCUS II CALLINICUS (246-26), succeeded. To avenge the death of his sister and to assure his possession of Syria, King Ptolemy III Euergetes made a successful campaign against Seleucus, advancing victoriously as far as the Euphrates. The eastern provinces passed gradually into the hands of the Parthians, and portions of the western were lost to Attalus II of Pergamum. While in flight after a battle in which he had suffered defeat at the hands of Attalus, Seleucus was killed by a fall from his horse.

SELEUCUS III CERAUNUS (226-24), the elder son of Seleucus, succeeded, and on his assassination the younger son ANTIOCHUS III THE GREAT (224-187). To secure possession of Coele-Syria and Palestine this monarch began a war with Ptolemy V; although defeated at Raphia (217), the battle of Paneas (198) resulted in his favor, Palestine thenceforth belonging to the Syrian Empire. Interference in the affairs of the west led to a war with Rome. After the battle of Magnesia (189) the king had to accept harsh conditions and surrender his possessions in Asia Minor north of the Taurus. Antiochus was unable to conquer Parthia, which his father had lost. During an attempt to plunder a temple in Elam, he was slain by the natives.

He was succeeded by his elder son, SELEUCUS IV PHILOPATOR (187-75). Seleucus secured the return of his younger brother Antiochus, who lived as a hostage in Rome, by sending his own son Demetrius thither instead. Before Antiochus arrived home, Seleucus had been murdered by his minister Heliodorus; the former was thus able to take possession of the Throne, which really belonged to his nephew Demetrius.

ANTIOCHUS IV EPIPHANES (175-64) was an ambitious prince, of a truly despotic nature and fond of display. Entanglements with Egypt gave him the occasion to make repeated successful inroads into that country, and in 168 he might have succeeded in securing possession of it, had not the Romans compelled him to withdraw (embassy of Popilius Laenas). His hostile measures against the Jews, whom he tried to hellenize by sheer force, resulted in the Machabean rising (see MACHABEES, THE). He died at Tabae in Persia, while on a campaign against the Parthians.

His son ANTIOCHUS V EUPATOR (164-62) was a minor, and simply a tool in the hands of the imperial administrator Lysias. Both were removed by the son of Seleucus IV, DEMETRIUS I SOTER (162-15), who had previously lived as a hostage at Rome. Alexander Balas, who claimed to be a son of Antiochus IV, rebelled in 151, and Demetrius fell in battle. His son Demetrius continued the war against Alexander Balas (150-45) in union with the Egyptian king Ptolemy VI. Conquered by the latter near Antiochia, Alexander fled to Arabia, and was there treacherously murdered.

 

 

Dan 11:1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

Dan 11:2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

 

The Preterist say-

which were Cyrus, who reigned alone after the death of Darius the Mede, his uncle; Cambyses, the son of Cyrus; and Darius Hystaspes. There was another between Cambyses and Darius, called Smerdis the magician, who reigned but seven months, and being an impostor is left out,

The problem with this is, there was more than just these rulers mentioned in History. They answer this by saying that only the kings that were important to the Jews, thus it says only 4.

Another problem here is, why do they not make the connection with the next verses? It says four more kings, then the next verses say a kingdom will be broken and divided into four directions, why is this not the last four kings mentioned in verse 2? Then it would make perfect sense why it says there will be yet three kings in Persia, and the fourth will be richer than they all. Yet even futurist wish to say that these verses were already fulfilled, in the which I disagree.

Dan 11:3 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

 

The Preterist say that this king was Alexander the Great.

Dan 11:4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

 

If I recall Alexander died at age 33, at the high of his ruling. Thus the Preterist say, this is why it says when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken. Alexander’s kingdom was broken and taken over by his Generals.

The verse however says divided toward the four winds. However it was divided as such according to Encyclopedia.com       

There was a mutiny, but it was put down. In 323, Alexander was planning a voyage by sea around Arabia when he caught a fever and died at 33. After his death his generals fell to quarreling about dividing the rule (see Diadochi ).
Diadochi - At his death in 323 BC it disintegrated even more quickly. Alexander's more important followers, later known as the Diadochi, sought to increase their personal power in a bloody scramble. Chief among them were Antipater , Perdiccas , Eumenes , Craterus, Antigonus ( Antigonus I ), Ptolemy ( Ptolemy I ), Seleucus ( Seleucus I ), and Lysimachus .  
 

 So it is more than just 4 Generals his kingdom was divided into.

Again why would Daniel start of telling us of 4 last kings, then talk of a Great kingdom that will be divided to four winds. This seems to match up very nicely, that fours winds that his kingdom separates to is the last four kings.

 Preterist say the ones to be concerned with for this chapter is king of the north, Syria, and king of Egypt of the south.

In the following verse they are going to attribute six kings to the time line. However you can truly only get four.

Dan 11:5 And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

 

King of the south they say is the king of Egypt. One of his princes they will say the ‘his’ here is Alexander the Great, the prince is SELEUCUS I NICATOR (312-281 B.C.) who becomes king of the North, Syria. The king of the south will be greater than the king of the North.

However some might say no this means that the prince will be strong above the king of the south, Egypt. How can they have such a disagreement? It has to be one or the other, who was greater than who? Was Egypt at the time greater, or was Syria greater?

The text shows the prince is the prince of the king of the south. They cannot have it be this way because if so they cannot show historically any prince of Egypt that made an alliance with the king of Egypt. See next verse.

So in this verse they say the Prince who becomes King of the North is SELEUCUS I NICATOR (312-281 B.C.)

King of the South - Ptolemy Lagus, however I think they mean to say (Ptolemy Soter) Ptolemy 1st , d. 284 BC – The reason is Ptolemy Soter is the son of Lagus, it is Ptolemy Soter that ruled over Egypt after Alexander’s fall.

 

Dan 11:6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.

 

Preterist teach this means (Ptolemy Philadelphus) , c.308-246 BC, king of ancient Egypt (285-246 BC), and ANTIOCHUS II THEOS (261-246) king of Syria.

What happened to the other King of the North ANTIOCHUS I SOTER (281-61)? Soter ruled for 20 years before Theos over Syria. The problem that comes up here is this, the verse starts off saying and in the end of years they shall join themselves together. Who is themselves? This is clearly referring back to the previous verse the Prince and the King of the South. They said the King of the South was Egypt, and the prince was Seleucus I, who is in the Diadochi after Alexander’s fall. If this is so then it is Seleucus that would be joining himself with Ptolemy Lagus of Egypt, also part of the Diadochi.

The verse would not say ‘they’ shall join ‘themselves’ together if it was not referring back to the last prince and king mentioned. The Preterist wish us to believe that all of a sudden it is supposed to refer to a whole new King and generation of Egypt (Ptolemy Philadelphus).

And for the North to skip the king Antiochus I Soter, who ruled 20 years. How can verse six be over 20 years later from verse 5? This does not go with context and linguistics.

From Encyclopedia.com

c.280-46 BC, queen-consort of ancient Syria; wife of Antiochus II. She was called Berenice Syra. She was the daughter of Ptolemy II, and her marriage (252) to Antiochus II marked a temporary cessation in the wars between the Egyptian monarchs and the Seleucids.

Preterist want us to believe there is a 25 year span between verse 5 and 6. Look at the dates of Antiochus I Soter who ruled after SELEUCUS I NICATOR (312-281 B.C.) for 20 years. The next person to rule was Antiochus II Theos, he did not mary Berenice daughter of Ptolemy until the 5^th year of his reign, thus 25 total years between verse 5 and 6. However it would have to be even more than 25 years because in verse 25 Seleucus is still called prince. He assumed the title king is 306bc.

Now let us do more math. If he became king in 306bc, and in verse 5 he is still known as Prince who later become King of Syria. Then we have to account for the difference of years from 306 to 281 which is 25 years. From 306 when he became king, this is if verse 5 was right at the ending of his prince hood and right at before 306 when he became king. If we can assume this, then you count from 305 which is the dating of verse 5 to 252 which is when Theos took Berenice as wife. 

The total of years is 53. Preterist wish us to believe there is a gap of 53 years between verses 5 and 6. Yet they get made when futurist say there is gaps in the bible?

Again I wish to stress the context of verse 5 and 6.

Dan 11:5 And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

Dan 11:6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.

 

It does seem as if the prince becomes king of the a Northern region and him and most likely his Father the king of the Southern become united together. The point I want to stress is, it is most clear it is the prince in verse 5 and the king of the south in verse 5 that are joined together in verse 6. Any person could see this is most clear.

 

Syria North	Egypt South
SELEUCUS I NICATOR Prince(312-306 B.C.) Ruled as king from 306-281	(Ptolemy Soter) 323-285
ANTIOCHUS I SOTER (281-261),	Ptolemy II (Ptolemy Philadelphus)king of ancient Egypt (285-246 BC)
ANTIOCHUS II THEOS (261-246),

 

This way you can do the math easily.

 

What they wish us to believe is verse 5 mentions a king and a prince, who are not related at all are both great. Then In the end of days means 53 years later after the king of the south Soter was replaced by Philadelphus, and the prince who became the king of the North Nicator was replaced by two people already, Antiochus I and Antiochus the II.

 

In which it says THEY will join themselves, which makes no sense. If this was the case verse 6 would start of saying, And in the end of years the King of the North and the King of the South joined themselves together…

 

The last part of verse 6 does clearly show a new set of rulers comes up. It is true that Bernice was killed by Antiocus Theos other wife Laodice.

 

She will not retain the arm, they will say this means that Bernice will be disowned because he takes Laodice back. As you can see above if you read the history you will see it is true that Bernice was disowned Laodice came back and killed her. That he will not stand, they will say this has to do with Laodice having him killed.

 

She shall be given up means what?

 

They are better off just saying, She will not retain means the power of Egypt she will not retain, she will be given up, means Antiochus will give her up and take Laodice back. He will not stand, meaning he will die.

 

Now what does it mean his arm will not stand, they could say this means the son of Bernice his son who was killed.

 

It would then be clear he that begat her, meaning the father of Bernice, he that brought her, meaning Philadelphus. Philadelphus did die, however why say he that begat her and her that brought her? Ptolemy Philadelphus is both father of Bernice and the one who brought her to Syria to Mary Antiochus II.

 

The verse however teaches us that the one who brought her and the one who begat her are two different persons. So Bernice, Philadelphus, and Antiochus II does not fit.

 

Unless they say no this means they that brought her meaning the soldiers of Philadelphus that were ordered to bring her to Syria. However what are the odds that the Father will not be there to give his wife over for Marriage?

 

Last part of the verse, who is he that strengthened her in these times? What is these times?

 

Dan 11:7 But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Preterist position here is out of a branch of her roots, means of her blood line, which would mean her brother in this case (Ptolemy Euergetes). This is what it says of this king at encyclopedia.com

(Ptolemy Euergetes) , d. 221 BC, king of ancient Egypt (246-221 BC), of the Macedonian dynasty, son of Ptolemy II and the first Arsinoë. He plunged immediately into a war with Syria, where his sister, Berenice, was trying to secure the throne for her son. Berenice and her son seem to have been murdered before Ptolemy could arrive, and Seleucus II held the throne, though the Egyptian king won a brilliant if impermanent victory. Egyptian fleets controlled most of the coasts of Asia Minor and E Greece, and the kingdom was enlarged by Ptolemy's marriage to Berenice, daughter and heiress of the king of Cyrene.

 

Euegretes fits into this verse okay, because he did take and army against Syria and succeeded somewhat. But I can think of many people that can fit this verse, the problem is the rulers before would not fit the verse before this one. Just as I have shown thus far the people they say do not fit into the above verses.

Dan 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

 

According to Encyclopedias Euegretes does rule for 5 years longer than Seleucus II.

However there is nothing that says He brought captives, their gods, or their princes into Egypt.

Dan 11:9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.

 

It would make sense that the king of Egypt would return to his own land after winning a battle. Again it would be easy to find a king that fits these couple verses, however it would be very hard to find one where the previous rulers fit the other verses, and of course they do not, as I have shown.

Dan 11:10 But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.

 

Preterist will say the sons of Seleucus II, who are SELEUCUS III CERAUNUS (226-24), the elder son of Seleucus, succeeded, and on his assassination the younger son ANTIOCHUS III THE GREAT (224-187).

The problem with this is it says his sons were stirred up and assemble a multitude of great forces, and ONE shall certainly come and overflow. Antiochus III did not go into Egypt to win a battle until 217, which is 7 years after his brother died. So how could it says his sons will be stirred up and assembled a multitude. It was Antiochus the III who assembled the army 7 years after his brother was dead. So there is no sons assembling, but a son, and only he is the one who comes and overflows. The sons of Seleucus III and Antiochus the III do not fit into the picture.

It says he would overflow, and pass through, however Antiochus was defeated by Ptolemy IV in 217 in the Palestine lands. So Antiochus did not overflow and pass through, he went there and got beat up and returned home.

Antiochus defeated Ptolemy decisively at the Battle of Panion in 200 BC Peace was confirmed by the marriage of Ptolemy to Cleopatra, daughter of Antiochus. Egypt was much weakened when his reign ended.

17 years years later Antiochus won a war and then peace was made by Cleopatra being given to him. By the way this would now be Ptolemy the V, so a new king. We see no change in the king of the south from verse 10 to 11. However if this is Antiochus then we know in 217 he lost a battle against Ptolemy IV and in 200 he won against Ptolemy the V. Then peace was made.

Dan 11:11 And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

 

The Preterist teach in verse 10, Antiochus comes with his army, then here the king of the south Ptolemy IV is moved with anger because Antiochus came up to battle him. He takes a great multitude and defeats Antiochus, which would have to be the battle in 217bc, this is when Ptolemy IV won a battle against Antiochus.

Dan 11:12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.

 

Ptolemy after winning takes away his multitude and his heart is lifted up due to his victory against Antiochus.  

Dan 11:13 For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.

 

Antiochus returns with a great multitude than he had before, and with much riches, this would have to be in the year 200bc in the ruling of the next king of Egypt which is Ptolemy V. Certain years would fit into the 17 year time frame. 

Dan 11:14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

 

Many did not stand up against Ptolemy V in these times.

Invasions by Antiochus III of Syria and Philip V of Macedon cost Egypt all of Palestine and the Egyptian possessions in Asia Minor. Antiochus defeated Ptolemy decisively at the Battle of Panion in 200 BC Peace was confirmed by the marriage of Ptolemy to Cleopatra, daughter of Antiochus. Egypt was much weakened when his reign ended.

It was only Antiochus and Philip the V, this hardly fits into the MANY stand up against Egypt. No one in Egypt during the ruling of Ptolemy V Epiphanes tried to establish this vision.

Right after this battle Antiochus wins, peace is made.

Dan 11:15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.

Though they could say verse 15 is also describing the war in 200 to 198bc before the peace was made.

 

Dan 11:16 But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.

 

Preterist teach that after Antiochus won the war in 200bce he did according to his own will in the lands he ruled, and in those lands none stood against him. They need to bring into these verses when Antiochus set out against Rome and lost.

Interference in the affairs of the west led to a war with Rome. After the battle of Magnesia (189) the king had to accept harsh conditions and surrender his possessions in Asia Minor north of the Taurus. Antiochus was unable to conquer Parthia, which his father had lost. During an attempt to plunder a temple in Elam, he was slain by the natives.

 

Dan 11:17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.

 

This is where they will say the peace came between Antiochus and Egypt, when he gave Egypt Cleopatra his daughter. They will say this is what is meant by ‘daughter of woman’. But she will not stand on his side, they will say she forgets her dad and cleaves to her husband.

They would then be forced to say that Egypt corrupted her daughter. However through this chapter is not the North the bad guy? It is the North that brings about the wicked king.

 

Dan 11:18 After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.

 

Though there is no real History of Antiochus going to Islands, Preterist will say that Islands here refers to costal places, maritimes. However after the peace Antiochus according to Catholic encyclopedia and others says, he had to give up to Rome and then lost against Parthia, then Died in Elam.

Pretertist might go as far as to say the prince in this verse is Rome. It is clear all of Rome is not going to be called a prince. They just do not know how this verse would fit into Antiochus the Greats life.

Dan 11:19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Antiochus did not go to return home, he went to Elam to get money from the temples. In doing this the locals killed him. So many verses the people they try to force into the verses does not work. This one really does not work.

Dan 11:20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

 

So guess what ruler this has to be? SELEUCUS IV PHILOPATOR (187-75).

There is nothing I can see in the Encyclopedias that say Philopator was  a raiser of taxes, though who knows, maybe he was. However he ruled for 12 years, this is by no means a few days. Preterist will try to claim this means few years, well come foolish ones might.

It says uvyamim achadim, and in few days. The root is Yom, and echad. Echad menas one, however in the context here in the plural and tense of ached, thus achadim, it implies very few. Yom means day, the word for year is shaneh, plural shnayim. Uvshnayim achadim, few years.

Either way even if they wish to translate it few years, 12 years is not achadim, this implies very few.

It says that this ruler would be destroyed not in anger or in battle. All history says that Philopator was murdered. Sense when do you murder someone if you are not angry?

 

Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

 

Preterist teach this is the next ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164). No doubt Antiochus IV was a very evil man, however just as the other did not fit into the verse, neither does he.

There is nothing in the Encyclopedias that say they did not want Epiphanes to rule, and nothing says he had to take it be peace and flatteries.

 

Dan 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Dan 11:23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

Dan 11:24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.

Dan 11:25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

Dan 11:26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

Dan 11:27 And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

Dan 11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

Dan 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Dan 11:30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

Dan 11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Dan 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

Dan 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

Dan 11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

Dan 11:35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Dan 11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Dan 11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

Dan 11:39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Dan 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Dan 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

Dan 11:45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.