Many of us grew up hearing sermons about the end times that featured the Rapture, the Antichrist, and a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. We were taught to expect a future seven-year tribulation and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth. These ideas shaped how we read the Bible—and how we saw the world. But as we’ve continued studying Scripture, some of us began to wonder: what if we’ve misunderstood the timing of certain prophecies?
We’re not alone in asking these questions. For centuries, believers have wrestled with the Bible’s statements about the “last days” and “this generation.” Could it be that many of the events we thought were still future have already happened? This doesn’t mean we throw out our faith. On the contrary, it means we take Jesus’ words more seriously,especially when He said some things would happen soon.
That’s where partial preterism comes in. This biblical framework offers a fresh perspective on prophecy, one rooted in history and Scripture. It may challenge what we’ve assumed, but it also strengthens our faith. If we’re willing to take a closer look, we just might find that partial preterism helps us understand God’s Word more clearly than ever before.
What Does ‘Preterism’ Mean?
The word preterism comes from the Latin word praeter, which means “past.” Simply put, preterism is the belief that some or all biblical prophecies, especially those concerning judgment and the endtimes, have already been fulfilled in the past. While that might sound surprising, it’s actually a view rooted in careful reading of Scripture and history.
There are two main types of preterism: full preterism and partial preterism. Although the names sound similar, they lead to very different conclusions. That’s why it’s important to make the distinction.
Full Preterism: Believes all prophecy, including the resurrection and Second Coming, was fulfilled by A.D. 70.
Partial Preterism: Believes most prophecy was fulfilled in the first century, but the resurrection and Christ’s return are still future.
Futurism/Dispensationalism: Believes most prophecy is still in the future and includes a rapture, a future Antichrist, and a literal millennium.
As we can see, the key difference is whether the Second Coming and resurrection have already happened or are still to come. We believe partial preterism offers the strongest biblical foundation. It holds that Jesus kept His word about coming in judgment on that generation (Matt. 24:34), but that His final return is still ahead.
This framework may feel unfamiliar at first. Even so, it invites us to take Jesus’ words about timing seriously. When we do, we find a consistent and hope-filled picture of prophecy. Understanding preterism is the first step to rethinking what the end times might truly mean.
The Core Beliefs of Partial Preterism
Partial preterism teaches that many endtimes prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, especially in events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Rather than pointing to a far-off future, these prophecies were meant for the people Jesus was speaking to, His own generation. This doesn’t mean we ignore future hope. Instead, it helps us see how much God has already accomplished through Christ.
A.D. 70: A Major Fulfillment Point
According to partial preterism, the fall of Jerusalem marked the end of the Old Covenant era. When Roman armies destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70, it wasn’t just a political tragedy, it was a prophetic event. Jesus had warned His disciples that judgment was coming on that generation. In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, He described signs they would see. These were not vague hints but clear warnings that came to pass.
We often overlook how shocking it was to lose the Temple. Yet this was the sign that the old system had passed and the new covenant had fully arrived. For partial preterists, this moment confirms God’s faithfulness and the authority of Jesus’ words.
“This Generation” Meant That Generation
One of the most important phrases in this discussion is “this generation.” Jesus said, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). Partial preterism takes that literally. Instead of pushing these events thousands of years into the future, we believe Jesus meant the people standing in front of Him.
That one shift changes everything. It allows us to read Revelation and the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) in light of first-century events. While Revelation includes timeless truths, it was written to real churches under real persecution. Partial preterism sees their trials and triumphs as central, not secondary, to the story of prophecy.
Ultimately, this view helps us trust the Bible more, not less. Jesus kept His word. And that gives us confidence in what He’s still going to do.
Why Partial Preterism Makes Sense
One of the clearest reasons partial preterism makes sense is the Bible’s own time statements. Over and over, Scripture uses words like “soon,” “at hand,” and “this generation.” These weren’t vague or symbolic terms. They had real meaning for the people hearing them. So rather than pushing prophecy thousands of years into the future, partial preterism asks a simple question: What if Jesus meant what He said?
For example, Revelation opens with the words, “The time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Jesus told His disciples that some of them would not die before they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matthew 16:28). And of course, He famously said, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). These phrases matter. If we take them at face value, then many prophetic events must have happened in the first century.
Fulfilled in History
Now let’s look at history. In A.D. 70, Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and ended the sacrificial system. Just as Jesus predicted, not one stone was left on another (Matthew 24:2). Jewish historian Josephus describes this terrifying time in great detail. It was a national catastrophe just as the prophets had warned.
Partial preterism sees this as the fulfillment of many end times prophecies. It wasn’t just a military defeat. It was a covenantal judgment. God was bringing the old system to an end and fully ushering in the new.
Written to Real People
We also can’t forget audience relevance. The New Testament wasn’t written to us first, it was written for us, but to them. These believers were under pressure. They faced persecution, hardship, and the temptation to give up. The letters and prophecies they received gave them hope and warning. Partial preterism respects that original context.
When we consider the timing, the history, and the audience, this view makes a lot of sense. It helps us read the Bible with clarity—and with confidence that God keeps His promises.
What Partial Preterism Is Not
Partial preterism often gets misunderstood. Because it’s not the view many of us were taught, it can feel unfamiliar at first. That’s okay. But let’s be clear about what this view does not teach. We’re not saying everything is already finished. We’re not denying the future hope of the church. In fact, partial preterism still holds to core Christian beliefs—firmly and joyfully.
First, we believe in the future, bodily return of Jesus Christ. He is coming again, just as He promised. The early church looked forward to that day, and so do we. Partial preterism does not change that.
Second, we fully affirm the resurrection of the dead. One day, all who are in Christ will be raised to eternal life. This is not symbolic. It’s a real, physical resurrection. Our hope isn’t only spiritual, it’s complete.
Third, we believe prophecy still has a powerful role in the life of the church. Scripture continues to speak, guide, and shape us today. Partial preterism doesn’t reduce prophecy. Instead, it helps us see what’s already been fulfilled so we can focus on what remains.
Although this view challenges some assumptions, it doesn’t dismantle the foundation of our faith. Rather, it clears away confusion. It invites us to read the Bible with fresh eyes and deeper trust. So while partial preterism may sound new, it’s rooted in the same hope the church has always held: Jesus reigns, and He will return.
How It Differs from Dispensationalism
Many of us were raised with a dispensational view of prophecy. We heard about the Rapture, the Antichrist, and a future Great Tribulation. That framework shaped our expectations. However, as we study Scripture more closely, we find that partial preterism offers a different lens. Let’s compare the two approaches side by side, not to attack, but to better understand.
The Antichrist
Dispensationalism teaches that a single, powerful Antichrist will rise in the future to deceive the world. In contrast, partial preterism sees the Antichrist differently. The term only appears in John’s letters, and he says there were “many antichrists” already present (1 John 2:18). So instead of expecting one future villain, we recognize that spirit of opposition was already active in the first century.
The Great Tribulation
Dispensationalists place the Great Tribulation in the future, often tied to a seven-year timeline. But partial preterism believes this time of suffering already occurred. Jesus warned His disciples of terrible events coming soon (Matthew 24:21). And just a generation later, Jerusalem was destroyed. History confirms that the events Jesus described happened just as He said.
The Kingdom of God
According to dispensationalism, the Kingdom is mostly future. It will come in fullness during Christ’s millennial reign. But partial preterism sees the Kingdom as already present and growing. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21). His reign began with His resurrection and continues now through His people.
A New Perspective, Not a New Faith
We understand these differences may feel uncomfortable at first. Still, it’s okay to ask questions. Partial preterism doesn’t require us to throw everything out. Instead, it invites us to look again at Scripture—especially the timing, audience, and historical context. While dispensationalism focuses on future fulfillment, partial preterism highlights what’s already been done. Both views seek to honor God’s Word. But we believe this approach brings clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose to our faith journey.
Why This View Strengthens Faith
One of the most encouraging parts of partial preterism is how it highlights God’s faithfulness. When we see prophecies fulfilled—on time and in real history—it strengthens our trust in Him. We’re not left guessing or waiting for signs that never come. Instead, we can look back and see how God did exactly what He said He would do.
That kind of clarity brings confidence. When Jesus said certain events would happen within “this generation,” partial preterism takes Him at His word. The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 wasn’t random, it was a direct fulfillment of His warnings. And that fulfillment proves He speaks truthfully. If He got that right, we can trust Him with the rest.
This view also clears up confusion in the New Testament. So many passages make more sense when we realize the early church wasn’t waiting for a distant endtimes event. They were living through the last days of the Old Covenant. The urgency in the apostles’ letters wasn’t misplaced, it was timely and true.
Most importantly, partial preterism reminds us that Christ is reigning now. He’s not waiting for a throne in the future. He already has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His Kingdom is growing through His people, just as He promised. We’re not just watching for what’s coming, we’re living in what He’s already begun. That truth encourages us to live boldly, love deeply, and trust fully, because Jesus is already King.
Common Questions and Misunderstandings
When we first hear about partial preterism, it often raises questions. That’s normal. Let’s walk through a few common concerns together.
Is this heresy?
No. Partial preterism is a historic Christian view. While it’s not the majority view today, many early church fathers held similar beliefs. It affirms all core doctrines—Christ’s deity, resurrection, return, and final judgment. It simply reexamines when some prophecies were fulfilled.
What about the Antichrist?
Scripture never mentions the Antichrist in Revelation. Instead, 1 John 2:18 says, “many antichrists have come.” Partial preterism sees this term as describing real first-century enemies of Christ, not one future world ruler.
Is Revelation just history?
Mostly, but not entirely. Revelation was written to seven real churches facing persecution (Revelation 1:4, 11). Its judgments align with events surrounding Jerusalem’s fall. However, its spiritual messages still apply to us today. God’s Word is timeless, even when some events are past.
What about the Second Coming?
Partial preterism fully affirms that Jesus will return bodily (Acts 1:11). His coming in judgment in A.D. 70 was not the final return. That future hope remains, and it motivates us to live faithfully now.
These questions matter. But once we look at Scripture carefully, we find that partial preterism offers solid, biblical answers. It doesn’t weaken our faith, it strengthens it by showing that God keeps His promises on time and in full.
Where to Go from Here
If this is your first time hearing about partial preterism, don’t worry—just take the next step. Keep studying Scripture. Let’s reread passages like Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Revelation 1–3 with fresh eyes. As we do, we’ll start seeing details we may have missed before.
Even if this view feels unfamiliar, it’s worth exploring. Ask questions. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Talk it over with trusted friends or leaders. We grow by testing what we believe against God’s Word.
On our Bible Study Toolbox website, you’ll find more resources to help you dig deeper into partial preterism. We’ve designed our studies to be beginner-friendly and Bible-centered. If something sparked your curiosity, follow that thread.
Most of all, let’s keep seeking truth together. God’s Word is alive, and He honors those who search it with humble hearts. One step at a time, we’ll grow in understanding and confidence.
Closing Thoughts: A Fulfilled Hope
As we’ve seen, partial preterism offers a fresh way to understand Bible prophecy. It doesn’t take away from our hope, it strengthens it. God’s plan wasn’t delayed or changed. Instead, He fulfilled His promises right on time, just as Jesus said He would.
When we read prophecy through this lens, things begin to make sense. We don’t have to live in fear, waiting for signs. Instead, we can live with clarity and confidence, knowing Christ is already reigning.
That doesn’t mean we have all the answers. But it does mean we can trust the One who does. His faithfulness in the past assures us of His faithfulness in the future.
So let’s keep walking in hope. Let’s keep growing in our understanding. With partial preterism, we’re not giving up on prophecy—we’re seeing it fulfilled, and that’s worth celebrating. Jesus is King, and He’s not waiting to reign—He reigns now.
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.