What is Full Preterism and Dispensationalism?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s clarify what these two perspectives entail:
Full Preterism: As a believer, you might be aware of Full Preterism’s core idea – the belief that the Bible’s prophecies, particularly those regarding the end times, were fulfilled in the past. This view sees the return of Christ as having already occurred in AD 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Old Covenant came to an end. The New Covenant, as preached by Jesus and the apostles, is now fully established.
Dispensationalism: In contrast, Dispensationalism is a widely recognized eschatological framework that asserts a future, literal fulfillment of many end-time prophecies. It separates God’s plan for Israel and the Church into distinct dispensations and envisions a series of future events, including a pre-tribulation rapture, seven-year tribulation period, and a final battle of Armageddon.
The Authority of Scripture: A Key Difference
One of the foundational differences between Full Preterism and Dispensationalism is their interpretation of Scripture. As a believer in Christ, you may appreciate the importance of grounding our faith in the Word of God.
Full Preterism holds a strong position in this regard, emphasizing that the Bible, must be taken seriously and understood in its historical and contextual context. Full Preterists argue that a straightforward reading of Scripture leads to the conclusion that the majority of end-time prophecies were indeed fulfilled in the past.
Fulfillment of Prophecies: The Crux of the Matter
Now, let’s focus on a critical aspect of eschatology – the fulfillment of prophecies. Full Preterism asserts that the prophetic events mentioned in the Bible, including the return of Christ, were fulfilled in the first century. They point to passages such as Matthew 24 and Revelation to support their view. For instance, Matthew 24:34 (KJV) states, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Full Preterists interpret this as a clear indicator that the events in question were imminent for the first-century audience.
In contrast, Dispensationalism foresees a future fulfillment of these prophecies, often incorporating a complex timeline of events. However, this approach can lead to uncertainty, as it requires a substantial amount of speculation and leaves room for multiple interpretations.
The Immediacy of the Kingdom
A key belief in Full Preterism is the realization of the Kingdom of God in the first century, as exemplified by the establishment of the New Covenant. As a believer, you might appreciate the idea that the Kingdom is not a distant, future event but something that we can experience in our lives here and now. Luke 17:21 (KJV) emphasizes this point, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Return of Christ
The most significant difference between these two perspectives is the timing of Christ’s return. Full Preterism maintains that Christ returned spiritually in AD 70, ushering in the consummation of the ages. They argue that this view aligns with the words of Jesus in Revelation 22:12 (KJV), “And, behold, I come quickly.”
On the other hand, Dispensationalism anticipates a future, physical return of Christ. While both views express a longing for the return of our Lord, Full Preterism’s perspective argues that it happened historically, making it a profoundly compelling choice for some believers.
Final Thoughts
In your quest for clarity, simplicity, and a profound connection to the Word of God, Full Preterism offers a unique perspective. By grounding itself in a literal interpretation of the Bible and emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies in the first century, Full Preterism provides a compelling alternative to Dispensationalism.
As a believer in Christ, you can take solace in the fact that God’s Word is unchanging, and your faith is built upon a solid foundation. The choice between Full Preterism and Dispensationalism ultimately comes down to your understanding of Scripture and your interpretation of the prophecies contained within. In your journey of faith, may you continue to seek truth, love, and a deeper connection with the Word of God.