The Significance of Jesus’ Return in 70 AD: Fulfilling the Father’s Mission
Full Preterism is a theological viewpoint that asserts that many of the prophecies regarding the second coming of Jesus were fulfilled in the first century AD, specifically in 70 AD with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. This perspective interprets Jesus’ return as a crucial event that served to fulfill a divine mission entrusted to Him by the Father. In this article, we will explore why full preterists believe that Jesus had to return in 70 AD and provide scriptural references from the Bible to connect Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment.
The Father’s Mission for Jesus
According to full Preterism, Jesus had a mission from the Father that needed to be accomplished within a specific timeframe. This mission encompassed various aspects, including the establishment of the New Covenant, the judgment of Israel, and the vindication of the faithful. Let’s delve into these aspects and support them with relevant scriptural passages.
1. Establishment of the New Covenant
– Old Testament Connection: Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretells the coming of a New Covenant.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”
– Fulfillment in Jesus: In Matthew 26:28, during the Last Supper, Jesus declares the inauguration of this New Covenant.
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
2. Judgment of Israel
– Old Testament Connection: The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies of judgment against Israel for its disobedience. For example, Ezekiel 5:8-9 speaks of God’s judgment.
“Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.”
– Fulfillment in Jesus: In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.
“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 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.”
3. Vindication of the Faithful
– Old Testament Connection: The Old Testament contains promises of God’s deliverance and vindication of the faithful. Psalm 37:28 is one such example.
“For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”
– Fulfillment in Jesus: In Luke 21:28, Jesus encourages His disciples to look for their redemption during the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem.
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
Conclusion
Full preterists believe that Jesus had to return in 70 AD to fulfill the Father’s mission, which included establishing the New Covenant, executing judgment upon Israel, and vindicating the faithful. They draw connections between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament events to support their interpretation. It is important to note that this perspective is a minority viewpoint within Christian theology, and interpretations of eschatological events vary widely among different Christian denominations and scholars.