The Error of Full Preterism: A Denial of the Blessed Hope

Introduction: When Interpretation Goes Too Far

Among the many eschatological views debated within Christianity, preterism has gained renewed attention—particularly in its extreme form known as Full Preterism. This position argues that all biblical prophecy, including Christ’s Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment, was fulfilled in AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem.

At first glance, this might seem like an interesting theological perspective, but Full Preterism does not merely reinterpret prophecy—it undermines core Christian doctrines. It denies a future bodily resurrection, distorts the nature of Christ’s return, and ultimately removes the hope of the gospel.

How did this view emerge? What errors does it promote? And how should we, as those who hold to orthodox, biblical eschatology, respond? Let’s examine the origins, errors, and dangers of Full Preterism in the light of Scripture.

What Is Full Preterism?

Preterism, in general, teaches that many biblical prophecies were fulfilled in the past, particularly in AD 70 with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem.

However, Full Preterism goes beyond this by asserting:

1. Christ’s Second Coming has already happened.

2. The resurrection of the dead is not future and bodily but was spiritualized in AD 70.

3. The final judgment has already taken place.

4. The New Heavens and New Earth are symbolic of the church age.

This is not merely a minor disagreement on eschatology—it is a direct assault on fundamental Christian doctrine.

How Full Preterism Differs from Partial Preterism

Partial Preterism, held by many Reformed and Postmillennial theologians, teaches that some prophecies (such as Matthew 24:1-34) were fulfilled in AD 70, but still affirms:✔ A future, bodily return of Christ (Acts 1:11).✔ A future, bodily resurrection of all believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).✔ A final judgment at the end of history (Revelation 20:11-15).

Full Preterism, on the other hand, denies all future eschatology and alters the gospel itself.

The Heretical Implications of Full Preterism

1. It Denies the Future, Bodily Resurrection

One of the most serious errors of Full Preterism is its rejection of a future, physical resurrection. Instead, it spiritualizes passages like 1 Corinthians 15, claiming that resurrection means the church’s deliverance from Old Covenant Judaism in AD 70.

What Does Scripture Say?

• 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – Christ’s resurrection is the “firstfruits” of our own bodily resurrection.

• Philippians 3:20-21 – Christ will transform our lowly bodies into glorified bodies like His.

• John 5:28-29 – The dead will come out of their graves at the final judgment.

If the resurrection was only spiritual and already happened, then we have no future hope of eternal life. This contradicts the historic Christian faith (Nicene Creed, Apostles’ Creed) and denies the gospel’s promise of bodily redemption.

2. It Misinterprets the Second Coming of Christ

Full Preterists claim that Jesus already returned in AD 70—but was it the visible, personal return that Scripture describes?

What Does Scripture Say?

• Acts 1:11 – Jesus will return the same way He ascended—physically and visibly.

• Revelation 1:7 – Every eye will see Him when He returns.

• Matthew 24:30-31 – His return will be with power and glory, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn.

The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 was a judgment event—but it was not the ultimate Second Coming of Christ. To claim otherwise contradicts the testimony of Scripture and the historic Christian faith.

3. It Negates the Final Judgment

If all judgment was fulfilled in AD 70, then where does that leave the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20?

What Does Scripture Say?

• Revelation 20:11-15 – The dead are judged after history ends, not in AD 70.

• 2 Peter 3:10-13 – The present heavens and earth will be burned up at the final judgment, ushering in the New Heavens and New Earth.

• Hebrews 9:27 – Judgment happens after death, not just in history.

To claim that final judgment already happened forces Full Preterists to deny eternal punishment, rewards, and the final state of the redeemed. This distorts the gospel’s teaching on heaven, hell, and the final victory of Christ.

4. It Destroys the Christian’s Blessed Hope

Paul says that we await the “blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). But Full Preterism robs believers of this hope by claiming Christ has already returned.

If Full Preterism is true, then:

• We are not waiting for Christ’s return.

• We are not awaiting bodily resurrection.

• We have no future consummation of all things.

This is a destructive and hopeless doctrine that empties the gospel of its eschatological promise.

Where Did Full Preterism Come From?

Though early church heretics like Hymenaeus (2 Timothy 2:17-18) denied the future resurrection, Full Preterism did not exist in church history until the 19th century.

Key figures include:

• James Stuart Russell (1878) – Proposed that all prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70.

• Max King (1970s) – Formalized Full Preterism as a distinct system.

This view was never taught by the church fathers, Reformers, or any orthodox theologians. Instead, it was rightly condemned as heresy.

How Should We Respond?

1. Stand Firm on Biblical Eschatology

Scripture clearly teaches:✔ A future, bodily resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).✔ A future, visible return of Christ (Revelation 1:7).✔ A final judgment at the end of time (Matthew 25:31-46).

2. Reject False Teachers Who Deny the Resurrection

Paul warns:

• “Their talk will spread like gangrene... they say that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:17-18).

Those who deny a future resurrection undermine the gospel itself and should be rejected.

3. Proclaim the True Hope of Christ’s Return

Christians have a real, future hope—not just a historical event in AD 70.

• “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven... and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

This is not symbolic language but the foundation of our hope.

Final Thoughts: The Danger of Over-Realized Eschatology

Full Preterism is not just a different interpretation of prophecy—it is a dangerous heresy that distorts the gospel.

To deny the future resurrection, final judgment, and return of Christ is to deny the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

But we stand firm on the promises of God. Christ will return. The dead will rise. The new creation will come. And that is our blessed hope.

Soli Deo Gloria!