What is partial preterism? Is it biblical? What do partial preterists believe?

Quick answer

Partial preterism is the belief that some end times prophecies were fulfilled during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, while others are still to come. Partial preterism is rejected by most Christians due to its inconsistencies in interpreting Scripture.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The word "preterism" comes from the Latin word praeter , which is a prefix signifying something that is past. Biblical preterists believe that the end times described in Revelation, foretold by the prophet Daniel, and described in the Book of Matthew by Jesus, are past—that is, they already happened and we are no longer looking forward to them. Partial preterists believe that part of the Revelation record has occurred and part is yet to come. They view the "last days" as the end of the old covenant rather than the end of the world. They interpret some events in Revelation symbolically and argue that certain prophecies, like those in Matthew 24 and Revelation, were fulfilled during that time. However, this view faces challenges. Many prophecies, such as the total destruction of the temple and the unprecedented distress described by Jesus, were not fulfilled in AD 70. While not considered heretical, partial preterism is rejected by most Christians due to its inconsistencies and the broader, more widely accepted interpretation that end times prophecy is yet to be fulfilled.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Partial preterists believe that the prophecies in Daniel have already come to pass, having been fulfilled during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Partial preterists believe that the prophecies in Matthew chapter 24 and in Revelation (excepting the last few chapters) have already come to pass, having been fulfilled during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70. According to partial preterists "the last days" referred to in the Bible are the last days of the old covenant rather than the last days of the earth. To maintain this position, the descriptions in Revelation of worldwide events and destruction are taken symbolically rather than literally. For example, the elimination of all sea life (Revelation 16:3) or worldwide darkness (Revelation 16:10) do not apply literally to the events of AD 70.

The prophecies that partial preterists claim have been fulfilled were not, in fact, completed, and as a result, they see some of those prophecies as symbolic as well. Jesus prophesied that that temple would be destroyed, and while that did happen in AD 70, not all of the prophecy has been fulfilled (Matthew 24:2). Jesus also spoke of the end being a time of such great distress that no human being could survive if the days were not shortened (Matthew 24:21-22). This also does not apply to the events of AD 70.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Partial preterism is not considered heresy, but most Christians do not hold the view because of its inconsistencies. In order to support the view that end times prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70, partial preterists must divide the relevant passages into "literal" and "symbolic" in ways that are illogical and are not supported by the context. The most consistent, logical, and accepted view is the one that most Christians hold: End times prophecy is meant to be taken literally and hasyet to be fulfilled. As we look to the future, we can be confident that God's plan for the end times will unfold according to His will. It is our responsibility to remain faithful, watchful, and rooted in His Word.

UNDERSTAND

Partial preterism holds that some end times prophecies were fulfilled in AD 70, while others are still future.

Partial preterism interprets certain Revelation and Matthew events symbolically, viewing "the last days" as the end of the old covenant.

Most Christians reject partial preterism due to inconsistencies in interpretation.

REFLECT

How do you respond to the challenge of interpreting Scripture both literally and symbolically, and what does that mean for your personal study of the Bible?

How does the uncertainty about the fulfillment of end times prophecies impact your faith and daily walk with God?

How do you reconcile the tension between different interpretations of end times prophecies, and what does that mean for your trust in God's ultimate plan?

ENGAGE

How do the inconsistencies in partial preterism influence how we should approach different theological views on the end times?

How might a symbolic versus literal interpretation of Revelation change the way we live out our faith today, especially concerning the future?

How do you think understanding the "last days" as the end of the old covenant rather than the end of the world affects people’s view of God’s plan for humanity?