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John MacArthur “Most would agree there is a degree of symbolism in Matthew 24:29. Almost no one expects the stars to fall to earth literally. It’s possible, too, that the sun might not be extinguished literally; rather, the sun’s light could simply be partly or totally obscured from the earth…So I agree that wooden literalism is not necessary to get the right sense of Jesus’ words.” "The hyper-preterist error is exactly like that of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who “strayed from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past . . .they overthrow the faith of some” (2 Tim. 2:18). The apostle Paul was not reluctant to speak plainly about the seriousness of such soul-destroying error. Nor should we be hesitant to point out the dangers posted by such a serious departure from biblical truth. It is, after all, heresy of the worst stripe to deny the bodily return of Christ, and this particular brand of that heresy is currently overthrowing the faith of many." (quoted by Dennis Swanson, Reformation or Retrogression?) "Worse, far too many Christians actually
do break fellowship with other Christians who differ with them on speculative and secondary eschatological issues. But our humility as we approach such mysterious eschatological matters ought to be accompanied by charity for others whose perspectives are different."
(The Significance of AD70) “Most would agree there is a degree of symbolism in Matthew 24:29. Almost no one expects the stars to fall to earth literally. It’s possible, too, that the sun might not be extinguished literally; rather, the sun’s light could simply be partly or totally obscured from the earth…So I agree that wooden literalism is not necessary to get the right sense of Jesus’ words.” (End Times Controversy, Ibid., p 112) "Herod the Great, one of Esau's descendants, tried to kill Jesus shortly after He was born. The Edomites were eventually wiped out during the conquest and destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in A.D. 70. Their extinction fulfilled Obadiah's longstanding prophecies that they would be "cut off forever" (verse 10/ and that "no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau (verse 18)." (Quick Reference to the Bible, p. 143) (On Deuteronomy 28:68) (On
Eschatology)
"The apostle Paul seemed to have a theology very much like modern hyper-preterism in mind when he penned that verse." "Since they already deny so many cardinal doctrines of Christianity, it is no wonder that hyper-preterists are often seen slipping even further into unorthodox ideas. To give one example, Ward Fenley (arguably hyper-preterism's most influential author) claims that Christ actually became a sinner on the cross." Quoting Fenley : "He was not made sin while He lived His life. Yet upon the cross He became every terrible and unholy thing we ever committed...." "Walt Hibbard, founder of the mail-order Christian book service Great Christian Books (GCB), also embraced hyper-preterism and was aggressively peddling hyper-preterist literature in the front pages of his book catalogs before GCB went out of busines in early 1999." "One of the works Hibbard was promoting most vigorously is hyper-preterism's main manifesto, Ward Fenley's 'The Second Coming of Jesus Christ Already Happened (Sacramento: Kingdom of Sovereign Grace, 1997)." "Several large hyper-preterist Web sites are now promoting the view via the Internet....." "Real salvation is not only justification. It cannot be isolated from regeneration, sanctification and, ultimately, glorification. Salvation is an ongoing process as much as it is a past event. It is the work of God through which we are "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29, cf. Romans 13:11). Genuine assurance comes from seeing the Holy Spirit’s transforming work in one’s life, not from clinging to the memory of some experience." (The Gospel According to Jesus, p. 23). "This view is known as "preterism." But it is a serious error. The preterist interpreter has to read into these passages allegorical meanings that don't fit normal exegetical study methods." (MacArthur's Quick Reference Guide To The Bible, p. 181)
What do YOU think ? Date: 18 Sep 2003 Time: 05:22:06 CommentsI respect Dr. M as a gifted teacher in a lot of areas, but his views with regard to the church and Israel, Dispensationalism and now this (his comments about preterists), has finally made me relize that Dr. M in a lot of areas DOES NOT FAITHFULLY DO HIS HOMEWORK. He is misrepresenting preterists at almost every "period". If his view is so biblical, why does he need to lie about what preterists believe. Either he is lying, or he is completely ignorant of what they actually believe, and should probably remember "let not many of you be teachers.... JD Date: 30 Sep 2003 Time: 19:22:21 CommentsI used to be a listener of John MacArthur when I was a new Christian starting in 1983. From 1990 to 1993, I studied the claims of realized eschatology causing me to see the scripture and its meaning in a new vibrant light The more I studied, the more I came to question some of the teachings of John MacArthur. I now no longer listen to him as I believe a futurist eschatology is not in keeping with biblical truth. Jim Nicolosi Knoxville, TN Date: 17 Oct 2003 Time: 13:23:55 CommentsI really am glad for the teachings of John MacArthur. But seriously, if in truth his claims are correct, of which I am researching myself, then there is a distinct possibility that those teachings are outside the pale of Christian othodoxy. Because I do not believe that the Bible refers to a "secret second coming". Everyone will know because the day of judgment will be at hand. If what he says is not true then I'm sure he will rectify his mistake because he has a history of writing contractions if he has found himself to be in the wrong doctrinally. If preterism is not outside the pale of othodoxy then there really is no need to bash each other because eschatology is really a peripheral issue in Christianity, one that we can "vigorously debate over but not divide over". In other words, let's not major on the minors. I think that instead of secretly writing things against him, why don't the proponents of this view go to him and dialogue? There needs to be communication if the truth is seriously being sought after. ALM Date: 22 Oct 2003 Time: 12:18:29 CommentsAlso hat Gott die an Welt geliebt, daB er seinen eingeborenSohn gab, gab, auf daB alle, die an ihn glauben, nicht verloren werden, sondern das ewige Leben haben. Date: 01 Jan 2004 Time: 07:46:31 CommentsJohn MacArthur adds much to the study of the Word of God. He is undoubtedlty a leader in modern theological study. Growing up Catholic gave me an appreciation for the facts (IN) life. There are those things that will not vary. Finding all of them is not certain, that they exist is. The Gospel in it's very simplest form and basic light is understood by children. Adults simply confuse the obvious with intellect/pride. In the timeline of eternity we are but a single dot. If that perspective be remembered, few big issues are worth a discussion. Jesus died for you and me. You must know Him personally. Study His word to know Him better. Knowing His word is not knowing Him. The more complicated the message the more who will miss it. Tim Schmitz Date: 14 Jan 2004 Time: 10:49:59 CommentsI have been a christian for many years and have not even heard of preterism until today. I have been studying the bible for a long time and have always understood that the bible taught Christ's return in the future. This is my hope and, I'm sure, the hope of all believers. If christ already returned where does that leave us. What are we hoping for? We know satan will try his best to steer us away from the truth and it looks to me like this is another false teaching (among many) designed to mislead. I have great respect for Dr. John MacArthur and his desire that we put our trust in the Word of God and not in the teachings of men. Date: 14 Jan 2004 Time: 17:12:17 CommentsI have great respect for John M,but,Futurism, if followed through overthrows the Gospel itself. Christ was about to become a high pries(Heb.9:11) In yet a little while,He will come, will not delay (Heb.10:37) With the dissapearing of the old coven- ant(Heb.8:13) which included the old tabernacle(Heb 9:8),His appearing out of the Holy Places tookplace and He became our"High Priest". To postpone this e- vent renders us without a high priest. The fault of the futurist is: ignorance--misunderstanding--and inconsistancy, nevertheless, postponement of this event is a serious error---not only what it in evitably creates, thatis-enemies of the Church-lib- erals-atheist-wrongful foreign polcy with Israel Without a doubt, it is high time to awake from the destructive slumber of futurism. God is always re- forming His church. May He reform us in our escha- tology so that we will defeat the liberals within and refute the atheist without,therefore, reigning and ruling with Christ in building up His kingdom here on earth. tony@transformationthisgeneration. com. Date: 07 Feb 2004 Time: 18:53:57 CommentsI would like someone to explain preterism better, since JM supposedly sees it so wrongly. If he is wrong about it, then please explain where. It seems to me that preterism is just another idea like the Sadduces of Jesus' time held. They rejected the idea of a bodily ressurection and Christ rebuked them for it, how are the modern day preterists any different? I do not respect and love JM because of who he is, but because of what he preaches. If he were to begin preaching false doctrine I would be the first to rebuke him about it, but I don't think that attacking the person makes the message any more wrong or right. Let's go for the jugular vein of the discussion at hand and see what is being said about it, not who is saying it. So once again I challenge anyone to show me where his view of preterism is wrong, and I will be glad to listen as a brother in Christ. We are here for each other's edification, not debate. If we can come to a clearer understanding of eschatology and have more hope in GOD because of it, then it is worth the work. Keep your minds centered on Christ, He is the only One we should delight in for our everlasting joy! Travis: schm8150@lbc.edu Date: 02 Mar 2004 Time: 19:01:36 CommentsThis entire web site is full of treatments on preterism. I am not in a position to make a full arguement as I am learning much of this myself. However, the basic understanding of preterism gained by looking over sites like this one and reading a few books on the subject provide at least enough information to belittle the sophomoric treatment given it by JM. If you have not read that book yet, and you are interested in his opinions, then read it. In my opinion, it is poorly written, he imports preconceived notions and doctrine when he needs them in one area, makes assumptions in another and declares other things as "obvious" or "clear" without giving a very scholarly treatment of them. Now then, I have much respect for JM in many things. I lived across the street from Masters and spent alot of time with JM and other Master's profs and students. I am very familiar with him and his ministry. I appreciate his work for the most part. However, this book is more of a timely basic treatment for his loyal readers than it is a scholarly work worthy of much weight in the debate. Date: 08 Mar 2004 Time: 20:09:48 CommentsPlease explain Acts 6:8-15 Date: 10 May 2004 Time: 09:52:37 CommentsJohn MacArthur is a courageous stalwart and defender of the TRUTH of God's Word. I can only pray that many more like him will be multiplied for ages to come, should Christ tarry in His return. Thanks, Pastor MacArthur, for standing for God and His word!!!! a pastor in indiana.... Date: 31 May 2004 Time: 14:44:18 CommentsALL PRAISE BE TO GOD, THE LORD OF THE WORLDS! YA'BAHA! Date: 16 Aug 2004 Time: 07:36:38 CommentsHi, My name is James Ong. I am from Singapore. I have read several sermons of John F. MacArthur, Jr. They are very good, with many verses, supporting his arguments or points made. I hope to continue reading his sermons and that they will be continually posted on the Internet. My thanks to God for leading me to his sermons. Best regards, James Ong 16 August 2004 Date: 16 Dec 2004 Time: 21:07:15 CommentsWhere is the grace to you??????? DENNIS SWANNER Date: 17 Dec 2004 Time: 15:37:20 CommentsMacArthur ought to be commended for his work with "Lordship" salvation and the rebuttal of the modern seeker sensitive church. However, I believe he has seriously failed to research what he is talking in regard to eschatological views. mike Date: 28 Dec 2004 Time: 21:56:55 CommentsIt never ceases to amaze me how just about everybody I ever read who criticize Preterism never deal with the numerous, manifestly clear time statements in Scripture regarding the time of The Lord's second coming. It's clear! Jesus and His disciples ALL taught the second coming as being within their time frame! Instead all these critics of Preterism deal in name-calling, threats, etc., rather than the issue. The more they do this, the more they prove Preterist are correct and they are just barking at the truth! Date: 01 Sep 2005 Date: 08 Jan 2006 Date: 19 Feb 2006 Date: 07 Jun 2007 Date: 16 Aug 2007 Date: 17 Dec 2007 Date: 24 Mar 2009 Date: 30 Mar 2009 Date: 13 May 2009 Date: 29 Jun 2009 Date: 12 Jan 2010 Date: 18 Dec 2009 Date: 04 Sep 2010 |
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