Christians have long debated how to understand biblical prophecy and the “end times.” Some believers hold to futurism, which expects most prophecies to be fulfilled in our future. Others embrace what is called partial preterism, a view that sees many prophecies as already fulfilled in the first century.
In this article, we’ll explore the core partial preterism beliefs. These include the idea that the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. was a key moment of Christ’s coming in judgment, that much of the book of Revelation describes events close to its original readers, and that the “end of the age” refers to the close of the Old Covenant rather than the end of the world.
So, what is partial preterism and why does it matter? Understanding this perspective helps us see how fulfilled prophecy strengthens faith and how God’s plan in history points to Christ.
Most Prophecies Were Fulfilled in the First Century
When we read prophecy, timing matters. Jesus gave us clear time markers, often called “time texts,” that help us understand His words. In Matthew 24:34, He said, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” That is a bold statement, and it cannot be ignored.
According to the preterist interpretation of Matthew 24, these prophecies were not describing events thousands of years later. Instead, they were directed to the people who first heard them. Luke 21:20–22 makes this even clearer: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near… for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.”
The partial preterist view takes these passages seriously. It teaches that most end-time prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, particularly in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Therefore, fulfilled prophecy is not only about the distant future. It shows us that God keeps His word on time and in history. This perspective strengthens our trust in Scripture and helps us see the Bible’s message as deeply relevant today.
The “Coming” of Christ in Judgment Happened in 70 A.D.
Jesus often spoke of His “coming” in language that pointed to judgment. In Matthew 24:30, He said, “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Many Christians assume this refers to His final return. However, the partial preterist view of Christ’s coming explains this passage differently.
Revelation 1:7 adds, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” According to this perspective, the verse points directly to Jerusalem’s judgment. Roman armies were the instrument of Christ’s coming in A.D. 70.
So, what do partial preterists believe about 70 A.D.? They see it as the fulfillment of Christ’s warnings. It was not His second coming in glory, but it was a real display of His authority.
Does partial preterism deny the second coming?
No, it does not. Partial preterists still affirm the future, visible return of Christ and the final resurrection. They simply recognize that some comings happened in history, just as Jesus promised.
The Book of Revelation Mostly Speaks of First-Century Events
When John wrote the book of Revelation, he began with strong words about timing. Revelation 1:1 says these events “must soon take place.” Revelation 1:3 adds, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy… for the time is near.” Those words, “soon” and “near,” are impossible to stretch into thousands of years.
According to the preterist interpretation of Revelation, John was preparing first-century believers for events that were about to unfold in their lifetime. Persecution was real, and the destruction of Jerusalem was approaching. The visions gave encouragement and assurance that Christ was in control.
So, what do partial preterism beliefs about Revelation look like? They emphasize that most of the visions were tied to the first century, not distant future generations. The judgments, beasts, and symbols pointed to Rome, Jerusalem, and the early church struggle.
Does partial preterism deny the second coming?
Not at all. Partial preterists still affirm that Christ will return visibly and finally. Revelation’s early chapters deal with near events, while the last chapters point us to ultimate hope in Christ.
Daniel’s Prophecies Were Fulfilled with the Coming of Christ and the Destruction of the Temple
Daniel’s prophecies give us a powerful picture of God’s plan. In Daniel 2:44 we read, “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.” This kingdom is not waiting for some distant future age. Instead, it was established with the coming of Christ.
Later, Daniel 9:26–27 speaks of the Messiah being “cut off” and the destruction that follows. We see this fulfilled in Jesus’ death and in the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The preterist view of Daniel’s prophecies helps us connect these events together. Christ’s death brought the New Covenant, and the temple’s destruction marked the end of the Old.
Here we can notice the difference between preterism vs futurism. Futurism pushes most of Daniel’s visions into our future. Preterism sees them fulfilled in Christ’s first coming and in history already past.
This perspective encourages us because it shows God’s promises do not fail. The kingdom Daniel described is already here, and we live under Christ’s reign today.
The End of the Old Covenant, Not the End of the World
When the disciples asked Jesus about the “end of the age” in Matthew 24:3, they were not thinking about the planet’s destruction. Instead, they were asking about the end of the Old Covenant system centered on the temple in Jerusalem. This makes a big difference in how we read prophecy.
Hebrews 8:13 helps us see it clearly: “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” The Old Covenant age was fading, and the New Covenant in Christ was taking its place.
So, what do partial preterists mean by ‘end of the age’? According to partial preterism beliefs about the end of the age, it refers to the close of the Old Covenant, not the end of the physical world.
This perspective keeps prophecy rooted in history. It also helps us avoid confusion when reading Jesus’ words. He was not predicting the world’s collapse, but the passing away of a covenant system that had served its purpose.
The Kingdom of God Was Established at Christ’s First Coming
When Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God, He made it clear that it was not something far off. In Luke 17:20–21, He said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed… for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” That statement shows us the kingdom was already present during His ministry.
Paul confirmed this truth in Colossians 1:13: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Notice the past tense. Believers were already citizens of Christ’s kingdom in the first century.
The partial preterist view of the kingdom of God emphasizes that it began with Christ’s first coming. It is not waiting for a future millennium or political system. Instead, it is a spiritual reality here and now.
This perspective gives us hope. Because Christ reigns today, we can live with confidence, knowing His kingdom is advancing through the gospel. The kingdom is real, active, and growing until He returns in glory.
The “Man of Sin” and “Antichrist” Are Past Events
Paul warned the Thessalonians about a coming rebellion. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, he spoke of the “man of sin” who would exalt himself above God and take his seat in God’s temple. John also wrote in 1 John 2:18, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.” Both writers spoke with urgency, pointing to threats in their own time.
The partial preterist view of the antichrist understands these warnings as fulfilled in the early church era. The “man of sin” described by Paul fits the corruption and opposition the church faced in the first century. Likewise, John said antichrists were already active, troubling the believers he wrote to.
This perspective does not deny evil leaders or false teachers today. Instead, it recognizes that Paul and John’s prophecies were already unfolding in their generation.
Therefore, when we hear about antichrists, we should not look only to the future. We should see how prophecy was fulfilled in the past, and we should stay alert in our own time as well.
The Great Tribulation Has Already Happened
When Jesus described the coming tribulation, His words were striking. In Matthew 24:21, He said, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.” That level of devastation points us to a unique event in history.
Luke 21:23–24 explains further. Jesus warned of distress in the land and wrath against the people. He added that they would fall by the sword and be led captive among the nations. These details clearly describe the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
According to partial preterism and the great tribulation, this prophecy was fulfilled in that generation. It was not a seven-year period waiting in our future, but a specific historical judgment on Israel.
This perspective helps us take Jesus’ words seriously. He promised judgment would come upon that generation, and history confirms it happened. Because He kept His word then, we can trust His promises for the future.
The Church Is the New Covenant People of God
One of the most important truths in the New Testament is the new identity of God’s people. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:29, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” That statement includes every believer, Jew or Gentile.
In Romans 2:28–29, Paul added, “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly… but a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart.” The focus shifted from physical descent to spiritual faith.
The preterist view of the church highlights this transition. Israel under the Old Covenant was God’s chosen people, but in Christ, the church became the true covenant community. The promises did not fail; they were fulfilled and expanded through Jesus.
This truth is encouraging. We are God’s people, not by heritage, but by faith. We belong to His covenant family. Because of that, we share in His promises today and look forward to their complete fulfillment in Christ.
The Final Resurrection and Second Coming Are Still Future
While many prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, some remain future. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:52, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” This points to a future resurrection of all believers.
Acts 1:11 adds to this hope. The angels told the disciples, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” That promise cannot be explained as past judgment. It refers to a future, visible return of Christ.
Revelation 20:11–15 also describes a final judgment before the great white throne. These passages remind us that history is moving toward a climactic end when Christ returns in glory.
Here is where the difference between full preterism and partial preterism becomes clear. Full preterism teaches that all prophecy, including the resurrection and second coming, has already been fulfilled. Partial preterism, however, strongly rejects that view.
Does partial preterism believe in the second coming?
Yes, it does. Partial preterists affirm the future resurrection, final judgment, and the visible return of Christ. We believe these promises remain ahead of us. Because He kept His word in the past, we can trust Him to fulfill these final promises.
The Gospel Age Is the Reign of Christ
After His resurrection, Jesus declared in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That statement shows us His reign began at His first coming, not some distant point in the future.
Revelation 20:4 adds to this picture: “Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed.” This vision points to believers sharing in Christ’s reign during the present age. It is not a political kingdom, but a spiritual one expressed through the church’s witness.
According to partial preterism beliefs about the millennium, this passage describes the gospel age we are living in now. Christ is reigning from heaven, and His people reign with Him as they spread the gospel and live under His authority.
This perspective gives us confidence. Because Christ already reigns, the mission He gave us, to make disciples of all nations, will succeed. His kingdom continues to grow, even in the face of opposition, until He returns to complete His work.
The Destruction of Jerusalem Was the Vindication of Jesus – 200 words
Before His death, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:37–38 He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate.” These words were a warning of judgment, but also a declaration of His authority.
Hebrews 10:9–10 explains the shift clearly: “He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” The Old Covenant was passing away, and Christ was establishing the New.
The preterist interpretation of Jerusalem’s destruction sees the fall of the city in A.D. 70 as proof that Jesus’ words were true. The ruined temple stood as visible confirmation that the old system was finished and that Christ’s sacrifice was enough.
This perspective strengthens our faith. Because the Lord’s prophecy came to pass, we can trust His promises that still remain. His authority is sure, and His word never fails.
Fulfilled Prophecy Strengthens Faith
One of the greatest blessings of prophecy is the encouragement it gives us when we see it fulfilled. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:29, “And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.” His words show us that prophecy is not meant to create fear. Instead, it is designed to build confidence in God’s Word.
When we look at history and see how Christ’s predictions came true, our faith grows stronger. We realize the Lord is faithful to every promise. This is why fulfilled prophecy strengthens faith. It confirms that God is in control, and nothing catches Him by surprise.
Therefore, we can trust Him with both our present challenges and our future hope. If His Word was true in the past, it will remain true forever.
History Has Meaning and Direction
Many people look at history and see only chaos. Wars, disasters, and suffering seem random. Yet Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:10 that God is working toward a goal: “as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
This verse assures us that history is not meaningless. Everything is moving toward Christ. According to God’s plan in history partial preterism, fulfilled prophecy shows that God’s hand has always guided events. The destruction of Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel, and the growth of the church were not accidents. They were part of God’s unfolding purpose.
Because of this, we can live with hope. Even when life seems uncertain, we know history is heading toward Christ’s reign. God’s plan is steady, and His promises will never fail.
Closing Thoughts Partial Preterism Beliefs
As we have seen, partial preterism beliefs remind us that much of prophecy was fulfilled in the first century. The destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the Old Covenant, and the establishment of Christ’s kingdom all confirm God’s faithfulness. Yet we also look forward with hope, because the resurrection, final judgment, and visible return of Christ are still to come.
This perspective encourages us to trust the Bible more deeply. Fulfilled prophecy strengthens our faith, and God’s plan in history gives us confidence for the future.
We encourage you to keep studying these truths for yourself. Consider how they shape your view of Scripture and your walk with Christ.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Partial Preterism Beliefs
1. Does partial preterism deny the second coming of Christ? No, it does not. Partial preterists affirm the future, visible return of Christ, the final resurrection, and the last judgment.
2. What is the difference between full preterism and partial preterism? Full preterism claims all prophecy, including the resurrection and second coming, is already fulfilled. Partial preterism teaches some prophecy is fulfilled, while key events remain in the future.
3. How does partial preterism interpret the book of Revelation? Partial preterists believe most of Revelation describes first-century events, such as the persecution of the church and the fall of Jerusalem.
4. What do partial preterists believe about the Great Tribulation? They believe Jesus’ description of the Great Tribulation refers to the unique suffering during the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
5. Why does partial preterism matter for Christians today? It strengthens our trust in God’s Word by showing that He has already fulfilled much prophecy and will keep His future promises.
