Eschatology
Did Jesus Make His Disciples a Laughing-stock?
C. S. Lewis was an atheist turned biblical scholar. In spite of his intellectual prowess, the supposed non-fulfillment of Christ’s words regarding His soon coming was problematic. The following quote comes from his 1960 essay titled "The World's Last Night":
"‘Say what you like,’ we shall be told by the skeptic, ‘the apocalyptic beliefs of the first Christians have been proved to be false. It is clear from the New Testament that they all expected the Second Coming in their own lifetime. And, worse still, they had a reason, and one which you will find very embarrassing. Their Master had told them so. He shared, and indeed created, their delusion. He said in so many words, "this generation shall not pass away till all these things be done." And He was wrong. he clearly knew no more about the end of the world than anyone else.’"
"It is certainly the most embarrassing verse in the Bible. yet how teasing, also, that within fourteen words of it should come the statement, ‘but of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.’ The one exhibition of error and the one confession of ignorance grow side by side."
I have great respect for Lewis' scholarship, and find his honesty here refreshing even though his conclusion is incorrect. Most contemporary scholars attempt biblical gymnastics to demonstrate that Jesus didn't really mean what He said without reservation. At least Lewis has the integrity to admit what the text clearly says and the honesty to reveal that his understanding leaves him with no choice but to conclude that Jesus and the disciples were wrong.
Fortunately, it is Lewis and many contemporary scholars who are wrong and the scripture is correct in its assertions.
It comes as a surprise to many in our time that there was a time when most scholars agreed that most, if not all, biblical prophecy had been fulfilled. In academic circles the view is called preterism as opposed to futurism. Both preterism and futurism have become umbrellas for a variety of sub-groups. However, true preterism by the strict meaning of the word holds that all biblical prophecy has been fulfilled. the only clarification would be that the prophecies regarding the on-going nature of the kingdom of God continue to be fulfilled and will continue to be fulfilled. Only in the sense of their on-going fulfillment could prophecies regarding the nations streaming to the kingdom of God be considered future.
For most Christians today, these assertions are like being hit in the face with a cold bucket of water while cozy in one's bed. The immediate reaction tends to be anger toward those who attempt to arouse us. It may not be verbalized, but the general response is that such a view won't stand up to biblical scrutiny. However, an honest examination of one's closely held beliefs usually unmasks tradition posing as truth.
If you have the intellectual integrity to accept the challenge, I urge you to consider the possibility that the future fulfillment view you have been taught is incorrect and open yourself to a well established argument for the veracity of the scripture in regard to last things. I know you have a thousand objections to a preterist view -- I can tell you what they are because I had them too. One by one they have fallen. While I can't dot all the "i's" and cross all the "t's" my study convinces me that a fulfilled view makes more sense of the scripture than any other view.
This is an introductory page and I can't begin to answer every objection here. My aim is to shake your traditions a bit with the hope that you will be motivated to study. I want to know the truth and if you, through diligent application of scripture, can demonstrate the fault with a fulfilled view, I am anxious to hear from you. Now, let me rattle your cage a bit by dealing with just one common objection and showing you why it is not valid.
Futurists argue that Christ's coming again could not have happened because the world is still standing. Scripture, they say, teaches that the earth is going to be burned up and there will be a new heaven and earth. Since that hasn't happened, they know the prophecies are future. Let's see what happens when we let scripture interpret scripture.
If you turn to Isaiah 51:16, you will read about how God made a covenant with the Hebrew nation. Notice the language, "And I have put My words in your mouth, and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, 'You are My people.'" You've probably read this passage before, but I'm willing to bet you only read it and never considered its significance. God says that in making a covenant with the Hebrews, He established the heavens and founded the earth. Does that mean that God created a new physical universe when he chose Israel?
I hope you agree it would be nonsense to make such a suggestion. This is figurative language which is used a number of times in reference to the old covenant system. That is what is to come to an end, not the planet earth! But what about 2 Peter 3:10-12 you say? Peter says the "elements" and heaven and earth are going to be burned up. Can you see that he was talking about the old covenant system which the book of Hebrews tells us was "fading away"? The Greek word for "elements" is stoicheia which means rudiments, fundamental principles, etc. Again, this is a reference to the old covenant system. This word is used twice here and also in Gal. 4:3,9; Col. 2:8,20; and Heb. 5:12. In every case it is a reference to the old covenant system, not the physical elements of planet earth!
Knowing this, will you now insist that these passages teach that the planet earth will be destroyed? If so, what passages and hermeneutic will you use to do so? You see, if we let scripture tell us what it means, the text makes sense and we can understand it. The problem comes when we try to make the text fit our traditions.
I hope you are sufficiently challenged to take a careful look at this important study. I agree with others that resolving eschatological issues is the next step in recovering the faith of our fathers. To that end, I am presently developing a website to help newcomers to the study understand how scripture speaks to these issues clearly to which honest minds. Don't miss Eschatology101.com! It will challenge your thinking!
There are many sites on the Internet which speak to this issue. I will be building a comprehensive list on Eschatology 101 but here are a few of my favorites.
Preterist Archive Don Preston
Todd Dennis (awesome site!)
Preterism - Eschatology Richard McPherson
Eschatology Review Ron McRay
Restoration Ministries Timothy King
Berean Bible Church David Curtis