If Preterism Is True, What’s Left for Us?
End-times speculation seems to hold a particular fascination for American Evangelicals. They curiously find hope in an expected destruction of the planet and its replacement with a utopia in which even carnivorous animals will take up vegetarianism.
A common question from futurists, when they hear about the preterist view, is: “What’s left for us?” This question is phrased in different ways, such as “What are WE doing then?” or “Is this all there is?”
These questions show a surprising lack of understanding about biblical eschatology and theology. Just because all prophecy has been fulfilled doesn’t mean that the gospel is no longer pertinent. Revelation, for example, declares the gospel to have timeless and universal relevance (Revelation 5:9; 7:9; 10:11; 13:7; 14:6).
In fact, since all prophecy has been fulfilled, the gospel has even MORE relevance. Several passages in the New Testament declare that our salvation is only completed at the Second Coming. These passages include: Luke 21:28; Hebrews 9:28, and 1 Peter 1:9, 13. Do you appreciate the significance of this? If Christ’s Parousia has not already occurred, our salvation is in doubt! The good news of preterism is that Christ’s work of salvation is complete. For us today, the hope of the believer is assured.
Here’s a question for futurists: “What benefits do you expect to receive, that you don’t have now, at a supposed future bodily coming of Jesus?” The usual response is something like this: “To see Jesus face-to-face.” My response is: “But don’t you expect to see Jesus face-to-face in heaven WHEN YOU DIE? Why is it necessary for Jesus to return to earth?”
The Preterist view is a very optimistic one! We don’t have to fear Armageddon, a Great Tribulation, or a burning of the planet. We don’t have to worry that life will be eliminated for future generations who will never be born.
So, what’s left for us today? ANSWER: To preach the gospel with gusto and live our lives to the fullest! And receive the blessings of heaven immediately when we die.
*****
Here’s a helpful article by Robert Cruickshank:
https://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/eschatology/why-is-preterism-important.htm
Here’s a helpful article by Ward Fenley:
And check our my article on Restoration:
Also, se What Is the Gospel: