Partial preterism is a view of biblical prophecy that sees many end-times events as already fulfilled in the past, particularly around the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. While this perspective offers some interesting insights, it often leads to a blurring of the distinctions between God’s plans for Israel and the Church. This confusion can significantly affect how we understand prophecy and God’s ongoing purposes in the world.
What is Partial Preterism?
Partial preterism teaches that many of the prophecies in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) and the book of Revelation were fulfilled in the first century AD. Proponents argue that Jesus’ predictions of tribulation, the abomination of desolation, and even his “coming” referred to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD.
While partial preterists still believe in a future second coming of Christ, they view much of biblical prophecy as already accomplished. This contrasts futurist interpretations that see most end-times events as still future.
How Partial Preterism Affects Views of Israel and the Church
The partial preterist perspective often results in a form of replacement theology, where the Church is seen as the “new Israel” that has superseded national Israel in God’s plans. Here are some ways this plays out:
- Reinterpreting Old Testament prophecies: Many prophecies about Israel’s future restoration are spiritualized and applied to the Church instead of the Jewish people.
- Downplaying Israel’s ongoing significance: The modern state of Israel is viewed as having little prophetic relevance.
- Allegorizing promises to Israel: Specific land promises and covenants with Israel are reinterpreted as spiritual blessings for the Church.
- Minimizing distinctions: Israel and the Church’s unique identities and roles are blurred together.
This blending of Israel and the Church stems from the partial preterist tendency to see most prophecies as fulfilled. If God’s promises to Israel were completed in the first century, their ongoing distinction becomes less important.
Problems with Blurring Israel and the Church
Confusing God’s plans for Israel and the Church creates several theological and interpretive issues:
1. It ignores the ongoing biblical distinction between Israel and the Church
The New Testament presents Israel and the Church as distinct entities with different origins, callings, and futures. Paul speaks of Israel and the Church separately in Romans 9-11 and distinguishes between Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of God in 1 Corinthians 10:32.
2. It requires inconsistent interpretation of Scripture
Partial preterists must interpret some prophecies literally (like Christ’s resurrection) while allegorizing others (like promises of Israel’s restoration). This inconsistency weakens the authority and clarity of Scripture.
3. It calls God’s faithfulness into question
If God’s irrevocable promises to Israel are simply transferred to the Church, it casts doubt on His covenant-keeping character. As Paul argues in Romans 11:1, “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.”
4. It misses the typological relationship between Israel and the Church
Israel and the Church are meant to illuminate different aspects of God’s character and plans. Blurring them together obscures these distinct revelatory purposes.
5. It can lead to replacement theology and antisemitism
Historically, replacement theology has often resulted in the mistreatment of Jewish people and a misunderstanding of God’s ongoing purposes for Israel.
The Importance of Maintaining Distinctions
Recognizing the ongoing distinction between Israel and the Church is crucial for several reasons:
- It upholds the faithfulness of God: He will fulfill His promises to Israel and the Church.
- It maintains interpretive consistency, allowing for a more straightforward reading of Old and New Testament prophecies.
- It clarifies God’s prophetic timeline: It helps us understand the sequence of end-times events.
- It highlights God’s diverse purposes: It shows how God works uniquely with different groups to display His character and accomplish His will.
- It promotes a proper understanding of the Church’s identity: The Church is not a replacement for Israel, but a new creation with its distinct calling and future.
A Better Approach to Prophecy
Rather than blurring the lines between Israel and the Church, a more consistent approach recognizes God’s distinct yet interrelated plans for both. This view:
- Interprets Old Testament prophecies about Israel’s future as referring to the Jewish people and nation.
- Sees the Church as a mystery revealed in the New Testament, not a replacement for Israel.
- Recognizes God’s ongoing purposes for Israel, including a future national restoration and spiritual renewal.
- Maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church while acknowledging their interconnected roles in God’s plans.
This perspective allows for a more straightforward reading of Scripture and upholds God’s faithfulness to all His covenant promises.
Conclusion
While partial preterism offers valuable insights into the historical fulfillment of certain prophecies, its tendency to blur the distinctions between Israel and the Church creates significant interpretive and theological problems. By maintaining the biblical distinction between these two groups, we can better understand God’s diverse purposes and the unfolding of His prophetic plan. This approach upholds God’s faithfulness, provides interpretive consistency, and gives us a clearer picture of what to expect as history moves toward its divinely appointed conclusion.
