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Public Lounge => Welcome Central - **FIRST POST MUST BE MADE HERE => Topic started by: kevinq on April 25, 2015, 08:28:57 AM

Title: preterism and universalism
Post by: kevinq on April 25, 2015, 08:28:57 AM
Hello;  I came to full preterism several years ago.  It answered all questions concerning eschatology but did not resolve my issues with eternal punishment.  I have always had a problem with God punishing a 70 year life forever.
Also, it did not fit with my concept of a loving God.  I leaned toward annihilation for awhile but it seemed to me that the enemy won more battles than God.  Did not seem right.  Slowly I came to the point of universalism.  I am now a Universalist/Preterist.  Are there others? 
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Lazarus Short on April 25, 2015, 08:33:21 AM
Welcome to the Tent!  I don't know much about Preterism, but have seen things posted about it which amaze me.  Perhaps you could enlighten?
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: jabcat on April 25, 2015, 08:53:12 AM
Hi Kevin..varying degrees, some "partial".  I don't personally know of any "full" preterists.  Gary has been described as at least partial, while a few others have labeled him as simply preterist.  I don't see him as fully preterist, as in ALL things 100% fulfilled already, "nothing left to do but live it out".  He stated at one point that "some very important things happened in 70 AD that we need to pay attention to", as well as saying he doesn't rule out some things having double fulfillment.  I'm personally probably partial, but definitely not full (to the max definition of the term).  Anyway, good question re: "are there any"...maybe someone knows of a full preterist UR believer. 
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: rosered on April 25, 2015, 01:25:50 PM


  Hi all
  I do think some  preterists  have come and went   along the way   here at the Tent .

I believe the history part as  signs and examples   of destruction of 70 AD   was important.
  Just as the   WW2  was also , the gathering   and scattering of the Jewish nation  and the remnant  that remained  as a few     was always     ''of a truth '' in the old testament  scriptures witness  and the reality    in the new testament  witness 
  It was both prophesied and fulfilled in that sense     , it was literal , every eye seen this,and  a record  was kept ,  as well as spiritual  , that  many eye witnesses   perceived ,'' a knowing truth''  in their spirit  .       

  I personally  , and its  me here  speaking ,    just   hate ''labels ''      No one ,is just one thing , we are ever changing    and are many things  to many natures .noun
1.
the fundamental qualities of a person or thing; identity or essential character
2.
(often capital, esp when personified) the whole system of the existence, arrangement, forces, and events of all physical life that are not controlled by man..Lord  it is a shame they fail to say GOD here for fear of offense   :sigh:
3.
all natural phenomena and plant and animal life, as distinct from man and his creations

A label  is   titles     given   or meant    for,  Mom to some  sister to others  , man or dad  or son or   brother   , spirit   or flesh    , good or evil   , and than there is the religious     labels    of what ever
  and than there is  the unbelieving     and faithless   ,  the wise and foolish in natures  also the    sexual in natures     , animal instinctively  in natures   

    Compared to     in the Bible    We are  as , cities     set on a hill ,     light   , darkness    wheat & chaff  , branches  ,     grapes      ,  beasts  , goats , sheep  , virgins  ,  children  , brothers , sisters ,  living stones  ,   wicked   , unclean ,  dead men  , rocks   ,wineskins probably all at the same time    etc ... :footmouth:


    One thing for sure God never Changes       and should remain the focus  , unless you like your head to spin  around  in circles  lol   :laugh: :wacko2:

Also it is God Himself  who separates    and eliminates   and changes us   
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Seth on April 25, 2015, 07:49:22 PM
I see things from a history repeating stance. I think as there was a remnant who were not cut off unto unbelief (Paul, Peter, James etc) same same refining process will happen again. I don't really see necessarily a competition between preterism and futurism. I see things from a n "is was and will be" perspective.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: sheila on April 25, 2015, 08:09:01 PM
me too!
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Psalm91:4 on April 27, 2015, 02:33:46 PM
Hi kevinq,

:dsunny:   :welcome:  :girlheart:  :friendstu:

I believe Jesus is yet coming back here to rule and reign on this earth, literally.  So I guess that disqualifies me from the preterist campgrounds.  But I find the perspective interesting and see double or multiple fulfillments often in scripture.

Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: marie glen on April 27, 2015, 09:11:26 PM

hi!

..like others I believe in double and multiple fulfillments or Bible prophecy.. and also like Sheila, a lot of was, is and will be.. :smile: I guess sorta man will build his empires (kingdoms) but only His Kingdom works!

specifically, I believe the six seals of Bk of Rev chapter 6 are pretorist, along with most of rev 12, and also rev 13:13(1945).. But Daniel's prophecies as both preterist and futurist.. (with Rev 7:1-3 as present! and 8:1 as semi imminent? or that is, not too terribly far off, then 12:16 w/ Lk 23:28,31 and 18:17)
    :hiya:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: CHB on April 27, 2015, 09:39:57 PM
I don't know what you would call me but I do think a lot of things have happened. I think the book of Revelation has mostly but not all have been fulfilled. I think a lot of things were fulfilled in 70AD that we may not even know about. From what I read most of the Bible was written to Israel except for Paul's writings. Some of Paul's writings were written to Israel/Jew as well, because Jesus said to go to Israel/Jew first.

That doesn't mean these things can't happen again. I do believe Jesus is coming back and the kingdom of God will be here on earth for a thousand years. That's just where I am at now.

CHB
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: ed on April 27, 2015, 10:10:16 PM
Quote from: kevinq on April 25, 2015, 08:28:57 AM
Hello;  I came to full preterism several years ago.  It answered all questions concerning eschatology but did not resolve my issues with eternal punishment.  I have always had a problem with God punishing a 70 year life forever.
Also, it did not fit with my concept of a loving God.  I leaned toward annihilation for awhile but it seemed to me that the enemy won more battles than God.  Did not seem right.  Slowly I came to the point of universalism.  I am now a Universalist/Preterist.  Are there others?

Yes, I'm real close to that.

Let me see if I can find that article...........

This article should fit your view.

http://www.tentmaker.org/books/heavenandearth.htm

Enjoy
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: sdileo on May 15, 2015, 03:28:53 PM
I think preterism is a better fit for universalism. It sees us and the world as one through Christ and not as us against them. There is more freedom in believing that it is finished and that nothing else needs to be done as far as salvation is concerned. It puts us in that spiritual realm seated in the heavenly with Christ. No longer there being a difference between man and woman, slave and free.

More so with a preterist perspective, the gospel verses that are used to defend eternal torment in hell are seen for what they are. The Valley of Hinnom, had awful ramifications to the Jews, and was in the proximity to Jerusalem that would be the scene of carnage when the temple was destroyed.

But what of the return of Christ as spoken by Jesus himself as well as the angels and Apostles? This is one belief that seems to transcend history and I am not willing to disregard it. There will probably be a time when God says enough is enough.

In my opinion, how we see this topic is crucial to how we live our lives and apply the scripture to it. Wars are excepted and encouraged by those who think future events are predetermined as they work toward making them happen.

I have just finished reading Hank Hanegraaff's book "The Apocalypse Code" and will be reading "The Second Coming" by John MacArthur. I'm trying to keep and open mind. I am enjoying the study I have to say.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Patinak on May 15, 2015, 07:24:24 PM
Steve,
I am of similar thoughts on "Preterism".  If you find something out there that you recommend, let us know.  I personally have a hard time reading John MacArthur.  In the Tentmaker book department, I would recommend The Destruction of Jerusalum by George Peter Holford. 

Tentmaker has done such a great job of making these resources available on line.  Thank you Gary and everyone that has contributed.  Thank you God for your hand in it all.

Pat

Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: rosered on May 15, 2015, 08:10:44 PM
Preterism is a Christian eschatological view that interprets prophecies of the Bible as events which have already happened.


Daniel is interpreted as events that happened in the second century BC,


while Revelation is interpreted as events that happened in the first century AD.

I like the   view as well and Noted Jesus always spoke in PRESENT tense   

James shared this Lighthouse  library a while back     and found this      and its true in the sense I have been timid  and that is not  so good to be timid

  the timid and unbelieving     are  outside   the  gate  and  CITY still ... 


Paul spoke boldly  as well   and in present tense  , because it seems our time is now ......    we had examples of those things that shortly come to pass      and we have   known  them by the Spirit of truth   
speaking with authority  one thing about it knowledge comes and it comes to pass but Love always remains    , because it was spoken in Love   as warning and    caring mercy            and those with the Testimony of Jesus Christ do have the ''SPIRIT OF PROPHECY''    ALIVE IN them     they will shortly come to pass  because the Spirit  is  speaking in your ear in the darkness we proclaim on the rooftops      ... 
  you warn , blow  the trumpets   for battle   because you  LOVE  and Christ is in You and   He is the same  WORD OF GOD  for all generations   
  Because mercy and truth and grace    are of Him  and You are His witnesses  for this generation     .. vile generation    or not     the sign is  we are them Johah or Jonas (dove; Arabic: يونس ‎ Yūnus, Yūnis or يونان Yūnān
Spirit of the dove   being  gentle    lighting upon us  in  Jesus  peace   , the SPIRIT OF ONENESS     to gather into Christ    If they refused  Moses   under those witnesses and without mercy
   Would they listen to Jesus with mercy    ? and if the Not spoken by the Son Himself   and you being His witnesses and  reject    the law and prophets  and Jesus and now you are his witness    what else can  be done ????     a sure judgment   will come  upon them as well as we have seen  by examples on the times past in the Present time       for us    ,   we Speak   NOW with   the Truth as a Living Word , not some dead letter     


A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.

http://www.lighthouselibrary.com/pdf/LANYON,%20WALTER%20C/FIRST%20PERSON,%20PRESENT%20TENSE%20%5BWalter%20C.%20Lanyon%5D.pdf

If we are not willing  like Jonah was  in His  day  and we see the sign   given ,    what becomes of us in our Day than   ?
  repentance is    is a key that unlocks  many closed  doors    and hearts
But how can you repent if you don't know     what is wrong ? and  no not know God ?
  I like the scripture  that makes us examine oursleves and that is
  ever  learning and NEVER  coming to the knowledge of the truth    2 Tim 3
Evil in the Last Days
...6For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins,

led on by various impulses,

7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith....

Some other time some other age    some other way etc ...

the Time is now to come out of sleep  our salvation is nearer than when we first believed     

  I dont know if anyone here has an urgency in their hearts to proclaim the Gospel to everyone and any one   , but there is a stirring   going on that      is as REAL as rain   
  and we know the rain is real when we are standing in the middle of a   good hard rain   ans have to rush to get in    out of the weather

  unless we are left out in the elements    our own selves .

Just some thoughts   to consider   hopefully


Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: sdileo on May 18, 2015, 04:11:29 PM
Hi Pat and Rosered,

Thank you for the reply.

What prophesy is fulfilled by what event is confusing to me. It makes it easy when the Bible quotes its own prophecy as being fulfilled by an event. But even when the Bible explains scripture as being fulfilled, such as the Prophet Joel in Acts 2, people say only a portion is fulfilled. They would rather take the "blood, fire and smoke" literally than the "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel".

When it comes down to it I am not very good in remembering what verse refers to what verse but I am also not willing to take other people's interpretation  of prophesy concerning future event.

Isn't it great knowing that we are free not to know these things and that God loves surpasses knowledge?

Thanks again for the correspondence.

Steve

Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: CHB on May 18, 2015, 04:27:50 PM
Quote from: rosered on May 15, 2015, 08:10:44 PM
If we are not willing  like Jonah was  in His  day  and we see the sign   given ,    what becomes of us in our Day than   ?

What God did in Jonah's day he will do again. Jonah was upset because God didn't make Nineveh pay for their sins,....sound familiar?.... but God saved them all, all one hundred and twenty thousand of them.

CHB
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: rosered on May 18, 2015, 04:51:15 PM
Quote from: CHB on May 18, 2015, 04:27:50 PM
Quote from: rosered on May 15, 2015, 08:10:44 PM
If we are not willing  like Jonah was  in His  day  and we see the sign   given ,    what becomes of us in our Day than   ?

What God did in Jonah's day he will do again. Jonah was upset because God didn't make Nineveh pay for their sins,....sound familiar?.... but God saved them all, all one hundred and twenty thousand of them.

CHB

   Amen  , CHB   !   It is Gods  loving  will/desire  that none perish !!  this should be our own   loving will /desire  as well   !!

When we look to  JESUS CHRIST   and   lift him up , its the same as Lifting up   your Cross , its the same cause /cross !  LOVE EXPRESSED


All will be drawn to Him , it is the work of the Father    , the one true   ONLY God   though the Son  sent  that makes everything dead ALIVE  IN HIM

This sacrifice was   holy !  the lamb slain from the foundation of the world ..  as LOVE  , and only love being the motive will be blessed of God

Even back in their day it was so  as a witness  , the whole book is a witness of His testimony ! God will be all in All   , because He is the only ONE  WHO CAN  DO IT
   in the   scriptures you think you have eternal life    but , these  testify of Jesus Christ  , the LIVING WORD  and sharp as a  dividing  SWORD  , separating the living   [ Christ alive ] from the dead [Adam ] 
  Adam cannot save   himself or others  , all in Adam die         only in Christ will we Live
the Word in JONAHS    MOUTH was the HOLY SPIRIT of truth ..  SPEAKING TO THEM    to Live  and not  to  die   and they heard!!

I appreciate your   excellent observation ! 
God bless you   with more of  Him






Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: rosered on May 18, 2015, 05:09:12 PM
Quote from: sdileo on May 18, 2015, 04:11:29 PM
Hi Pat and Rosered,

Thank you for the reply.

What prophesy is fulfilled by what event is confusing to me. It makes it easy when the Bible quotes its own prophecy as being fulfilled by an event. But even when the Bible explains scripture as being fulfilled, such as the Prophet Joel in Acts 2, people say only a portion is fulfilled. They would rather take the "blood, fire and smoke" literally than the "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel".

When it comes down to it I am not very good in remembering what verse refers to what verse but I am also not willing to take other people's interpretation  of prophesy concerning future event.

Isn't it great knowing that we are free not to know these things and that God loves surpasses knowledge?

Thanks again for the correspondence.

Steve
AMEN Steve  !!    Love is the overcoming    the world

Knowledge  ceases   , because every last one of will know    in the end   ,  every knee will bow the knee   and tongue confess    JESUS CHRIST ,

  but it is LOVE ,   that is the part of God  that makes you HIS OWN   possession and is  rewarded   ,   for  me  many years now       have known  partly it was Love . but now   its fully i understand it is LOVE    THAT SAVES US ALL 

   my father in law come   sharing     and asking     about    ,,, The valley of dry bones    and this prophecy    ,

  this very morning   and I  shared my  view , we can only SEE JESUS  , WITH A VIEW   ,,  an understanding     and until  you LOOK TO JESUS      for all the answers

  you will be searching   and searching   and wear yourself out

LOVE  is the  motive    and action   expressed

  Israel is Gods first born   son   [Exodus  4 ]      freeing him from the WORLD / Egypt         , but they   all died   in faith believing  in a Messiah  to save them

  the bones  are   raised  in Christ being that Body   and breath  in them    that God  gave  Him  making the bones of His bones and  flesh of His flesh      NEW   


   and died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice  , they died together with Him to be  raised up   into the HOLY CITY      AND  as many who will come   to Jesus Christ will also    be saved

  the  two sticks of Judah and Israel     is the CROSS        OF   JESUS CHRIST     who died  together with Him     prophecy   being  in the fulness of times . 

        Ezek 37   "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Belonging to Joseph (that is, to Ephraim) and all the Israelites associated with him.'

I SEE JESUS ALIVE  AND LOVE BEING THE FORGIVENESS     for all mankind   in the WORD OF TRUTH BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: eaglesway on May 19, 2015, 09:15:06 AM
I am a full preterist, partial Armian Calvinist myself.  :Peace2:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Tom on May 19, 2015, 04:23:46 PM
Hmmm...I'm going to have to think about that one for awhile.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Cardinal on May 19, 2015, 08:02:37 PM
 :cloud9: Well I'm really confused, because I thought a full preterist believed ALL was accomplished by 70ad.  :dontknow:

Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: ed on May 19, 2015, 08:13:19 PM
Quote from: rosered on May 15, 2015, 08:10:44 PM


  unless we are left out in the elements    our own selves .



More to that then meets he eye.

:wave:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: eaglesway on May 19, 2015, 08:18:59 PM
I was joking. I am actually a neo-heterodoxologistic heretic :o)
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: rosered on May 19, 2015, 08:21:47 PM
Quote from: ed on May 19, 2015, 08:13:19 PM
Quote from: rosered on May 15, 2015, 08:10:44 PM


  unless we are left out in the elements    our own selves .



More to that then meets he eye.

:wave:
Yes in deed  ,  there sure is  :Peace2:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Cardinal on May 19, 2015, 08:24:19 PM
Quote from: eaglesway on May 19, 2015, 08:18:59 PM
I was joking. I am actually a neo-heterodoxologistic heretic :o)

:cloud9: Ok, now THAT I can relate to.... :winkgrin:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Tom on May 19, 2015, 08:28:59 PM
That's too long and complicated a description for my resume. I'm just going to settle for happy heretic.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Cardinal on May 19, 2015, 08:32:12 PM
 :cloud9: Yes, someone coined the term around here long ago, that we're all "hairy ticks", lol.....too funny. Most people outside the know look at us as if we are, for sure.  :mock:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Tom on May 19, 2015, 08:36:24 PM
I think folks who put that on us think it's a badge of shame to be feared, but I think it's a badge of honor, not to mention something to be laughed at, because, regardless of the fact that we don't conform to church doctrine, it is the church that doesn't conform to the word of God. 
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Cardinal on May 19, 2015, 08:40:13 PM
 :cloud9: No, they don't. God has a pattern. Pattern not followed. End of subject.  :sigh:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: eaglesway on May 19, 2015, 09:43:01 PM
When I first bumped into preterism, I studied through its various forms- saw some really beautiful stuff, as well as some things I don't believe.

I basicly oppose any hyper dispensational view pinned to dates other than the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was indeed a dispensational change from Israel and the law, to Jesus and the gospel of the kingdom, along with the outpouring of the Spirit, through which the tabernacle of living stones was born- a habitation of God in the spirit, the ecclesia of God, the body of Christ.



Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Cardinal on May 20, 2015, 04:13:34 PM
 :cloud9: Yes, we can glean from ANY field thru the mind of Christ, and if thru the mind of Christ be lifted up in wisdom to great heights in the Spirit. I'm sure they have a piece of the pie, too.

Problem with most of mankind comes when they try to stay in that field and make it their new home/denomination. They're called the BEASTS of the FIELD for a reason, LOL.....

And I'm with you on the last paragraph, too.  :thumbsup: The cross is the beginning AND the end, everything flows out from that. Blessings....
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Pig on May 21, 2015, 06:34:13 PM
I am probably a pre-preterist.  ;)  I believe everything was finished "at the cross" referring to the events surrounding it. I see a recapitulation of the story of the cross in the OT all pointing to the cross, and a recapitulation after the cross all pointing back. So the destruction of Jerusalem and even the holocaust are shadows pointing back. Whatever future events happen will simply be shadows pointing back to the cross.

I am also a very Young Earth Creationist, believing that the earth is six days younger than traditional YECs; the first seven days occurring in timelessness and in one 'day' (Ge 2:4). 

This isn't the place to get into details.  I am still sorting through Universalism.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: sheila on May 21, 2015, 07:19:40 PM
Mark 10;29,30  no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father,or children OR FIELDS..for me and the gospel

  will fail to recieve a hundred times as much in this present age.

   ALL THINGS ARE YOURS
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Tom on May 21, 2015, 09:42:21 PM
I think labels like the ones mentioned in the original post are loaded words that can be interpreted all kinds of ways. If you want to compare Calvinism, Arminianism, and universalism, then I'm into universalism, but I'm not affiliated with any worldly organization, denomination, or church that claims to represent universalism. I think preterism is a misconception, and there's a lot more surprises in store for mankind that they're not expecting because many have decided God is just mythology now thanks to the atheist religion, Darwinism, programming all the school kids. I was one of them once, but I got enough information to change my mind. Some folks may never do that though.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Dandelion on May 22, 2015, 03:52:16 AM
Hi Kevinq,

I have little idea what you are speaking of....which means I will learn much from you.

Welcome.....I hope we get to share many thoughts, here.  :welcome:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Bannister on June 30, 2015, 10:15:49 PM
I've come to full preterism by way of UR, not to say I'm in strict agreement with any doctrines or denominations formed by them but they are about the closest labels I know of that directly explain my beliefs.

As with the eternal torment and hell language, there seems to be a lot of misunderstood or misinterpreted concepts with the prophecies.

For those who want to know more about preterism in general, "The Parousia" by J. Stuart Russell is a good starting point. I don't agree with all of his assertions but he makes a very good case for the 70 AD timeframe. He had some remarkable views and exhaustive research considering this book is from the 1870s.

The book can be found for free online and there's an overview of the book on tentmaker here (which may be all you need as the book itself is 600+ pages): http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/parousia_apocalypse_russell.html
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: eaglesway on July 01, 2015, 08:01:02 AM
Quote from: Bannister on June 30, 2015, 10:15:49 PM
I've come to full preterism by way of UR, not to say I'm in strict agreement with any doctrines or denominations formed by them but they are about the closest labels I know of that directly explain my beliefs.

As with the eternal torment and hell language, there seems to be a lot of misunderstood or misinterpreted concepts with the prophecies.

For those who want to know more about preterism in general, "The Parousia" by J. Stuart Russell is a good starting point. I don't agree with all of his assertions but he makes a very good case for the 70 AD timeframe. He had some remarkable views and exhaustive research considering this book is from the 1870s.

The book can be found for free online and there's an overview of the book on tentmaker here (which may be all you need as the book itself is 600+ pages): http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/parousia_apocalypse_russell.html

Preterism is a particular systematic theology, which stands on its own apart from the gospel. I totally disagree with the dispensational view of full preterism, but I am totally UR, so preterism is not necessary to believing in UR, and altho we have preterists on the site, and by some definitions I could be considered a partial preterist, the site is here to promote UR, not preterism.
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: Dandelion on July 01, 2015, 03:13:30 PM
And, I am a totally lost Lutheran, who realizes I have lots to learn from you all. Never heard of most of these terms being thrown about.

:dunno2:
Title: Re: preterism and universalism
Post by: eaglesway on July 01, 2015, 09:00:50 PM
Mostly just theological flotsam and jetsum anyway 😊