During the first decade of archival work at PreteristArchive.com, there were only three different categories employed to represent the entire spectrum of studies represented at the website: Partial Preterism (PP), Full Preterism (FP), and Anti-Preterism (AP).    Not long after the turn of the millennium, however, awareness of  increasingly radical differences of opinion emerged, which brought about the necessity to re-evaluate the validity or desireability of using those terms.    It has become clear that full preterism is only a tiny splinter group in the overall "preterist movement,"  and that the profile it had been given was disproportionate to the reality of its demographics.   After all, historically there have been millions of partial preterists, yet just a handful of true full preterists.  Accordingly, I am now classifying the major views at PreteristArchive.com like this:

• Futurism - (No Fulfillment of Matt. 24/25 & Revelation in 1st C. - Types at most)

• Historical Preterism - (Minor Fulfillment of Matt. 24/25 or Revelation in Past)

• Modern Preterism - (Major Fulfillment of Matt. 24/25 or Revelation in Past)

A greater concern was whether "full preterist" views should be classified with Modern Preterism.  I tried doing so for two years, but it became painfully aware that there was a massive distinction between full preterism and the many other forms of modern preterism, all of which hold to a sense of futurity when it comes to the great consummative aspects of Bible prophecy.   Ultimately, this closer inspection led to my astonishing realization that full preterism is not only wrong, but that it is a trap for the naturally focused hermeneutic.   I'll explain that a little bit later, but for now, it will suffice to say that I came to view full preterism as hyper preterism indeed, and have categorized it accordingly. 

Unlike in the past, I now strongly believe that there is indeed such a thing as dangerous hyper-preterism (and have come to see that most preterists do as well - such as the teaching that once the kingdom was delivered by Jesus to the Father in AD70, there was no more need to go through Jesus) ; therefore, the issue became simply where the new lines were to be drawn. All prophecy points to Jesus Christ so, for me, the line was best made when natural Israel was put on a plane above types and shadows.   In other words, declaring that the parousia of Christ, great judgment, general resurrection and consummation of the ages are to be limited exclusively to a moment in the history of natural Israel is taking the God's revelation imagery too far -- in effect, declaring the revelation itself to be the substance of that which it was given to reveal... and as the old saying goes, "symbols do not symbolize themselves." 

The issue of maintaining a historical terminus which divides the work of God is critically important to consider.  It is precisely what certain preterists mock Dispensationalism for employing, and yet making AD70 the consummation of the ages accomplishes the very same end.   What Futurism and Dispensationalism have going for them that the full preterist view lacks is the absence of a historical terminus in the past.  Those views may be ultimately wrong in their identification of the historical moment of prophetic consummation, but at least they place it in the future, so that believers in Christ remain a part of biblical Christianity today.  

If you really pay attention, you can recognize that according to full preterism, AD70 was not only the end of Old Testament Judaism, but it was also the end of the Christianity as shown in the New Testament.   Such a wholesale overthrow of biblical Christianity is worthy to be called out, and so it is here at PreteristArchive.com through the "hyper preterist" classification.

I've now had the opportunity for a couple of years, since that realization, to observe the doctrines of full preterism from the outside, and am now convinced that the rejection of full preterism throughout Christian history is for a proper cause.

Consequently, as this "AD70 terminus" is part and parcel of all full preterist systems, it now squarely falls into the "hyper preterist" category along with any other "resurrection past" views which might not otherwise qualify as full preterism. 

• Hyper Preterism - (Total Fulfillment of Matt. 24/25 and Revelation - All Full Preterism and "Resurrection Past" Teachings)

Virtually every link to Hyper Preterist materials has been removed, and all such materials are now segregated under the /Hyper subdirectory, which is not reachable from the rest of the site, except in a very few clearly marked places.  In addition, every page of Hyper Preterist materials has been fitted with this type of warning :

Warning: "Full Preterist" material is being archived for balanced representation of all Christian Preterist views, but its premise is deemed by the opinion of the curator (a former full preterist) to be "toxic theology."   Due to its brash and "letter-based" appeal  to the flesh and "things seen," it very subtly draws people away from the truth of the Spirit and His "unseen things" (core components of the system being extra-biblical history and logic -- because there is not one full preterist verse which looks back to fulfillment in ad70, it is based entirely upon deductive reasoning).  If you have already adopted this viewpoint, please seriously consider that according to full preterism, AD70 was not only the end of Old Testament Judaism, but it was also the end of the revelation of Christianity as seen in the New Testament.  This is done by teaching that AD70 was a "dispensational line" regarding redemption and the like which makes the revealed New Testament Christianity completely different from that of today (faith vs. sight ; hope vs. fulfilled, no more paraclete work of the Holy Spirit, much etc.).   Teaching such a wholesale overthrow of biblical Christianity is hugely irresponsible and catastrophically dangerous, is it not?   If the New Testament scriptures do not reveal our circumstances as Christians, then what does?  If you find yourself reading the Bible through the filter of AD70, trying to decide what applies to today and what does not, then you know you are already coming under the influence of this tendency.  Please also note that the earliest known adherents of full preterism later abandoned it, as have many contemporary former full preterists, including the curator of this archive (after a decade of promotion). The "past spiritual resurrection" view is the theology that Paul condemned in II Timothy 2:17-18, and the cessationism of this view likewise overthrows faith and hope -- by doctrinal insistence that faith has been turned into sight, and that hope became a tree of life in AD70, etc. 

As an olive branch to clarify my motivation, this comment has been added to the Hyper Preterism Archive:

Here is my plainest assessment of the danger, in terms that any seasoned Full Preterist should be able to understand: The valor and determination of Full Preterists to conquer error is reminiscent of the Roman soldiers who first came upon Jerusalem, and who, simplistically seeing an opening overzealously charged up to her very gates, only to find themselves suddenly surrounded on all sides (with Providence alone saving the life of Titus).  Full Preterism, driven by its initial sincere and noble desire in the pulling down of Futurist error, has charged too hard and far in the setting up of perceived truth, having incorrectly assessed the situation due to the speed of attack, and the pride that always comes with easy victories.   There is no question that Jerusalem's history is rich with theological wealth and meaning ; however, she was - and will always be - a deadly harlot who betrays those who succumb to her alluring charms.  If you approach too closely to her she will strike you like the serpent she is -- and her poison goes straight to the brain.  Please consider my decade of leadership experience in the movement -- and my observation of countless people in this situation -- by accepting at face value my warnings for what they are - sincere attempts to help .   If you have gotten too close to the harlot, having lost your senses in wonderment (as did John prior to being rebuked), AWAKEN AT ONCE while you are still able !!  Set your eyes upon the spotless bride instead of the filthy whore, and you will be saved to carry on the battle with the Banner of Truth.

This is precisely where Idealism differs from Preterism, when looking at AD70.    Though certain preterists would make that event in history the focal point of prophecy, Idealists would see it as an expression or pattern of a permanent and incommunicable reality in Christ.  This includes the cross, which is the masterpiece of Jesus Christ, in opposition to the types and shadows of natural Israel... serving as it does as the substance of revelation.

Over the centuries, the tendency to look beyond historical events for a fuller comprehension (of that for which they were given to represent) has developed into very prominent systems and schools of thought.   The Middle Ages, in particular, saw intense development of the allegorical and tropological approach to the scriptures, as manifested most systematically in the output of the School of Saint Victor in France.

In the past, entire nations have been caught up in developing Preterist/Idealist approach to scriptures and life, as in the case of Germany in the 19th century.  As a result of this development, Idealism was found to be a fundamental approach to theology, philosophy, artistry, and even politics. 

Today, there are a number of different theological approaches which employ more of an Idealist perspective -- some which are futurist in orientation, some which are preterist in orientation, and some superior systems which have dispensed with either extreme of these historical approaches.  Among Modern Preterists, there is a profound recognition of the power of seeing the "AD70 generation" as signifying those eternal realities which find like application throughout every generation.

Steve Gregg, in his book "Revelation: Four Views," notes the profitability of synthesizing what he calls the Spiritual/Idealist view with Preterism:

"..most modern commentators, both of the evangelical wing and of the literary-critical type, have mixed some of the ideas of the spiritual approach with one of the other historically-based approaches.  This is not a difficult merger to effect, as Pieters rightly observes: [Spiritual] interpretations combine readily with those of the Preterists or of the Historicists, because any symbol, understood by them to refer to a certain force or tendency may be considered fulfilled in any event in which such a force or tendency is dominant."

"The most common tendency is to mix the spiritual approach with the preterist and then either call their view preterism, leave their view unlabeled, or give it an original name." (Revelation: Four Views, p. 44)

The current trend with hybrids of Preterism and Idealism is to see the "Body of Christ" throughout all generations as being contemplated in prophecy -- and not just that first century generation in which this eternal work was signified through the nationalistic events of typical Israel.  (For more details, visit this page).  

The fundamental approach of this particular form of Idealism may be best encapsulated in an axiom taken from II Cor. 4:18:   That which is seen in Israel's history is only the temporal shadow of the eternal substance.   The natural nation of Israel ("after the flesh") was given as a shadow of the eternal nation of Israel ("of God"), who is Jesus Christ.  The temporal nation was not the substance of the kingdom in itself.   To break down the hybrid term according to this approach to the nation of Israel, the natural "Israel after the flesh" can be considered "Preterist Israel," whereas the eternal "Israel of God" would be "Idealist Israel."   The incarnation of Jesus brought Idealist Israel face to face with Preterist Israel.. and they killed him because of the way in which He challenged their superiority and authority.

This view serves as a common ladder for previously bitterly opposed views, as it oversteps the dispute regarding the "when" by focusing on the "where."   Being united in the spiritual realm -- where all prophecy finds its true substance in Jesus Christ -- we find that not only is there no "male nor female" in Christ, but that there is also no "Dispensationalist nor Full Preterist."   By focusing on the "everlasting age" (which Jesus brought with Him - "the kingdom is at hand") as the ultimate realm of fulfillment, this view has appeal to any person (whether Preterist or Futurist) who is willing to see beyond history and recognize that the true transition takes place internally and individually in Jesus Christ -- and not externally and collectively in history (cf. Luke 20:35 ; II Cor. 5:17)

This approach can be a particularly appealing to those partial preterists who can clearly see the many things that Full Preterism has to offer, yet cannot and will not accept that "the resurrection was in AD70," for instance. 

A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT DIFFERENTIATES IDEALISM FROM  PRETERISM

DEMANDING BETTER ANSWERS THAN PRETERISM CAN PROVIDE

Preterist-Idealism is not just another form of preterism.   In fact, in many cases, the view approaches Bible prophecy in a completely opposite direction than that of either partial or full preterism.   This is not to say that there are not a lot of beneficial aspects to both views; however, they are not to be considered any type of "final destination" in the study.. but rather a point of reference.  Whereas in the past I had believed that partial preterism represented half of the biblical story of prophetic fulfillment, it is now seen that all preterism -- having nailed down the historical scope of Israel's prophecies and fulfillments, but generally neglecting that to which they pointed -- is the actual "half-way point" to a proper comprehension of the everlasting substance of prophetic fulfillment.

It is like me, living in San Diego, seeking Los Angeles as a destination.  What sense would it make, upon seeing a sign along the way that says "Los Angeles - 25" to stop there, and declare myself to have arrived?  Would it not be silly to see the sign which is pointing to the proper destination and declaring IT to be the destination itself?  Of course it would ; likewise, AD70 is not to be seen as the prophetic destination, but only as the signpost pointing the way to the everlasting substance -- which is found only in Jesus Christ, not in Israel's history.

Accordingly, the differences between Preterism and Idealism are actually quite fundamental, resulting in a countless number of divergences.   The key difference, as pointed out in the signpost illustration,  is in where one sees the ultimate destination of prophetic fulfillment -- whether seeing prophecy referring exclusively to natural events (with perhaps consequential spiritual application) fulfilled once-for-all in history, or in seeing Israel's prophecies and natural events as pictures signifying the greater realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as is the case with modern forms of Idealism.  This distinction will be explored in greater depth below.

After ten years of promoting the full preterist movement (though in as non-partisan a way as possible), errors and inconsistencies accrued in such a way as to demand a better answer than full preterism could provide.  

 In spite of doctrinal problems, however, it was also the clear inability (and general disinterest) of the view to answer the most important questions people were asking,  such as "what now?" and "why do I struggle if the sin, death and devil were utterly destroyed in ad70" that drove my quest for an explanation that could address the deepest needs of Christians.   Though this motivation has been dismissed as compromised by being "seeker sensitive," it is the pastor's heart within that seeks to protect the flock by driving off the wolves (which are bad doctrines, not people.  Therefore, please forgive my style if you think that I am being too harsh or short with FP systems ; it is truly only my desire to equip those without degrees or study resources to see that there is not only a biblical alternative to FP within the context of natural Israel's fulfilled eschatology, but that it is a far superior approach for the sake of biblical consistency, and -- much more importantly -- superior for internal spiritual growth and peace.   My approach can seem a bit urgent also because I believe there are very real consequences to looking on the outward nation for the substance of prophetic fulfillment -- consequences that are, in some cases, being shielded from people by "true believers" who have absolutely convinced themselves of the "absolute gospel truth of full preterism.").

Please notice that no names are given below, as the problem is not about any one particular view, but rather the entire hermeneutical approach to scripture which sees the substance of prophetic fulfillment in natural things.  Therefore, there are many reference to "full preterist systems" instead of "full preterists."  Please note also that a great deal of effort is being put into avoiding offence or alienation.  My desire to fellowship with full preterists will never change.  The only real desire with that fellowship is to find as its basis Jesus Christ and his work in their lives today ... not the Covenant Eschatology of AD1971.
 

IS THE SPIRITUAL OR THE NATURAL THE APPLICATION?

Though most full preterist systems don't deny that spiritual truths can be applied from the events of AD70 (though some do), the Idealist hybrid being presented in this article (which is just one of many) takes exactly the opposite view -- that AD70 itself was the application of everlasting spiritual realities -- and the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.  (That the fall of Jerusalem was given to illuminate greater things is completely consistent with the entire history of Israel's "schoolmaster" role to point to realities in Christ Jesus.)   Therefore, by focusing primarily on the shadows and types given to signify true prophetic fulfillment, one misses their true significance altogether.  This is not to dismiss the natural show, but rather to illuminate it, allowing the temple to stand (and fall) for that which it was always intended - a visible show of the invisible kingdom.

As an aside, please allow me to defend against the charge that this view is "anti-historical" -- as though it is so 'heavenly minded' that it disdains the things of the natural realm.   Some even make the charge of Gnosticism, though this is preposterous.   If it were true that the natural was despised once the spiritual was discovered, then adherents would commit suicide of the flesh once they believed they were born again of the spirit.  But, of course, this is not even contemplated.  As we learn in Sunday School, the flesh has its place, and MUST BE KEPT IN ITS PLACE.  To glorify the flesh, and the pursuit thereof, is roundly rebuked by all Christian testimony.  AD70 should be no exception to this rule.

The book of Hebrews reveals this inferior/superior relationship between the natural and the spiritual -- in every case showing the spiritual to be "better" or "true" ; the natural, however, is shown as the "figure" or the "example" or the "pattern" conveying the idea of the true and genuine :

• Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

• Heb 9:24-24 "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself.  "

• Heb 10:1 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. "

The things we see help us understand the things we can not.   In this light, the Roman-Jewish War was an even more significant event than is appreciated by even the most informed.   It was, after all, not only the dramatic end of the people of God as a separate external nation, forever ending those religious and political things which were only ever "in part" or "copies of the true," but it was also the visible show of God's invisible hand as it works throughout all generations -- within His people, and upon His enemies.    Even so, this manifestation of the true is not even remotely as important as the work of Jesus Christ in AD30 - so witnesses the last 1,900 years of blessed Christians who knew next to nothing about AD70, and yet enjoyed sweet fellowship with their Saviour. 

The reason why the entirety of Christian history on earth could thrive spiritually despite nearly complete ignorance of the Roman-Jewish war has to do with the fact that "AD70" didn't fulfill the eternal promises in Christ, but simply pointed thereto -- including back to AD30.   To focus on the shadow as the substance of prophecy is to give greater glory to the type than is due... neglecting to properly glorify the substance to which it ministers (and herein lies the real beast lurking behind full preterist systems -- that false focus which manifests itself in the gradual hardening of hearts).  The Mosaic Era was filled with limitless forms of imagery and symbolism and historical types common to the entire era ; however, again, symbols do not symbolize themselves. 

There is a growing list of axioms and hermeneutical principles which are currently being assembled.   A study archive of these principles is available at Idealistarchive.com.   For now, consideration of just a few ideas will suffice in the context of this introduction to the hybrid of Preterist-Idealism.

WHAT IS SEEN IN ISRAEL'S HISTORY IS THE VISIBLE SHADOW OF UNSEEN SUBSTANCE

Though we may be tempted to consider what can be seen as being superior in nature to the unseen (as though natural equals literal, and spiritual equals figurative -- which they do not).   Maturity in spiritual sight, however, instructs us to look at the unseen things as being primary, everlasting, and vastly superior.  This consideration must be applied to every bit of external imagery, but for the sake of this page, it primarily contemplates the events of the first century, including the fall of Jerusalem in AD70.  Just looking at "the big three" events that tend to make full preterism appear heterodox, we can see how fundamentally different the Idealist approach can be:

- AD70 was not the Second Coming.   AD70 was only an outward show of the parousia of Christ.  It was a "SIGN" of the Son of Man in heaven.  The number of times words such "manifesting," "appearing," "revelation," and the like point out that what was revealed in time was already a spiritual reality in the eternal realm.  This is akin to Christ declaring, "thy kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven." 

As witnessed in John 14:17-24, the Lord comes to abide within His people.. He doesn't come to the world at large.   This is the intent of Christ's declaration to the heart hearted "true believers" of Temple leadership, "you will not see me again until you say 'blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"     The kingdom does not come with visible observation, despite the teaching regarding the fall of Jerusalem being the proof that the kingdom had arrived.

Though it may be tempting to think that the appearing of Christ and His Kingdom was world-wide in some external sense in AD70, this is not the case.   The glory of the Lord specifically dwells within His temple - which is the "body of Christ" or "bride."  There are a number of verses which point out that the Spirit and Kingdom dwells within..  not just 'around' (except insofar as the people of the kingdom are around).  Therefore, the world at large cannot see Him or know Him  or have any part of His kingdom until such time as they say "blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."    There are numerous passages which intimate this idea, but here are just a few:

• Luke 17:21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

• John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

• John 14: 22-23 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

• Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

• 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

• Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

• 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

• Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

The everlasting kingdom is something that is received individually and internally in Christ, and not collectively and externally in AD70.   Put another way, the king and kingdom is received by each within, not to the world at large without.   How could it come historically in its fullness "in AD70" anyway?    After all, how does a spiritual kingdom come in its total fullness in the natural realm, if not within God's people?

Notice how Jesus told the hard hearted, "You will not see me again until" -- not AD70 -- but "until you say 'blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matt 23:39).    This is exactly what is signified by the triumphal entry of the "king" and "kingdom" in Mark 11:

11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way.  9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:  10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.  11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple

- AD70 was not the final Judgment.   AD70 was only an outward show of the Great White Throne Judgment.  To be precise, AD70 was an external judgment, but certainly not THE judgment, which is outside of the natural realm:.   Evidence for this is given in the fact that dead people are said to participate.  Knowing that no full preterist believes that they were raised into the natural realm for this event, this fact becomes important.

• Lu 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them:

• Mt 11:24  But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
  
  Which is consistent with this famous passage:
   

• Heb 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment

Though most full preterist approaches might claim that this passage was only for the "pre AD70 age," there is another explanation, which does not resort to dividing God's workings into different historical dispensations.
 

- AD70 was not the "Resurrection of the Last Day".   AD70 was only an outward show of the cleansing that takes place at resurrection, the fullness of which takes place after physical death.  This one should be easier for Immortal Body at Death preterist systems to acknowledge, but strangely this historical dating of the second resurrection is treated as axiom.    It is surprising that this position would be so staunchly defended, as nearly all recognize that Paul wrote, "it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."  I know that some see this as a corporate resurrection in AD70, but that is nothing less than Universalism in my opinion, which will be addressed below.  Obviously, spiritual bodies are not raised in history nor naturally, but into the eternal realm.   There may be some confusion differentiating the resurrection to life with the resurrection at the last day, but Ephesians 1:11-14 provide the downpayment/full redemption dynamic at work there.

At any rate, Paul warns against the teaching that the resurrection of the last day was past;  2 Timothy 2:18: "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ." 

Those who had passed away before AD70 were not resurrected by AD60 (when Paul wrote this), and Paul would not be satisfied with the teaching that they were raised "in AD70", as though the heretics H & P were only a few years off.  Now, make no mistake, people came to life in the natural realm,  "being raised to walk in newness of life," which is the earnest of our inheritance.  Christ certainly came to indwell people living in AD70, but even they were not resurrected into historical life, but into kingdom life that everyone in Christ receives as downpayment of the inheritance.  Likewise, those who were not yet born did not receive the indwelling kingdom "in AD70", just as those who had died before that time.

When that spiritual gathering takes place, though from man's perspective it appears disjointed, it encompasses the entire Body of Christ from all generations, with no direct connection to time (Dan. 7:13).   And if there was to be any time which would be directly connected to this heavenly event, it would be the ascension of Christ, not the fall of Jerusalem.  Despite common misconception, AD70 in the natural realm does not equal AD70 in the eternal realm.   This concept is no different than the working of the cross and how Christ could die for all nations and generations (before and after His own), though His body was crucified at a particular moment in time.

• John 11:52  And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

• Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Though nearly every full preterist system will appeal to a higher spiritual meaning of the events shown in the Cross and the Parousia (by which most mean AD70), they are almost always given a back seat to  (or made synonymous with) the external revelation, and are treated as having been established by the historical, instead of seeing the natural as simply the copy of the invisible true which was simply waiting to be revealed.    Though some form of this higher explanation may be in the hearts of full pret authors, it does not seem to be coming through in what is written.   This may explain the turnover witnessed in the movement, as people desperately seek for that which, above all, ministers deep within their hearts -- as opposed to simply edifying their minds with "the truth of Covenant Eschatology".

CONFUSING APPLICABILITY FOR EXCLUSIVITY

 By looking at one historical manifestation of the everlasting substance and declaring it to be the only application contemplated by the Word of God has consequences upon peoples' lives.   One dramatic consequence of looking to events of the natural realm as the complete fullness of prophetic intent is to divorce the applicability of the internal tensions and pressures of the New Testament people from our lives -- as well as the solutions they found to settle the inner turmoil in the midst of persecution. 

We mustn't insist that one manifestation of a truth is the only one forevermore.   This viewpoint approaches ancient Israel as though it was an island completely removed from the human situation at large in the rest of the world, and throughout all other generations.   This is curious, because it is generally agreed by Christians through the centuries that Israel "after the flesh" served as a teacher regarding the true spiritual things of Christ.  Therefore, why would one expect the manifestation of those things in Israel to be the exclusive manifestation for all time?  

What is true in the Spirit is true throughout all generations, and Israel serves as but one of countless manifestations of that everlasting Truth.   Therefore, for instance, the manifestation of Israel's national eschatology shouldn't be considered the only manifestation of eschatology which it was given to manifest.   This may seem like a tongue twister, but the point is that what took place in the first century, under their peculiar circumstances, point to the exact same realities as what took place in every other century, under the peculiar circumstances of that day... and is not at all the exclusive application for all time!   

Declaring that first century Israel and Jerusalem is absolutely the only application of prophetic utterance for all time removes for our lives, and our circumstances, the understanding of "what now?" circumstances where Covenant Eschatology so famously fails.   More will be shared on this point in the section called "where full preterism fails the individual."
 

THE CREATION OF THAT WHICH IS IN FULL, OR THE REMOVAL OF THAT WHICH IS IN PART? -- ESTABLISHMENT VS. MANIFESTATION

Much is made in this article of the distinction between the establishment (creation) of a reality, and its manifestation (revelation).   This is particularly obvious in the discussion of the kingdom of Christ.  What David called characterized as being "from everlasting to everlasting," full pret systems declare not to have been established until AD70.  This is opposed to the view that what exists from everlasting to everlasting, was manifested in the events of AD70.   Establishment and manifestation are not synonymous, despite heartfelt appeals to the contrary.   Something can have long been a reality, yet not have been made manifest for an even longer period.   Though "that which is in part" may serve to point to the perfect reality, its removal doesn't equal the establishment of "that which is in full" -- quite the contrary!

Coming in this spot will be a list of verses which record Jesus and others speaking of the revelation of the truth which had been hidden since the foundation of the world.   This will serve to show that what is being characterized as the creation is really only the revelation. 

That which is by nature "hid" ; "covered" ; "veiled" ; "not seen" (under construction)

• Mt 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

• Mt 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

• John 12:40 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.

• 1 Cor. 2:7,10  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

• 2Co 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

• 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

• 2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

• Ga 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

• Eph 3:5 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;

• Eph 3:9-10 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now, unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God

• Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

And that which is being "revealed" ; "manifested" ; "seen" (under construction)

• Mt 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

• Mt 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

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

• Ro 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

• Ro 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

• 1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

• Eph 3:5 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;

• Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

• Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

• 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

• Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

• 1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

• 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.

This distinction between the manifestation and the substance (as well as the hiding and the revealing) will serve as a springboard for many different items of consideration below.   As time allows, the concept will be developed here in a fuller way, as will many of the consequences of error therein revealed.

THE EVERLASTING COVENANT AND KINGDOM NOT ESTABLISHED UNTIL AD70?

Having seen the usage of that which is "hidden" which was going to be "revealed" generally, we can begin to look at theological issues -- such as the kingdom -- more specifically. 

Though not all full preterist approaches teach that the Kingdom and/or New Covenant was established in AD70, it is taught by many within those circles.    If we recognize that "Idealist Israel" existed before the foundation of the kosmos (whether one sees that kosmos as the creation of the world or of Moses' Law), then this suggestion may begin to appear silly and short-sighted.   Passages such as 2 Cor. 5:17 show that the passing away of the old things (by Christ) was a reality prior to AD70, even if it had not yet been made plain by the events of Israel's history.     In other words, even though followers of Christ were the true sons of God, there was definitely an expectation for the manifestation of who indeed were the sons of God.

There are, in fact, many other passages which likewise speak of the transition as being in Christ, not in history  (though AD70 certainly signifies that transition).    A major problem with the historical viewpoint is reading once-for-all historical time into passages which refers to each individual in their time.  For instance, terms of proximity (near, at hand) coming out of the mouth of Christ are often taken to mean 40 years later, when this idea is completely foreign to the intent.   These passages are included below with those which speak of the pre-AD70 possession of realities (eternal life, raising of the dead, the end of the law) which the typical full pret system says were not obtained until after the Jewish temple fell:

• Luke 10:11 "Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

• Luke 11:20 "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you."

• Luke 19:9 "And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham"
  John 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

• John 5:24-25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. "

• Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

• Rom 10:4  "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

• Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it

• 2 Cor 1:9    But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us

• 2Co 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

• 2 Cor 5:17  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

• 2 Cor 5:18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation

• 2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

• Ga 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us"

• Ga 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

• Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

• Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

• Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

• Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

• Eph 2:5   Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

• Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

• Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

• Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

• Col 2:13   And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses

• 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,

• 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Shockingly, full preterism has been defended against this charge by the declaration that in the Bible past tense can mean future tense!   Clearly, therefore, this has become the razor sharp point upon which full preterism is either defended or impaled.   If any one of these passages actually means what it says -- that the substance of prophetic fulfillment was available even before the full outward signal -- then the point has been proved.

And it is not like there are just a few passages which speak of believers partaking of the promises even before the full revelation thereof to the world at large.  Not at all.   The "time" of fulfillment can be taken back farther and farther -- as far back as you could ever wish to take it, and farther!   David often spoke of the kingdom as a present reality, and Christ as the everlasting King even in his day.  Here are just a few examples of King David referring to his King, Jesus Christ.

• Ps 5:2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

• Ps 10:16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.

• Ps 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

• Ps 29:10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

• Ps 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

• Ps 89:18 For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. 

• Ps 93:2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

• Ps 145:13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

• Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

During the Exodus, Jesus Christ was more than revealed to the people -- He was their actual source of nourishment:

• 1Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Long before David or the Exodus, Abraham saw Christ's kingdom, and was glad.  In fact, we are told that the gospel itself was revealed to Abraham:

• Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

• John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Job appears to be recounting the possession of the prophetic blessings for those who call upon the Lord:

It might even be acknowledged that Adam was in the kingdom and was cast out.   After all, how can we be restored into the kingdom, if Adam had never dwelt therein? At any rate, it can be taken back even farther... to before the very creation: 

• Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

• Prov 8:22-23 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

• Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.  

• John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

• 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

Throughout these lists, though, perhaps the most important was that declaration by Jesus Christ Himself:  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. " (John 5:24-25)  Understanding the weight that time texts have with FPs, this passage should settle the matter that what was waiting to be manifested fully in the fall of Jerusalem was already a present reality before AD70!

SUMMARY: Looking at the book of Hebrews, we can recognize how the natural elements of natural Israel, nor their historical circumstances were the focal point of prophecy, nor the substance of the true things themselves.  Rather, the things done by the hands of men were only the pictures of that which exists in the timeless realm from everlasting:

• Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

• Heb 9:23-24 "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself.  "

• Heb 10:1 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. "

Though all history-based systems assume that the covenant and the kingdom, etc., are established at some point in history, it will be more helpful to see that it was the manifestation of those eternal things that was in history, not the establishment. The mystery and the grace were in existence even before the foundation of the kosmos (before the foundation.. even if one believes -- mistakenly -- that the kosmos is only the Mosaic Law).  Note the distinction between the reality and the manifestation of that reality:

• 1 Cor. 2:7,10  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

• Eph 3:9-10 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now, unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God

• Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

• 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Notice how many of these passages have been pointed out above in their constituent elements of teaching, that 1) the mystery existed before the foundation, 2) that it has been hidden from the foundation and 3) that it is revealed in Christ.   For those interested in pursuing the concept of the everlasting covenant and kingdom more, I suggest reading John Gill's "Body of Divinity" where he lays out the "everlasting covenant" between Father and Son:

"When we speak of the Abrogation of the [Old] Covenant this is to be understood, not of the covenant of grace, as to the matter and substance of it, which remains invariably the same in all periods of time; it is an everlasting covenant; it is ordered in all things and sure; it can never be broken and made void; every promise of it is unalterable, and every blessing irreversible; the covenant of peace can never be removed; it will stand firm to all generations; but with respect to the form of the administration of it only, even the form of it, under the former, or Old Testament dispensation, before described; and in order to set this in its true and proper light"
 

DRIFTING AWAY FROM HISTORY-BASED ANSWERS

In explaining my shift away from previous doctrinal positions into a modified form of Idealism, it is perhaps easiest to make reference to shifting from a man-centered historical view to a God-centered eternal view.   What began as a focus solely on the future with Dispensationalism, became a focus on church history with Partial Preterism, which then became a focus solely on the past with Full Preterism.   Even though these three viewpoints may seem radically different from each other, they are actually the exact same approach in that they look to the natural realm for the focus of prophetic fulfillment.    After all three failed to live up to initial expectations, and with the increasingly narrow identification of prophetic imagery with a certain generation, a particular city, and in some cases, and individual person (such as Nero or John of Gischala), there was nowhere left to look but "up."

By focusing on historical realities (first century Jerusalem, Israel and Mosaic Law) as the focal point of prophetic intent, the passing of those things creates a completely different mode (dispensation) of God's operation with the entire world.   In the case of full preterism, it is generally treated as axiom that beyond AD70, in the historical "new covenant age," or "new heavens and earth," there is a new administration between God and the world at large... as opposed to simply a greater level of revelation of that which has always been the reality.   This is why so many verses of the Bible are dismissed as being "before AD70," such as "thy kingdom come, thy will be done" and "it is appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment," or more disastrously "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 

There are predictable consequences of viewing scripture solely in its "historical context," considering it as only to Jews under the "old covenant age" and the "old heavens and earth" -- and not to anyone "today."   (many will say "the scriptures were not written TO us, but they are FOR us.. to which I disagree, considering that the author is not truly the historical man who put words to paper, but is the eternal Logos, speaking to His offspring - "See Original Writers' Intent Not Final Authority on Meaning").   This distinction between the written words and the Living Word reveals the bigger picture, in that we can either approach the study according to our man-centered level of comprehension, attempting to box in redemptive history with our futile systems of explanation (letter killeth), or we can recognize that what is at play is something completely transcendent and timeless (spirit giveth life).

INVESTIGATING THE "HYMENAEAN CHARGE"

I hope this page helps explain why I'm personally making the move as far away from full preterism as possible.    It is recognized that dogmatic full preterist "true believers" will always take issue with the points on this page; however, my intent is really only to show the open-hearted that there is a need to question the legitimacy of full pret assumptions and seriously evaluate all its claims to the point of registering the consequences.   This applies to all doctrinal shifts during our lives, which process will hopefully never end.  Having promoted the view for over a decade, though, I feel a real sense of responsibility to point out the errors discovered.

We can often find ourselves in trouble when we build unproved assumptions upon assumptions.  It is easy enough to get so far ahead of facts, that what was left unproven quickly turns into a fundamental point upon which layers of further assumptions are built.  Please take, for instance, the following line of reasoning from the earliest known full preterist author.  Notice that between his 'if' and 'then' logical argument lies piles and piles of assumptions -- all of which are taken as a whole, and treated as settled and obvious :
 

By attempting to make the fullness of the consummation of the ages fit into the historical year of AD70, full preterist systems build upon a fundamental truth which is very much still a matter of debate.    Accordingly, those systems seek to find natural imagery in that period which answers to the prophecies of the Bible according to that fundamental, unassailable presumption.

When those settled issues are challenged, the systems are so committed to what lies far ahead -- generally unwilling to investigate the critical principles which lay far behind -- that the objections are typically dismissed with a wave of the hand and treated with scorn.  This is a problem.

This  anti-Berean approach yields many negative consequences, doctrinally and interpersonally.  

Doctrinally, the trend of using natural events in history to replace the spiritual realities in Christ results in the declaration that the shadows are actually the substance.  As noted, the substance is regarding "things not seen" -- AD70 being best seen as the confirmation, but not as the actual substance of the promises and inheritances to God's people -- which are spiritual in nature, and much more glorious (II Cor. 1:20).   (It is helpful to consider the "Land Promises to Israel" in this regard.  More details regarding this hermeneutical method are listed here)

The consequences to interpersonal communication and intrapersonal behavior are apparent enough, and are displayed on message boards from every Christian system around the Internet.  It seems axiomatic that the sowing of absolute self-certainty in one's own position yields a sense of superiority and pride.  This is particularly offputting, considering that there is not one single verse in the entire New Testament which looks back at AD70 and declares that it was the fullness of anything! (making FP systems entirely dependent upon man's faulty deductive reasoning). If this self-certainty gets frustrated, very often the person who has made their system their life get frantic, and the "magical thinking" quickly turns into narcissism and can even be deadly to people and marriages -- ten years of observation have revealed this pattern time and again.   It makes sense, though, considering that logic and the science of hermeneutics are very poor anchors for the soul, indeed. 

In regards to the "hyper preterist" charge, it appears that upon both of these grounds - doctrinal and personal - those who claim that the resurrection is "in AD70" actually do fulfill the charges against the heretic Hymenaeus:  2 Timothy 2:18: "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ."  (by the way, this doesn't mean that the resurrection is to be expected at some single historical point in the future either, so the charge of my view being partial preterism is mistaken).  

Without any regard for the argument that Paul was merely stating that he was a little ahead of his time (the resurrection coming within 10 years), this is not germane to the point in question.   Whether stating that the resurrection was in AD60 (Hymenaeus), 70 (Full Preterism), or 2006, if one is teaching that the resurrection of all the dead is past already, then they are placing themselves underneath the consideration of this statement by Paul.   And lest one think that the common teaching is that the resurrection started in AD70 yet continues to this day,  it is taught that because Hades was cast into the lake of fire in AD70, there is no place for believers to be resurrected from ; instead, believers go straight from "life to life."

There are also other aspects of Paul's problem with the teaching of Hymenaeus besides simply his timing of the resurrection.  By seeking to "overthrow the faith" of sincere people, the heretic was treating the body of Christ destructively and with disrespect -- placing his love for his beliefs above his love for his brother.  This same 'scalping' tendency can be seen among many full pret "true believers," who openly relish overthrowing the faith of Futurists in order to establish their own.   No longer is the focus on leading the lost to Christ; instead, evangelistic zeal is given over to 'teaching the truth of Covenant Eschatology' and overthrowing the beliefs of brothers and sisters in Christ.   This is no small issue, particularly considering the violence and venom that is associated with a lot of that work which pits itself against the Body in a wholly divisive way.   This methodology is explicitly condemned in the Word.

In addition to the previously mentioned "hymenaean hallmarks" of teaching that the resurrection is over, and in seeking to overthrow the faith of believers, there is a third significant reason why this view is being investigated as "hyper-preterism" -- which is the suprisingly common teaching that there is no longer need for faith at all.   The reasoning is that, since AD70 brought the fullness, and, no longer seeing through a glass darkly we now see face to face, our faith has been turned to sight.   This is akin to the common teaching that since believers were given all of Christ in AD70, there is no more need for the Holy Spirit.   By believing that the fullness came in history, it is often taught that there is no longer place for those things in part.   Therefore, by teaching that there is no more need for faith, that view would indeed "overthrow the faith of some" -- and I have seen it happen many times.

The claim from a former full preterist that the hymenaean charge rings true (in both the error and the overthrow of faith) would hopefully raise serious flags of warning.   And yet, those who are "true believers" in the view reflexively dismiss the hymenaean charge with a wave of the hand, and will say something like "this charge is nothing new, and has been dealt with before."   Regarding this infamous "oh-so-certain" self-assurance of certain Christians, ignorance is bliss.   

As a result of the hobbyist approach to theology, which is in large part a child of the World Wide Web, systems are typically sculpted in a very shoddy manner.   That which doesn't support the predetermined result is typically put aside pending further study -- or ignored altogether.    Perhaps there is a legitimate reason why certain arguments against the view are used time and again.
 

CONSISTENT FULL PRETERIST CONCLUSIONS LEND THEMSELVES TO UNIVERSALISM

Despite the appearance of broad consensus, there are really precious few areas of general agreement among (or even within) the various full preterist hybrids.   It has been joked that there are as many full preterist leaders as there are full preterists, but it is not far from the truth to say that each has their own unique spin on doctrine.

Regardless of the differences from one system to another, however, what may be most important to observe is the level of consistency presented within themselves.    It seems that all full preterist approaches can be seen as falling within varying degrees of consistency in application of their fundamental hermeneutic of AD70 consummation. 

Those who are relatively new to the view tend to think that they know what is all about based upon a cursory reading of Matthew 24:34, but it really does take a few years to get past the initial burst of re-discovery in order to recognize the logical and scriptural conclusions of the hermeneutic itself.   Without waiting on the Lord and patiently learning as the Spirit provides, we may learn the errors of our ways through negative experience.  This is one reason why it is important to resist the impulse to "know everything overnight."

Consistency within the system is really what sets the newbies apart from the more experienced, generally speaking.    Just like with Dispensationalism, one can believe that Jesus is King now, but if the system will not allow it, then they are just inconsistent, and inexperienced within their own hermeneutic, not really representing it for what it teaches.   The same is true, in my opinion, with that form of full preterism (most notably found among the Reformed) which teaches that everything was fulfilled historically by AD70, and yet that not everyone in the world enjoys its benefits.

By assuming a fundamental hermeneutic which applies the blessings of prophecy to all people in history post AD70 -- not making the  important clarification IN CHRIST -- the errors start to compound, and a particular trend of doctrine starts to emerge.  This particular stream has been recognized by a large number of people who are now embracing doctrines of Universalism, or comprehensive grace and redemption.   

It is often said in full preterist circles that one's eschatology directly effects their doctrine of salvation.. and this is certainly the case.   Forms of Universalism, as a result of a more consistent application of the completely fulfilled eschatology, are being increasingly recognized, from with and without, as the true face of full preterism.    According to a recent article written by a full preterist, fully 30-50% of all such believers embrace Universalism.  Though a trend within a system cannot disprove a system, the fundamental hermeneutic can.

There are a number of uniquely full preterist conclusions which, though they may not naturally lead to doctrines of Universalism, certainly do lend themselves to this view.    And though I do not embrace Universalism myself, I absolutely recognize that to them belongs the progressive banner of full preterism, and that they are correct to declare themselves the most consistent preterists.

With the basic assumption (which I do not share) that the passing of the Mosaic Law was the focus of eschatology, and that AD70 was the "consummation of the ages," a number of Universalist-friendly conclusions emerge.  Though not all systems embrace every one of these conclusions, they are all certainly representative of general full preterist views :

• Satan was utterly destroyed in AD70

• "The Sin" was utterly destroyed in AD70

• "The Law" totally passed away in AD70  (Covenant Eschatology in particular)

• The "New Heavens and Earth" represents the world post-AD70

• The "Age to Come" is the post-AD70 world

  It must be clearly stated again that the charge is not that full preterism or covenant eschatology leads to Universalism, but that this trend of thought lends itself to those conclusions.  For instance, there are views of "Comprehensive Redemption" and "Comprehensive Grace" exploding throughout the movement, and finding wide exposure at the leading websites.  Although some disclaim any direct connection to Universalism, there seems little point in denying that they are just a pace or two away... perhaps even walking up to the edge of the cliff, if not taking the fatal step.   From the founder of Covenant Eschatology himself, to vocal contributors on many websites (pro and con), to numerous private individuals with whom I correspond, the direction of inquiry relates to how the destruction of sin and the law relates to the broad application of redemption in the post ad70 world.  The numbers do not lie, and point directly to the intimate relationship between all forms of full preterist eschatology and Universalism.  In the coming months, the two hundred year history of Preterist Universalism will be presented here.  For now, notice that the earliest known Full Preterist book was written by a man who shortly thereafter adopted Universalism: 
 

EARLIEST KNOWN FULL PRETERIST BOOK, WRITTEN SHORTLY BEFORE HIS CONVERSION TO UNIVERSALISM The Second Advent of Jesus Christ: A Past Event (1845)

Robert Townley

HERMENEUTICAL INCONSISTENCIES (AND NOVELTIES) WITH NON-UNIVERSALIST FORMS OF FULL PRETERISM

Besides this, many FP Calvinists I have read or heard actually DO believe that the entire world will be Universally converted to Jesus Christ in the future.  Even David Chilton published his certainty about this point of "eventual gospel universalism" -- which was also championed by James Stuart Russell:
 

CHILTON ON REVELATION 21 WHEN A PARTIAL PRETERIST: ""It is certainly true that righteousness does not dwell in the earth in an absolute sense; nor will this world ever be absolutely righteous, until the final enemy is defeated at the Second Coming of Christ.. according to God's promise, the saving knowledge of Him will yet fill the earth, as the waters cover the sea." (Days of Vengeance, 544) CHILTON ON "NEW HEAVENS / EARTH" AS A FULL PRETERIST:  "Once the Lord came to destroy the scaffolding of the Old Covenant structure, the New Covenant Temple would be left in its place, and the victorious march of the Church would be unstoppable.  According to God's predestined design, the world will be converted; the earth's treasures will be brought into the City of God, as the Paradise Mandate (Gen. 1:27-28; Matt. 28:18-20) is consummated (Rev. 21:1-27)." (from "New Heavens and Earth") ONE SOLUTION TO FP UNIVERSALIST CONUNDRUM IS PLACING UNIVERSAL CONVERSION FARTHER INTO THE FUTURE -- BUT DOES SUCH A GRAND FUTURE EXPECTATION (THE "PARADISE MANDATE" YET TO BE CONSUMMATED) STILL QUALIFY AS FULL PRETERISM?    IF THE BIBLE ANTICIPATES WORLD-WIDE CONVERSION.. WOULDN'T THAT BE A PROPHECY AS OF YET UNFULFILLED?

In light of the question of consistency, it should be considered how a consistent full preterist view, which acknowledges that the law, the devil, sin, and such were utterly destroyed in AD70, could not be considered lending itself to Comprehensive Redemption?  

Considering the sweeping nature of the fundamental assumption of world-wide New Covenant / New Heavens and Earth application in the post-AD70 environment, the answers given to that question demand intense scrutiny.    Though particular answers to that dilemma have been offered, they usually require the creation of a previously unknown damning "law of Christ" or some other "doctrinal patch" to cover this hole -- such as a redefinition of "second death,"  or the creation of a brand new laws which secure for them the balance between particular atonement with universal eschatology.  One such suggestion was offered using the new-fangled phrase "new heavens and earth death"!

Obviously, the Reformed answer will be that Adam's death still applies to those not in Christ -- which is precisely the point of this article.. that the consummation is to be found IN CHRIST, and not in history.   To say that the "consummation of the ages is in ad70" in a universal fashion, and then to make the reception of atonement individually in Christ regardless of that consummation is the inconsistency with which the "historical corporate consummationism" of the Reformed (all limited atonement full preterist systems) are forced to live.

To frame the consistency issue in terms of the consummation of atonement itself the question must be asked : how many "consummations" are there?  Is AD70 the only consummation.. or are there multiple consummations - with a second one which takes place when the person in Adam is "dead and raised in the likeness of Christ", as per certain full preterist systems?  Those FP systems which teach "Immortal Body at Death" seem to suggest three different consummation: first in AD70, then in being "born again", and then after physical death.  Universalism, on the other hand, typically teaches that there is but one consummation - that in AD70, which settled the issues of Adam and Christ.  Preterist-Idealism, on the other hand, though likewise teaching that there is but one true consummation, focuses it as being in Christ, which settles the matter of death, atonement and consummation - AD70 being the outward show of that work of Christ as likewise revealed in AD30. 

For now, suffice it to point out just two other dilemmas regarding the consistency of the Reformed approach.   Consider the destruction of death and the devil.   It is taught among Reformed full prets that death was defeated for all, yet that one must be in Christ to receive its benefits.  This is unlike the teaching regarding Satan, though, who is said to be destroyed regardless of one's status in Christ.  The issue of consistency with the Reformed also plays itself out in recognition of the limitation of the term 'world.'  On one hand, a rightful limitation to being 'in Christ' is seen in terms of "first things," but when it comes to "last things" these limitations are discarded in favor of an end that effects absolutely all. These points will be given a fuller presentation in the months to come.

At the very least, it should be considered that Max King, the founder of Covenant Eschatology, and the man most experienced in the view -- therefore the most likely to have developed a consistent approach -- has developed a Universalist-friendly message of "Comprehensive Grace" to maintain consistency between his eschatology and his soteriology.   It appears that countless other full preterists have walked down the path created by the Reformed preterists into the Universalist camp.   Certainly, the most vocal and visible -- if not fastest growing -- group of full preterists are the Universalists... whereas the Calvinist influence and numbers appear to be diminishing.

So just as Apostolic / Pentecostal Full Preterism accepts the message of complete fulfillment in that generation up to a point (stopping short of the apostolical gifts), Limited Atonement Full Preterism accepts the message of absolute consummation of all things in AD70 up to a point (stopping short of the effects of Adam's fall).  I don't begrudge them their right to do it.. I completely understand and would expect nothing else ; however, so far as consistency goes, they are challenged in my opinion.  My point being that in order to truly judge full preterism, it must be done using the most consistent approach.
 

HOW FULL PRETERISM FAILS THE INDIVIDUAL

 In spite of this critical look at the trends within Full Preterism and Covenant Eschatology to Universalism, theology is not the motivational factor in this article's call for a much closer re-evaluation of the consequences of looking to history for ultimate prophetic consummation.  Having been a church pastor, and recognizing how much responsibility lies in the role of protecting a flock, it is the horrendous consequences of this theology upon the hearts and spiritual lives of listeners which is of primary and most urgent concern.

For those who wonder why more people do not embrace full preterism, perhaps the best answer lies in this systems inherent coldness.   Not only doesn't that theology reach within the hearts of people, it doesn't even try.   Though those in positions of leadership may tend to think that convincing the minds of people is the critical part of their work, no amount of head knowledge can cover for heart or soul suffering.   The dramatic turnover in full preterism has been particularly noticeable over the last 10 years, and the inability of the mind to satisfy the soul is what I think leads most people to seek better answers -- or, rather, to embrace any eschatology, so long as the more important aspects of that theology are able to minister deep within to the very real tensions and tears that are experienced today.

This appeal is meant to be a recommendation to the authors and teachers within the movement , to search within and see if the head certainty that full preterism provides sufficiently provides the peace and rest that are promised for God's people.  

FORSAKING THE INDIVIDUAL FOR THE CORPORATE & THE NOW FOR THE THEN

The most common complaint against the full preterist view is its inability to answer the "what now?" questions... but there is a concern that runs much deeper.  By identifying  the corporate "consummation of the ages" as having been settled for all time in AD70, the individual believers' "transition period" is removed from today, being made a first century reality alone.  This error neglects the importance of the "glory to glory" process at work in the life of the believer, (as they pass from old to new within themselves) and chooses rather to accept that there is no sin, death, or devil to be contended with today.  In short, full preterist doctrine chooses the corporate over the individual, and this betrayal results in much suffering for those left grappling with the very real 'darkness to light' process within their lives.

By insisting that the devil, law, sin and death have been utterly destroyed for all in AD70, it leaves a sense of failure within those who find themselves still very much under the chains of law and sin in their own lives.   Though many teachers may think that a proper doctrinal explanation of the victory we have in Christ should be sufficient to overcome this internal crisis, it is not nearly so effective; in fact, when your heart is suffering, the last thing that is needed is a pep talk or a mind game.   No amount of head knowledge can heal soul suffering... rather, it makes the pain even more acute, and the situation seem even  more hopeless.

This plight has been the reality for countless simple students, who don't have the luxury of the self-certainty displayed by many of the professional authors and teachers.   And what is striking is that even as many of those in leadership positions in the past have dropped out as a result of their own inability to find rest and peace within the full preterist framework, the fundamental problem is left unaddressed.  

Dismissing the applicability of the tensions displayed in the New Testament, I believe, has a lot to do with the lack of warmth in FP systems.  By assuming the perfect has come once for all thousands of years ago -- with total completion of redemption -- we lose the message and results that come from the tension between old and new, and are only left with confusion as to why things aren't better than they are.  Consequently, some have left the faith altogether, believing that full preterism -- representing gospel truth -- exposes the failure of the gospel.   Clearly, this line of thought does not reflect a large percentage of those who have fallen away from the movement.   Nor is the dropout trend intended to be portrayed as inevitable.   There are those in every movement, such as the true believers in the last days of Jerusalem, that will never turn from their certainty in the cause, no matter how much struggle is happening within them, or how many people are suffering around them.

It is my sincere message to any "true believer" full preterists who are in crisis personally, to consider that there is an explanation within the context of fulfilled eschatology that will comfort the heart, while providing understanding for the tensions of your circumstance.  
 

FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL HERE AND THE CORPORATE THERE

Part of this answer is recognizing that what is accomplished corporately in the spiritual realm plays itself out in the process of time.   Like the work of the cross of Christ, what is a corporate reality in the eternal state must be applied to each individually in time.   We would not say that we received the benefit of the shed blood in AD30, not having yet been born (or born again), even though Christ died in that historical day.   Rather, we would tend to see that corporate fulfillment dispensed to each sinner saved this day and beyond.  The redemption purchased for the entire Body of Christ is given when you "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead -- then thou shalt be saved."   Likewise, focusing solely on a corporate consummation in AD70, placing it as settled for all time in the natural realm, without individual application today, denies the "transition period" within the individual, and the importance of the "glory to glory" process at work in the life of the convert today.

If we can contemplate what the personal imagery of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ means, besides just one man coming back to life (as had been done before), then we begin to see what spiritual reality that event signified, and how it all points straight into the deepest part of our hearts.  Approaching the cross of Christ from a purely natural mindset, however, cannot help but yield a lower view of just what was accomplished then.

Likewise, the fall of natural Israel in AD70, which has been given as an banner to bespeak the same reality -- only this time using national imagery -- should be approached with the same view towards internal realities.  For a closer examination of this concept, read about Jerusalem as a picture of the Heart. 

EXTERNALIZING VS INTERNALIZING SCRIPTURE

Another consequence of embracing the view of a consummation of the ages as a past event in history is that felt within the heart of the individual.   By removing that prophetic imagery which speaks of our walk in Christ into the very distant past, we are left looking outward for revelation, as opposed to inward.   The lessons of the Word which are meant for today, are limited to time and place, and restricted to the past.

The Word of God is indeed written TO us.. a