A Letter from Rightly Dividing the Word Ministry in Response to Endtime’s Statements Against Preterism

 By Thomas K. Burk

I would like to open this article by stating that I dearly love Bro. Irvin Baxter, Jr. I worked with him at Endtime and he was my pastor for almost 13 years. I do not want what is said in this response to be interpreted as a personal attack against him as a person or against him as a minister. I am only responding to his article so as to proclaim the teachings that I hold dear as biblical truth, and to defend the good names of brethren of like minded faith.

There are two major problems today that keep occurring from those who oppose the truths of Apostolic Preterism. One of these is the Futurist’s lack of scriptural arguments when coming against what Apostolic Preterists teach; the other is the Futurist’s disinformation when they describe who we are and what we believe. Both of these problems were found in Bro. Baxter’s Faithchild Forum article “Historicism vs. Futurism,” and also in his new video series “Refuting Preterism.”

Bro. Baxter opens his Faithchild article against preterism by stating the other prophecy position other than Futurism is called “Preterist or Historicist.” Bro. Baxter’s Endtime ministry recently produced a video series entitled “Refuting Preterism.” Its arrival was promoted with both a recent direct mailer to all the United Pentecostal Church ministers, and with a sign advertising its sale, which was hung above the Endtime booth at the 2003 UPCI General Conference. This video series is said to contain the “scriptural ammunition” a person needs to “combat this heresy” of Preterism. On the video label it says that, “Most Christians, including ministers, don’t know how to refute its (Preterism’s) claims.” But in the opening lines of this series it is evident that Bro. Baxter does not understand Preterism either because he says, “We are speaking today on a question that we have been receiving at our Endtime offices. It’s a prophetic view called ‘Preterism.’ Some call it, ‘Historicism.’” So in both the first paragraph of his Faithchild Forum article, and in the opening line of his video series, Bro. Baxter shows he does not understand Preterism either, because he confuses the position of Preterism by saying that it is the same thing as Historicism. The problem he has with saying this is I know of no one familiar with these two doctrines that would confuse them as the same teaching except a person who has not properly done their homework.

This means that 90% or better of his Faithchild article and much of his video series contains flawed information that actually argues against Historicism, which we don’t teach, instead of Preterism, which we do teach. But since Bro. Baxter has decided to speak against Preterism—to one degree or another—I will answer some of the statements he has made against these truths and its teachers.

First I would like to make clear to all that the misrepresentation of Preterism by Endtime is not an innocent thing because this July 2003 I personally mailed, per Bro. Baxter’s request, two boxes of books and DVD’s to help inform him of many of the weightier issues of Apostolic Preterism. I asked him to please study this material, not to try to convert him to what we teach, although that would be great, but so that he would no longer misrepresent our views, like he has done in the past.

In the Faithchild article Bro. Baxter mentions the fact that he relied on a book written by Ralph Woodrow as his chief information source. Problem is I had told Bro Baxter, on more than one occasion, that Woodrow is NOT an acceptable source for Preterism since he is a Historicist (a term that is evident he does not fully understand). Recently, to my amazement, and to my disillusionment, Bro. Baxter admitted to me that he did not study even one of the books or DVD’s that I sent him before teaching his video series against Apostolic Preterism. Instead, apparently, he relied only on the Woodrow books he already had, and on Bro. Smith’s book, The Coming of the Lord, the Last Days, and the End of the World, which from many of his statements is clear, he did not read very carefully.

To set the record straight about the differences in these prophetic positions, I am including a BRIEF explanation of each in question.

Historicist

They believe that most prophecy is now history that has progressively been fulfilling itself through time, even up to our day. Most Historicists see Rome or the Catholic Church as Revelation’s “Babylon the Great.”

Partial Preterist

The word Preterist simply means past. This group believes in a partial past interpretation of prophecy. Most believe the Church—Jew and Gentile in one body—is the True Israel of God, Daniel’s 70 weeks are fulfilled, the Great Tribulation and the time of Jacob’s trouble was the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jerusalem was Revelation’s Babylon the Great, Matthew 24 was fulfilled during the generation in which it was written, the first 19 chapters of the book of Revelation are fulfilled, and the remaining chapters of Revelation are being fulfilled in the Church. Partial Preterists believe in the Church kingdom in the earth, but that it transfers to an eternal kingdom for all saints after the Lord returns. They believe there still is a final judgment, and a final coming of the Lord that will end the Church Age and will resurrect the dead in Christ, even though the destruction of Jerusalem was referred to in scripture as a “coming of the Lord.”

Total Preterist

Total Preterists believe the same as Partial Preterists, except they believe all prophecy was fulfilled when the Lord came in judgment against Jerusalem in 70 AD. They believe that He resurrected the dead at that time, and that those who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet the Lord as they die. They also believe the world and the Kingdom of God (Church Age) will never end because the Scriptures teach that His Kingdom is an “everlasting Kingdom that will never be destroyed.” They see that as the Church kingdom in the earth forever, becoming an eternal kingdom to the saints as they die and go to heaven to be forever with the Lord.

The main difference between the Partial Preterist and the Total Preterist is found in their differing viewpoints of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 concerning the final resurrection. The Partial Preterist believes its fulfillment will take place in the future, for the simple reason they do not believe a resurrection took place in 70 AD, and do not believe it has happened thus far. The Total Preterist believes its fulfillment took place in 70 AD when Jesus came back to bring judgment against Jerusalem. They say that those who were dead and in the graves then were resurrected and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord as they die.

Please note that all viewpoints—Futurist, Historicist, and Preterist—believe in the resurrection of the dead and spending eternity with Jesus as the eternal reward of the Christian. They only differ as to the timing of the resurrection and the events surrounding it.

The lack of understanding these differences is one of the main reasons why there is so much disinformation found in Endtime’s Faithchild article and in its video series against the truths of Apostolic Preterism. In the coming weeks you will see articles on our website (www.rightlydividingtheword.com) written to address each of the erroneous teachings of Endtime, Inc. These, I promise you, will be written in the biblically based style Rightly Dividing the Word is known for; for the Bible is the determiner of all truth.

Problems with Futurism

Futurist’s arguments against Apostolic Preterism are usually made as evasive statements that offer only opinions and no scriptural backing when said, or as scriptural arguments that either takes the scriptures used out of context or that comes against teachings, which Preterists do not teach nor believe. In Bro. Baxter’s article and video series are found both of these problems since the arguments he offered as “evidence” were really little more than his own twist on prophetic views and they contained little to no real scriptural backing.

I sat in amazement as he mocked the biblical evidences we offered to prove why we teach what we teach. He did this and only offered his own opinion as to why his findings were more correct, and many of these were based more on magazine articles and news clippings than on the Bible. An example of this is when Bro. Baxter argued against the fact that we say Jesus’ coming in the clouds was a reference to His coming in judgment. Regarding this Bro. Baxter said that Preterists find scriptures that “seem to say” that “clouds” were a reference to judgment in the Old Testament, so because of this they say that this reference should similarly be interpreted as judgment in the New Testament. But, without one scripture as to why he says this, Bro. Baxter says that we are wrong. The following scriptures are part of what we said about these clouds and their reference to judgment as found in Bro. Larry T. Smith’s book The Coming of the Lord, the Last Days, and the End of the World:

Isaiah 19:1

(1) The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Jeremiah 4:13-14

(13) Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. (14) O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Ezekiel 30:3

(3) For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.

Ezekiel 30:18-19

(18) At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. (19) Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Nahum 1:2-6

(2) God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. (3) The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. (4) He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. (5) The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. (6) Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Zephaniah 1:14-17

(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. (15) That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, (16) A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. (17) And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

Joel 2:1-3

(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; (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. (3) A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

We listed several examples where the Bible explicitly uses this terminology of “clouds” when referring to a coming judgment of God. Bro. Baxter discounted these as if we had taken them out of context. What I would like him to answer is which of these did we take out of context and do NOT refer to God’s judgment? How could these scriptural evidences be so easily thrown away? All of them use the reference of clouds as a description of God coming in judgment. Yet these were completely cast aside by Bro. Baxter as if they did not even exist. And did he offer any scriptures to prove our view was wrong, or that his was right? NO! He only offered his own opinion and did not offer even one scripture to back it up.

Since when do we, as Apostolics, rely on the commentator’s opinion over the Word of God? In this instance Bro. Baxter did not follow the correct rule in determining biblical truth, because the Bible is always to be the one considered as authoritative when searching out the truths of God. This rule was also the basis of Bro. Baxter’s arguments found in the tracts he wrote entitled “Why so Many Churches and Which is Right” and “Tongues, Devilish or Devine.” In both of these he gave people scriptural evidences as to why his conclusions were correct, and then asked the readers to leave behind their manmade opinions and theories in preference to biblical truth. Now, in this article and in this video series, he has swayed from this rule of biblical interpretation and has entered an arena where man’s opinion supposedly weighs in as more authoritative than God’s Word. I wish Bro. Baxter would listen to his old teachings on this! If he would he would see why I am making this an issue. I can’t help but feel this way because while I was in his church he taught me to establish all that I believed, not upon the word of man, but upon the Word of God. (Romans 3:4)

Another example of this happened over a lunch meeting I had with Bro. Baxter this summer (2003). While we were together we talked about Daniel’s 70th week being the key to proving whether Preterism or Futurism is the correct view of Bible prophecy. One of the things I told him was the theory of Dispensationalism (which he teaches) stands or falls on whether or not there is a one-week gap between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel 9:24-27.

I then went on to explain that the timeframe of when this 70th week is to occur can be surmised by knowing when the 6 points found in Daniel 9:24 are fulfilled. If all of these 6 points are yet unfulfilled, as Bro. Baxter and Dispensationalists claim, then there has to be a gap of time to allow them time to take place. But if they have already taken place, as Apostolic Preterists claim, then there would be no scriptural reason for a gap, which would mean Daniel’s 70th week is now a past event. This shows why the placement of this week is so important to properly understand Bible prophecy.

Even though Bro. Baxter and I agreed upon the importance of this verse, I noticed that Bro. Baxter NEVER deals with verse 24 of Daniel 9 in either his Faithchild article or in his video series “Refuting Preterism.” Maybe the reason why he can’t talk about this is because (1) if he shows these six points are now fulfilled he thereby nullifies the reason for a gap between the 69th and 70th week, or (2) if he says that Jesus did not complete that which He came to do, all of which are found in these six points, then his Endtime ministry, like the critics of Christianity, would be saying that Jesus is a “failed messiah.” This last point may seem harsh, but if a person will study the anti-missionary writings of Jewish Rabbis who work to “unconvert” Jewish Christians, they will see that this is exactly the approach that they use.

In this article I am asking Bro. Baxter to please scripturally show where these six points of Daniel 9:24 are NOT NOW fulfilled. I will start this by giving just a few of the many scriptural evidences found in the Bible that show why Apostolic Preterism teaches that each of these six points are now fulfilled. The words in the brackets of the scriptures were added by me for emphasis.

The Six Points of Daniel 9:24

Daniel 9:24
(24) Seventy weeks [490 years] are determined upon thy people [Jews] and upon thy holy city, [Jerusalem] [to accomplish six things] [1] to finish the transgression, and [2] to make an end of sins, and [3] to make reconciliation for iniquity, and [4] to bring in everlasting righteousness, and [5] to seal up the vision and prophecy, and [6] to anoint the most Holy.

These are the 6 points that Daniel said would be fulfilled during this 70 weeks (490 years). First, you must remember, most (if not all) men agree that these 6 points were never fulfilled during the first 69 weeks, so they were to be fulfilled during the 70th week, which is the true reason why the 70th week was set aside from the other 69. The key question now is whether these 6 points of Daniel 9:24 are already fulfilled, or if they are yet to be fulfilled sometime in the future. The only trusted source to answer this all-important question is the Bible itself. There we find that not only were all these 6 points fulfilled by Jesus, but they were fulfilled in the generation that Jesus said would see the fulfillment of the remaining verses of Daniel 9’s prophecy.

1. To Finish the Transgression

The Old Testament repeatedly deals with Israel’s transgression of the Law of God. Their past transgressions are what Daniel was praying about when the angel revealed that there would be 490 more years until the people of Israel would commit their greatest transgression—the killing of their Messiah. This great sin would finish the transgressions of Israel and make their city (Jerusalem) and their sanctuary (Temple) desolate. Jesus confirmed this coming destruction in Matthew 23, where He forewarned the Jews of His day that destruction would come against those who rebelled against His New Covenant.

Matthew 23:29-38

(38) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, (30) And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. (31) Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. (32) Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. [This is the same as “finish the transgression.” They did this by killing Jesus and His messengers.] (33) Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (34) Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: (35) That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. (36) Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. (37) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (38) Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Notice that Jesus said, “All these things shall come upon THIS generation.” This shows He was referring to the generation He was speaking to at that time. He confirmed this again in Matthew 24:34.

Matthew 24:34

(34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The Apostle Paul also said this coming wrath would be upon the Jews of his generation.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
(16) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: (15) Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: (16) Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

2. To Make an End of Sin

During Moses’ first Passover, the same sacrificial lamb that brought judgments against God’s enemies also brought protection to God’s covenant people. It was very similar here as well except this time the sacrifice came in the form of a man named Jesus, and His sacrifice was not temporary, but forever brought redemption for mankind’s sin.

Hebrews 9:26

(26) For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:11-14

(11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 10:9-14

(9) Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. (10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (13) From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

How anyone could ignore these, or any of the other scriptures that clearly show Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s perfect and final sacrifice for man’s sins, is beyond me, but Dispensationalists must, otherwise they couldn’t create their needed gap. I would rather believe what the Bible says about the work of the cross and the sufficiency of Jesus’ blood, than to believe what some man’s study notes say the blood of bulls and goats will do during an “endtime” covenant that the Bible speaks nothing of.

3. To Make Reconciliation for Iniquity

Some scholars feel this word “reconciliation” should have been “atonement” instead. That really doesn’t matter since they both mean “to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent.” Since the fall of Adam, mankind has been born into this world with a sin nature. This made him a natural-born enemy with his Creator. To change this status and to regain a close relationship with their Creator, mankind needed an atonement that could reconcile their nature back with God’s. The blood of Jesus was that atoning sacrifice that brought mankind that opportunity, for His sacrifice brought to man a new nature that was not born after their natural father Adam, but rather one born after their heavenly Father Jesus!

Notice in these verses how “atonement” and “reconciliation” are spoken of as taking place at Calvary, and was then made available to all through the gospel message.

Romans 5:8-11

(8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Colossians 1:20, 21

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

(17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

It is easy to see this point is not referring to a coming 7-year tribulation where the breaking of a covenant by some antichrist causes animal sacrifices to cease, but is instead referring to Jesus Christ’s death on Calvary, which satisfied man’s payment for sin and offered him a way to walk in close fellowship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice stopped animal sacrifices from being acceptable to God, since there is now no scriptural reason for them to ever occur again. Jesus’ sacrifice also occurred 3½ years into His ministry, which fits perfectly the description of the cutting off in the midst of Daniel’s final 70th week (See Daniel 9:27).

4. To Bring in Everlasting Righteousness

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines righteousness as, “Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.” Without being led by the Spirit of Christ, no one would be able to live up to this definition. Webster also described righteousness as, “The active and passive obedience of Christ, by which the law of God is fulfilled. Daniel 9.” Even Noah Webster connected the work of Christ to Daniel 9, because he also recognized that Jesus was the one who ushered in everlasting righteousness for mankind, and thereby fulfilled this 4th point. These next scriptures help to show why this is true.

Romans 3:21-26

(21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 4:13

(13) For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 5:17, 18

(17) For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 9:30, 31

(30) What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. (31) But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

The Bible shows the righteousness of God never could come through the Law, so this 4th point could not be referring to a future time of Law-keeping. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” He referred to righteousness as being available now. Paul “amen’d” that when he said, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17) This was Paul’s way of saying God’s righteousness does not come through man’s religion of works, but through man’s faith in Jesus’ works.

5. To Seal Up the Vision and the Prophecy

This prophecy has a few differing opinions on its meaning. One interpretation says it fulfills and completes the prophecy concerning Jesus’ coming during the time of the 490 years, and was not totally completed until the conclusion of the 70th week. Another interpretation suggests the word translated “seal” deals with the blindness that was put on Israel because of their rebellion. This blindness made them unable to see the prophecy fulfillment happening around them. Regardless which of these may be the better interpretation, they both end with judgment coming against Israel because of her rejection of the New Covenant.

Isaiah 6:10-12

(10) Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (11) Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, (12) And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

Verse 10 is explained in the New Testament as being Israel’s blindness during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:14, 15

(14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (15) For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

John 12:39-41

(39) Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, (40) He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. (41) These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

This sealing of the vision seems to be part of God’s judgment against Israel, and her main city Jerusalem. It came because of her rejection of Isaiah 28 and 29’s chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 28:9-12 is also an area that prophesies of the coming New Covenant Holy Ghost outpouring and rejection.

Isaiah 28:9-12

(9) Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (12) To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Isaiah goes on to show how this covenant of God’s cornerstone would be rejected by those who instead trust in Law keeping for their salvation.

Isaiah 28:15-18

(15) Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: (16) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (17) Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. (18) And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.

Isaiah 29 continues this by showing God’s reason for the destruction of Jerusalem, and gives a hint as to how it will come. This is similar language as that found in Luke 21:20.

Isaiah 29:1-3

(1) Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, [Jerusalem] the city where David dwelt! Add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. (2) Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel. (3) And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee.

Isaiah 29:6 describes this coming judgment and uses the same language as Revelation’s description of the 7th seal, trumpet, and vial.

Isaiah 29:6

(6) Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

Isaiah 29:10-14

(10) For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. (11) And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: (12) And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. (13) Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (14) Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Either of these interpretations ends with the same result, which is that they were both fulfilled during the timeframe of the 70th week, and during the time of Jesus’ ministry. Both of these also show that this generation’s rejection of Jesus’ New Covenant culminated with the destruction of Jerusalem, before that generation ended in 70 AD.

More meaningful than either of these first two explanations is the fact that all scripture leads to one subject—Jesus. He is the One who said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) Paul similarly agreed with this when he said, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

We see, from Genesis to Revelation, that the Bible speaks about one master plan of which Jesus was the focus. He was first mentioned in Genesis 3:15 when God said, “And I will put enmity between thee [satan] and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This is, of course, the first promise recorded in our Bibles of Jesus coming as the savior for mankind. This promise was made at the time of Adam’s fall, and was given as an assurance from God that mankind would someday receive from Him a restoration. This promise was carried throughout the Bible and is now fulfilled as stated twice by the Apostle Peter.

Acts 3:18-26

(18) But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. (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; (20) And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: (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. (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. (23) And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (24) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. (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. (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.

1 Peter 1:9-11

(9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (10) Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: (11) Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

(See also Romans 1:1-2, 3:21, 16:25-26)

Jesus was God’s plan from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), angels announced His coming (Matthew 1:20-25; Luke 1:26-38), a virgin brought Him into this world (Luke 1:26-35), Shepherds were called to His birth (Luke 2:8-17), Magi came to pay Him homage (Matthew 2:1-12), Simeon and Anna desired to see His arrival (Luke 2:22-38), John the Baptist prepared His way (Matthew 3; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-23; John 1:19-34), the cross became His plan for the redemption of mankind (Matthew 27:35-38; Mark 15:25-28; Luke 23:33-38; John 19:18-24; Revelation 13:8), an empty tomb was His assurance of His reigning power in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:5, 6; Mark 16:4-6; Luke 24:1-6; John 20:6-17), and the outpouring of His Holy Ghost on Pentecost was the reuniting of His Spirit with man’s (Acts 1:4-8, 2:1-40; Ezekiel 36:27; John 14:17; Romans 8:9), and on and on are these evidences found throughout the scriptures, which show Jesus’ arrival here on earth was the beginning of the fulfilling of all six points in Daniel 9:24; the sealing up of the vision (plan) and of the prophecy (how the plan would come) was Him fulfilling the promises made first in the Garden of Eden, of which He said He would destroy the works of the sin nature in man and thereby reunite man to the relationship he once had with his Creator.

Remember, this passage in Daniel uses the singular tense of “vision” and “prophecy,” not the plural. This shows these words are referring to a certain happening, not to several different ones. This allows the prophecies about the coming judgment of Jerusalem to be excluded from this reference, and thereby allows the flow of all of Daniel 9:24’s points to stay consistently focused on God’s master plan—Jesus.

This promise of Jesus’ coming to fulfill all the promises of reconciliation for mankind is found in the statement that the heavenly voice pronounced at the Mount of Transfiguration. Bro. Baxter had used this happening as an explanation why in Matthew 16:28, Jesus said, “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.” But this is completely inconsistent with the other clear “soon coming” statements found elsewhere in the Bible, and this also makes light of Jesus saying that some hearing His words then would not die until they saw Him coming into His Kingdom. This coming, Bro. Baxter says, happened just a few days later at the Mount of Transfiguration. Why would Jesus tell those people then that some of them would not taste of death within the next few days? This becomes even more improbable when you realize that the Bible records no tragedy or unusual incident, which would cause any of them to die before this Mountain experience happened. The truth is the Mount of Transfiguration took place so Peter, James, and John could better understand that Jesus was the redeemer promised from the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets, and so that they could later testify about this to others so as to increase their faith in Jesus. (Matthew 17:9) As the voice of God spoke at this meeting, the apostles were literally looking at Elijah (who represented the prophets), Moses (who represented the Law), and Jesus (who was the heir to the throne of the Psalmist King David). The following is what Matthew recorded was spoken there:

Matthew 17:5

(15) While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

These words to the Jewish mind meant something more than just a heavenly testimony, for found within this proclamation are three portions of scriptures that reference the three divisions of the Old Testament—the Psalms, the Prophets, and the Law.

The first of these is when this voice said, “My Son.” This statement was referring to a Messianic prophecy found in the Psalms and was applied to Jesus in Acts 13:33.

Psalms 2:7

(7) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Acts 13:33

(33) God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Similarly, “Well Pleased,” was referencing Jesus as found in the Prophets and was applied to Jesus in Matthew 12:18.

Isaiah 42:1

(1) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth [well pleased]; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 12:18

(18) Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.

The commanded to, “Listen to Him,” was referencing from the Law the one whom Moses said was to be the coming authoritive voice, which was to lead the people of God, and was applied to Jesus in Acts 7:37.

Deuteronomy 18:15

(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; [Listen]

Acts 7:37

(37) This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

Jesus is the Word made flesh. (John 1:1-14) He was the only One who fulfilled all that God promised concerning His salvation, and thereby sealed up the prophecy and the vision of His coming through His life, death, and resurrection. This is why Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished.” Strong’s Concordance says the word “finished” means, “To end, that is, complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt): - accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.” (Strong’s G5055) Darby’s translation of the Bible for this passage uses the word “consummated” in place of “finished.” According to Webster’s Dictionary the word “consummated” means, “Completed; perfected; ended.” These words are consistent with the view that Jesus sealed up, or made an end to, the visions and the prophecies foretold about His coming. 

Once Jesus was nailed to the cross His master plan was put in an unstoppable motion. Jesus had already told His disciples that He would be crucified and then rise again on the third day. (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; Mark 9:31, 10:34; Luke 9:22; 18:33) He also told them His resurrection would usher in a time that would reconnect (reconcile) man to God. This connection to His maker is what Adam lost in the fall, when sin was introduced and accepted by Adam. After this was done Adam died spiritually, and the connection, or relationship, that he had previously enjoyed with God was severed. Jesus’ sacrifice changed all that since He became our substitutionary sacrifice by dying in our stead, and thereby made a way for us to live in fellowship again with God.

This fulfilled the promise in the Garden of Eden as well as the promise God made to Abraham. (Genesis 17:4, 5; Romans 4:17, 18) In this God said He was going to make that old man of faith a father of many nations. “Nations” is the Hebrew word “Goy.” Strong’s says this is a “foreign nation; hence a Gentile, heathen, nation, people.” (Strong’s H1471) As we see this promise come to pass in the New Testament, we see that it included both Jews and Gentiles. This is what Jesus’ sealing of the vision and the prophecy did. It allowed access to the Kingdom of God for both the Jews (Acts 2) and to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Jesus referred to these Goy in Matthew 28:19, for there He said to teach and baptize “all NATIONS” The word “nations” is “ethnos” which is similarly defined as, “A race (as of the same habit), that is, a tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan): - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.” (Strong’s G1484) Jesus was literally removing racism by saying this because, after the cross, all peoples were of the same race in God’s book, (Colossians 3:11) and all suffered the same problem of sin, (Romans 11:32) and all were given the same offer of grace for salvation through Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:16)

Jesus sealing up the vision and prophecy with His coming ushered in a new and living way and was the message of the Apostles.

Act 26:22-23

(22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, [Jews] and to the Gentiles.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ [the focus of the prophecy and the vision], he is a new creature [born again man]: old things are passed away [sinful adamic nature]; behold, all things are become new [Christ’s spirit-led nature]. And in Galatians 6:15 Paul says, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [Jew] availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision [Gentile], but a new creature.”

This is why the body of Christ—Jew and Gentile—can be described as a “holy nation,” (1 Peter 2:9) because those born again truly are a set-aside dynamic new people. This defines the mystery of the ages, because God always intended making His true Israel both Jew and Gentile together, and never intended making it the exclusive institution like some have defined it. Concerning this Ephesians 3:3-6 says, “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (6) That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” And Colossians 1:26 echoes this when it states, “ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (See also Romans 16:25-27; Ephesians 2:11-17; Galatians 6:15-16)

6. To Anoint the Most Holy

Dispensationalists claim this refers to a future Jewish Temple. That could not be the case since there is not one scripture that says God will ever again have another physical Temple built, nor are there any that says He will ever again use its sacrificial system. Besides that, God never really wanted a dwelling place built by hands, and He will never choose to return to one. Stephen supported this when before his martyrdom he said, “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?” (Acts 7:48-49)

These truths show that this “anointing of the most high” must be referring to something greater than a building…something greater like the most Holy ONE—Jesus. He was the One who was called “Emmanuel,” which the Bible says is interpreted, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23) Jesus’ coming allowed God’s presence to dwell—tabernacle—with man. The anointing of significance that could fulfill this point from Daniel 9:24 happened at Jesus’ baptism. The scripture says John the Baptist did not even know Jesus was the One to come until he saw the Spirit of God descend and remain on Jesus at His baptism. That anointing was the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry for it manifested Him as the Messiah of God and ushered in the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. Jesus went from this anointing and began systematically fulfilling all the Messianic signs of Isaiah 61.

John 1:29-34

(29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [Make an end of sin] (30) This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. (31) And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. [“Unto Messiah the prince” as found in Daniel 9:25. This baptism started the final 70^th week of Daniel and began Jesus’ ministry of the New Covenant] (32) And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. [Anoint the Most Holy] (33) And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (34) And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Isn’t it ironic that the apostle Peter, just like dispensationalists of today, was at one time confused about God’s desire for a manmade physical dwelling place for His Spirit? Peter was the apostle that suggested building Moses, Elijah, and Jesus a physical dwelling place on the Mount of Transfiguration. (Mark 9:5) Later, after receiving the Spirit of Truth, Peter testified to the Jews (Acts 2) and to the Gentiles (Acts 10) that Jesus’ body was the true anointed dwelling place of God. (Colossians 2:9)

Peter also explained that John’s baptism of Jesus began the fulfillment of the six points of Daniel 9:24, and launched the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel. Peter did this when he told his listeners that Jesus would make them His earthly abode after they obeyed the New Covenant command to be born again!

Acts 2:32, 33

(32) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (33) Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 2:38-39

(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 10:37, 38

(37) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:44-45

(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus was the anointed Temple of God while He was here on earth. He came to usher in a New Covenant whereby He could dwell in the hearts of men. This brought the Kingdom of God to man and made the Church—Jew and Gentile together in one body—His Temple of God in the earth. (Ephesians 2:21-22)

Malachi also prophesied of this event. He told of the one who was to “prepare the way” for the coming Lord. The Bible shows that John the Baptist was the one that this idiom describes. (Isaiah 40:3, Luke 1:76, and Matthew 3:3) But also notice that Malachi calls the coming Lord “the messenger of the Covenant.” This confirms that the coming Messiah would be the One who would confirm the covenant with His people. (Daniel 9:27)

Malachi 3:1

(1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Conclusion

If futurists like Bro. Baxter, will search the Bible without the aids of Dispensational study notes, they will soon discover they cannot find any mention of a gap for Daniel’s prophecy, and to my knowledge there wasn’t any references to this supposed gap even in study notes before the time of Dispensational Theology which began about 200 years ago. All these teachings about a pre, mid, post, or pre-wrath tribulation are based on a false teaching of a future seven-year tribulation, which was created by claiming the points of Daniel 9:24 are yet unfulfilled and are for a future time. By saying this, Daniel 9’s covenant of Jesus Christ has been changed into a covenant of antichrist. This was devised by satan so he could make the Church believe that there was still seven-years remaining of law-keeping, and that God’s eye was on the Natural Jew because of race, instead of on the Church (Jew and Gentile) because of grace.

Dispensationalism annuls the work of the cross and distorts the true identity of the Church by saying Jesus’ sacrifice is neither sufficient nor everlasting. The Apostolic Preterist view, on the other hand, supports both the cross and the Church, because it teaches Jesus’ sacrifice is the final sacrifice that will ever be made or needed for mankind. Scripture supports this latter view because it confirms that neither Jew nor Gentile will ever be set free from their sin without Jesus’ New Covenant plan of salvation. This same freedom also releases the Church from the entanglements of physical temples and animal sacrifices, so that they can focus on their own spiritual temples, which is God’s plan!

 The Apostolic Preterist view is also a powerful testimony since it shows that only God could give such a detailed timeframe in advance, and then fulfill it at the exact prophesied time several hundred years later in every detail. This testifies, to both the believer and the unbeliever, of the validity of the Bible, and of the omniscience of the omnipotent God; for it loudly proclaims that Jesus truly is an “on time” God!

 The conclusion of this matter is the Bible shows that the prophesied 490 years of Daniel 9:24-27 were all completed in order without a gap, because all 6 points of Daniel 9:24 have already been fulfilled in perfect detail by Jesus. This makes Daniel’s 70th week now history, and leaves all the Dispensational teachings about a future seven-year tribulation period and all the sensationalism found in the various theories given by Dispensational teachers concerning how it will be played out, without a biblical foundation. So from these 6 proofs of Daniel 9 we can clearly see that the dispensationalist’s gap is not truly between the 69th and the 70th week, as they have taught, but is instead found between their teachings and the teachings of the Bible. I pray the Apostolic Church moves away from this schism and moves on to truth!

In closing I am also suggesting that there should be meetings and debates held so that these prophetic issues can be dealt with in a Christian way. So much disinformation and name calling has been made against Apostolic Preterism from the opposing camp. This must stop. If Preterism is wrong, those who teach Futurism should show us where so we can change. If Futurism is wrong, then I would hope that those who adhere to it would listen to us as we offer our scriptural evidence, and if the Bible says what we say it does, I would hope that they would change for truth as well.

Also I would like to use this article as a public invitation to Bro. Irvin Baxter to schedule a time in the near future for a debate between him and Bro. Larry T. Smith. A truth that is not worth standing for certainly cannot truly be called a biblical truth. Since his ministry has taken such a stance against Apostolic Preterism, Bro. Baxter must feel he is adequately equipped to give scriptural reasons why, so this debate should not be a problem for him to accept.

The arrangements and location for this should be made soon. We should allow enough time to advertise so that all who want to attend this debate can make necessary arrangements. If Bro. Baxter will make his schedule and his ideas on the subject matter(s) he thinks should be focused on during this meeting available to us, we here at Rightly Dividing the Word will accommodate him as much as possible.

I pray that as you read this article you remember that I do love Bro. Baxter and that I also love those who teach differently than I do on Bible Prophecy. I do not want to be at odds with any of my brethren, but I also do want them to realize that those who believe Apostolic Preterism will not allow the type of things that some have said against this truth or its teachers to go on without addressing them in a manner such as this.

I will be looking forward to reading Bro. Baxter’s response to both the cloud question as well as Daniel 9:24. Also, once Bro. Baxter responds to our invitation to schedule a date for debating Bro. Larry T. Smith, I will ask the Faithchild Forum if they will help us announce the dates and location, so all who are interested can attend.

Until then I pray that God be our guide as we rightly divide His Word.