These Things Must Take Place

Fulfilled Prophecy and Partial Preterism

7 minute read

The Statement of Faith

We believe that many biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled—especially in Christ's first coming and in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. This view takes seriously Jesus' time statements ("this generation will not pass away") while affirming that significant prophecy remains for the future, including Christ's bodily return, the resurrection, and final judgment. Scripture speaks to both the near horizon and the far.

What the Bible Says

"Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place."
— Matthew 24:34

Jesus spoke of "this generation"—the people alive at that time. Many prophecies in the Olivet Discourse were fulfilled within 40 years at the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The temple was destroyed; not one stone left on another; the Jewish world was devastated.

"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near."
— Luke 21:20

This warning enabled Christians to flee Jerusalem before the Roman siege. It was fulfilled in AD 70—within "this generation."

The Framework

Fulfilled in Christ: Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. These prove Him to be the Messiah.

Fulfilled in AD 70: The destruction of Jerusalem fulfilled significant prophetic material. The old covenant system ended. God's judgment fell on the generation that rejected Christ.

Still future: Christ's bodily return, the general resurrection, final judgment, and new creation remain future. The "already/not yet" structure continues.

How It Fits the Full Narrative

God judged Israel's unfaithfulness throughout the Old Testament—exile to Babylon being the paradigm. Jesus warned that rejecting Him would bring worse judgment (Matthew 23:37-24:2). AD 70 was that judgment—the end of the temple, the priesthood, the sacrificial system. The old covenant was obsolete (Hebrews 8:13).

Why This Matters

It honors Jesus' time statements. When Jesus said "soon" and "this generation," He meant it. Ignoring these strains credibility.

It grounds prophecy in history. Prophecy isn't all speculative future; much has been verified in history. This builds confidence in what remains.

It maintains future hope. Partial preterism isn't full preterism. Christ will return. The dead will rise. The kingdom will be consummated. The best is still ahead.

Defending Against Critics

Objection: "Doesn't this approach explain away the Second Coming?"

Response: No—that's full preterism, which we reject. Partial preterism affirms a literal future return of Christ. We distinguish between prophecies fulfilled in AD 70 and prophecies awaiting the end.

Going Deeper

Key passages: Matthew 23:29-24:35; Mark 13; Luke 21; Hebrews 8:13; 1 Peter 4:7.