The Fulfillment of the Second Coming: 70 AD and the Destruction of the Temple
In the realm of Christian eschatology, the concept of the Second Coming has been a subject of profound interest and interpretation. Many believers have studied the scriptures, seeking to understand when and how this monumental event would occur. Among them, those who align with the Full Preterist New Covenant Creation viewpoint have a unique perspective on the Second Coming. They propose that the long-anticipated return of Christ already took place in 70 AD during the Jewish-Roman War. In this article, we will explore this viewpoint with the goal of providing a clear and concise understanding, backed by verses from the Bible.
The Second Coming in 70 AD
For believers who embrace the Full Preterist perspective, the events of 70 AD represent the fulfillment of the Second Coming as described by the Apostles. This interpretation is rooted in the belief that all the prophecies related to the end times, including the return of Christ, were fulfilled during this historical period. The key event that supports this view is the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
**Matthew 24:2 (KJV) -** “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
This verse is often cited to support the idea that the Temple’s destruction was a significant aspect of Christ’s prophecy regarding the end times. According to Full Preterists, this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman armies, led by Titus, laid waste to Jerusalem and its sacred edifice.
No Temple, No Sacrifices, No Law
One of the central tenets of the Full Preterist viewpoint is the assertion that the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD marked the end of the Mosaic Covenant. This event, they argue, signified the fulfillment of Christ’s work and the inauguration of the New Covenant.
**Hebrews 9:26 (KJV) -** “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
Full Preterists believe that the sacrifice of Christ was the ultimate atonement for sins, making the Old Testament system of animal sacrifices obsolete. The destruction of the Temple was a symbolic representation of the cessation of those sacrifices and the Law, as the New Covenant took precedence.
**Hebrews 8:13 (KJV) -** “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
This verse from Hebrews underscores the idea that the Old Covenant was ready to “vanish away,” signifying a transition to the New Covenant. Full Preterists argue that the events of 70 AD marked the fulfillment of this transition, making the law obsolete.
It is Finished
In conclusion, the Full Preterist perspective presents a unique interpretation of the Second Coming of Christ, asserting that it occurred in 70 AD during the Jewish-Roman War when the Temple was destroyed. According to this viewpoint, the destruction of the Temple signified the culmination of Christ’s work and the fulfillment of numerous prophecies. The absence of the Temple, sacrifices, and the Old Law, they contend, signifies that Christ’s redemptive work is complete.
**John 19:30 (KJV) -** “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost.”
This verse from the Gospel of John is often cited as an affirmation of the finished work of Christ. Full Preterists argue that 70 AD marked the ultimate culmination of His redemptive work.
While the Full Preterist viewpoint may not be the consensus within the broader Christian community, it offers a distinct perspective on the Second Coming that is firmly rooted in the Bible. Believers who subscribe to this view emphasize that understanding these historical events is essential in appreciating the completeness of Christ’s redemptive work.