The topic of the end times has fascinated and confused believers for generations. Many of us grew up hearing sermons about the Rapture, the Antichrist, and a coming global disaster. We saw charts, timelines, and countdowns that sparked both curiosity and concern. However, as we’ve grown in faith and study, many of us have started to ask deeper questions. Could there be another way to understand all of this? Through careful endtimes research, we’re beginning to see that some teachings may have been shaped more by tradition than by Scripture itself.
That’s why this guide matters. We’re not here to mock or dismiss what we’ve heard before. Instead, we want to approach this with humility and curiosity. We believe the Bible holds real answers, and it invites us to look closely. As we engage in endtimes research, we’ll compare views, examine the timing of key prophecies, and ask an important question: The end of what, exactly?
Although we often hear people ask, “What is the endtimes?”—a better question might be, “What are the endtimes?” because the Bible presents it as a series of covenantal events rather than just one final moment.
This brings us to a view called partial preterism. It’s not a fringe idea or a heretical twist. Rather, it’s a biblical framework that sees many “endtimes” events as already fulfilled—especially in the first century. That might sound surprising at first. However, once we see it in context, it begins to make a lot of sense. So let’s take a fresh look together.
Defining Terms: What Do We Mean by “End times”?
When we talk about the endtimes, it’s easy to picture global disasters, wars, and a final countdown to the world’s destruction. That’s what many of us grew up hearing—earthquakes, plagues, and chaos across the globe. However, when we look closely at the Bible, we begin to see something different. The language of “last days” and “the end of the age” doesn’t always point to the end of the physical world.
Instead, these phrases often refer to the end of a covenant age. Specifically, they describe the closing chapter of the Old Covenant system—temple, sacrifices, and priesthood. This may sound surprising at first, but it helps many puzzling verses make sense. For example, why did Jesus say, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place”? Was He wrong, or are we misunderstanding the context?
That’s why defining our terms matters. If we assume “end times” always means the end of the world, we may miss the actual message. Instead of reading today’s headlines into prophecy, we should let Scripture interpret Scripture. Thankfully, when we take that approach, a clearer picture begins to form.
As we continue our endtimes research, we’ll stick close to the text and stay open to what it actually says. Understanding what the Bible means by “end times” is a key step to grasping the bigger story. So before we go further, let’s slow down and make sure we’re using the right lens.
How Dispensationalism Understands the End times
Before we can explore other views, it helps to understand what many of us were first taught. Dispensationalism is a popular approach to Bible prophecy that became widespread in the 1800s. It divides history into “dispensations,” or time periods, in which God relates to humanity in specific ways. When it comes to the endtimes, dispensationalism offers a detailed timeline that many believers still hold today.
Key Features of the Dispensational Endtimes Timeline
In dispensational thought, the next major event is the Rapture, when believers are suddenly taken up to heaven. After that comes a seven-year Tribulation filled with war, judgment, and the rise of the Antichrist. At the end of those seven years, Jesus returns visibly to earth to defeat evil and establish a 1,000-year Millennium—a literal reign from Jerusalem. Then comes the final judgment and the eternal state.
This view is often presented with colorful charts, timelines, and terms like “pre-trib,” “mid-trib,” or “post-trib.” Many of us saw these illustrations in study Bibles or prophecy conferences.
The Appeal of Dispensationalism
There are good reasons why this view spread quickly. First, it takes the Bible seriously and seeks to interpret prophecy literally. It also highlights God’s faithfulness to Israel and keeps the return of Christ front and center. For many, it provides hope and clarity about the future.
A Few Tensions to Consider
However, some aspects raise questions. For example, why did Jesus say certain things would happen “soon” or within “this generation”? Why have so many predictions based on this model failed to come true? Despite repeated efforts, no one has been able to pinpoint the timeline.
That’s why endtimes research is so important. We’re not attacking anyone’s faith. We’re simply asking honest questions. As we move forward, let’s keep comparing Scripture with Scripture and stay open to learning.
The Timing Texts: What Did Jesus Say?
When we study Bible prophecy, one of the most overlooked details is timing. While many of us were taught to look far into the future, Jesus and the apostles often pointed to events that were right around the corner. As we continue our endtimes research, it’s important to ask: When did they expect these things to happen?
If we read the Bible carefully, we begin to notice something surprising. Jesus and the writers of the New Testament used words like “soon,” “near,” and “this generation.” These words are plain and clear—but sometimes ignored or redefined. Let’s take a closer look at a few key passages.
Matthew 24:34 – “This Generation Will Not Pass Away”
Jesus had just finished describing wars, false prophets, and the destruction of the temple. Then He said something bold:
“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
Many try to stretch the meaning of generation, but the plain sense points to the people living at that time. This isn’t an obscure phrase—Jesus used it elsewhere to refer to His own audience.
Revelation 1:1, 3 – “Soon” and “The Time Is Near”
Right from the start of Revelation, we’re told the events are close at hand.
“The revelation of Jesus Christ… to show his servants what must soon take place.”
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud… for the time is near.”
These aren’t vague phrases. They suggest that the prophecy had meaning for the original readers. After all, why would God tell them something “soon” was coming… if it was actually 2,000 years away?
Hebrews 1:2 – “In These Last Days”
The writer of Hebrews begins by saying that God has spoken to us “in these last days by His Son.”
He didn’t say those last days. He said these. This shows that the New Testament writers believed they were living at the climax of something important.
1 Corinthians 10:11 – “Ends of the Ages”
Paul, writing to believers in Corinth, said:
“The end of the ages has come upon us.”
Clearly, he saw himself and his readers as living in a transition period. The old age was ending, and a new one had begun.
So… What Was Ending?
This brings us back to a central theme in endtimes research. Jesus and the apostles weren’t predicting the end of the world. They were pointing to the end of an age—specifically, the end of the Old Covenant system. When we let the timing texts speak for themselves, it helps make sense of everything else.
A Better Question: The End of What?
When we think about the end times, most of us picture the end of the physical world—stars falling, the planet burning, and final judgment. But what if that’s not what Jesus and the apostles had in mind? Through careful endtimes research, many believers are discovering a better question to ask: The end of what, exactly?
The End of an Age, Not the World
In the Bible, “the end” often refers to the end of an age, not the end of the universe. Specifically, Jesus spoke about the end of the Old Covenant age—a system built on temple worship, animal sacrifices, and a Levitical priesthood. This system was never meant to last forever. In fact, it was pointing forward to something better: Christ and His new covenant.
The Destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70
A key moment in history confirms this. In A.D. 70, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and burned the temple to the ground. This wasn’t just a tragic event—it marked the covenantal judgment Jesus had warned about. In Matthew 24, He described signs leading up to this destruction, saying, “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” He even told His disciples to watch for armies surrounding Jerusalem (Luke 21:20).
Prophecy Fulfilled in Their Generation
Jesus was not vague. He gave real, historical warnings. And just as He said, those signs were fulfilled within a generation. This wasn’t about the end of time—it was the end of a covenant era. God was closing the chapter on the old system, and beginning something new through Christ and His Church.
Why This Matters
This perspective helps us understand prophecy more clearly. It also strengthens our faith in Jesus’ words. After all, He did exactly what He said He would do. As we continue our endtimes research, we’ll see that the more we ask the right questions, the more the answers come into focus.
What Is Partial Preterism?
As we dig deeper into endtimes research, we come across a view that feels both unfamiliar and refreshingly biblical, partial preterism. Don’t let the word throw you off. “Preter” comes from a Latin word meaning past, and partial means some, but not all, prophecies have already been fulfilled. It’s not a denial of future hope. Instead, it’s a framework that brings clarity to Scripture and makes sense of timing.
What Partial Preterists Believe
Partial preterists believe many of the “end times” prophecies—especially those spoken by Jesus were fulfilled in the first century. The “coming” of Christ in Matthew 24 was not His final, physical return. Rather, it was a covenantal judgment on Jerusalem and the temple system. This judgment happened in A.D. 70 when Rome invaded and destroyed the city.
According to this view, the book of Revelation also deals primarily with events leading up to that same destruction. It speaks of conflict between Rome, apostate Israel, and the early Church, not a modern global apocalypse. While this might sound strange at first, it actually helps Scripture line up more naturally with history and timing.
Partial preterism also teaches that we are now living in the Church age. Christ is reigning spiritually from heaven. He is not waiting to reign—He reigns now. His kingdom is advancing, not retreating, and we are called to be active participants.
What It Still Affirms
Although partial preterists see much prophecy as fulfilled, we still hold tightly to core Christian beliefs. We affirm the future, physical return of Jesus. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment. We look forward to the renewal of creation, where righteousness dwells. In short, we share the same blessed hope—just with a different timeline.
Why It Matters
This view doesn’t water down prophecy—it enriches it. It allows us to trust Jesus’ words and see God’s plan unfolding through history. As we continue our endtimes research, partial preterism invites us to rethink what we’ve heard and re-read what’s written. It may just surprise us with how well it all fits together.
How This View Exalts Christ and Gives Hope
One of the best things about partial preterism is how it lifts up Jesus. His words came true—on time and as promised. He said certain things would happen in that generation, and they did. That means He wasn’t mistaken or delayed. Instead, He was faithful and clear. This matters deeply as we continue our endtimes research.
Because His prophecies were fulfilled, we can trust the rest of His promises too. Scripture holds up under close inspection. The early Church wasn’t confused or misled. They saw what Jesus said would happen, and they witnessed it in their own lifetime.
That changes how we live. We don’t have to wonder if we missed a sign or fear that judgment is just around the corner. Instead of bracing for doom, we can walk in the peace of a King who is already reigning. His kingdom is here and growing. That’s good news.
Even more, this view frees us from fear-driven watchfulness. We’re not scanning headlines for Antichrist sightings. We’re not counting blood moons. We’re focused on the mission Jesus gave us—loving others, spreading the Gospel, and living in hope.
This isn’t just a new way to view prophecy. It’s a renewed way to view our Savior. He reigns, He keeps His word, and He invites us to be part of His unfolding plan. That’s the kind of hope worth holding onto as we dig deeper into endtimes research.
Why This Matters Today
For many of us, the topic of the end times has been a source of confusion—or even fear. But when we take a fresh look through solid endtimes research, something wonderful happens. We begin to read the Bible with new clarity. Prophecies that once felt distant or confusing start to make sense. Scripture becomes more unified, not less.
This shift also brings peace. Instead of living in panic over current events, we gain confidence in what Christ has already accomplished. We don’t need to anxiously watch the news or try to decode every world crisis. While it’s wise to be aware, our focus doesn’t have to be on fear.
More importantly, this view encourages faithful living. Rather than looking for signs, we look for opportunities to serve, grow, and share the Gospel. We aren’t waiting around—we’re pressing forward in God’s Kingdom. Christ reigns now, and that gives our lives deep meaning and purpose.
Because many end times prophecies have already been fulfilled, we can rest in Christ’s completed work. Yet we still look forward with hope. His final return, the resurrection, and the renewal of all things are ahead. That’s the future we long for, not destruction, but restoration.
That’s why this matters. This isn’t just theology, it’s the truth that transforms how we live today. As we continue our endtimes research, let’s move forward with confidence, joy, and a renewed love for God’s Word. We have every reason to live with hope.
Closing Thoughts: An Invitation to Study Further
We know this view may raise new questions. That’s okay. In fact, it’s a good sign. Healthy questions often lead to stronger faith. Partial preterism challenges some long-held assumptions, but it also brings deep clarity and peace.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t a new idea. Partial preterism has roots in early church history and solid biblical interpretation. Many believers through the centuries have seen the same patterns in Scripture. This isn’t fringe, it’s faithful.
As we continue our endtimes research, let’s stay curious and grounded in God’s Word. The Bible invites us to re-read familiar passages with fresh eyes. What once seemed distant might have been nearer than we realized.
We encourage you to keep digging. Read the Gospels and notice how often Jesus speaks of judgment on that generation. Revisit Revelation and consider its connection to the first-century Church. Explore the Old Testament for covenant themes that help unlock prophecy.
Above all, keep your heart open. We don’t need to fear new understanding when it’s rooted in Scripture. Let’s walk this path together—with grace, patience, and a love for truth. The journey is just beginning.
If you’d like to ask a question, share your thoughts, or talk more about anything you’ve read here, I’d be glad to hear from you. Feel free to reach out through the contact page, I welcome honest, respectful conversation and a shared desire to grow in truth.