A Refutation of the A.D. 70 Doctrine – 3

Posted on January 14th, 2010 in A.D. 70 Doctrine,Preterism,Realized Eschatology,Subject Index,The A.D. 70 Doctrine,Themes,Transmillennialism by Cox, Stan

In the previous article we answered the question of “why” regarding the A.D. 70 Doctrine. Why would anyone entertain such a doctrine, and why is the doctrine pushed to the division of churches?

A second question is commonly asked — the question of “How?” The A.D. 70 Doctrine seems to be, on its face, an absurd theory. How could any student of the Bible possibly entertain a doctrine that asserts the resurrection is past, and the end of the world has already occurred? It seems only necessary to clearly state the position to reject it. And yet, many have completely embraced the doctrine, and are convinced of its merit.

To answer the question of “How”, we refer by way of illustration to a recent scientific “discovery” making the rounds on the internet. It is referred to as “darksucker theory”, and entire discourses on the theory can be referenced by entering the term into any internet search engine. Here is a quote from one such document:

A Refutation of the A.D. 70 Doctrine – 2

Posted on January 7th, 2010 in A.D. 70 Doctrine,Preterism,Realized Eschatology,Subject Index,The A.D. 70 Doctrine,Themes,Transmillennialism by Cox, Stan

An Introduction to Realized Eschatology

There have been those who have held to the Realized Eschatology doctrine for many years.  There is an internet site, Preterist Archive (1), that contends Preterist Eschatology can be found in the earliest writings of the church fathers.  On their site they have a book titled A Paraphrase and Annotations Upon All the Books of the New Testament, written by H. Hammond, and published in 1653.  The claim is that Hammond espoused this doctrine in that book.

It is generally accepted that the modern advocation of the doctrine has its origin with C.H. Dodd (1884-1973).  Dodd was a Congregationalist minister for three years before becoming an academic.  He eventually reached his professional pinnacle as a Professor Emeritus of Divinity at Cambridge University.  In describing his views, Wikipedia states, “He is known for promoting ‘realized eschatology’, the belief that Jesus’ references to the Kingdom of God meant a present reality rather than a future apocalypse.” (2)  Herein lies a problem when discussing this issue.  The reader will note that the contributor to the Wikipedia article indicated that a belief that the Kingdom of God is presently established makes one an advocate of Dodd’s position.  This, of course, is too broad a brush.  Millennialists have a perception that colors references to Dodd and his ilk.

A Refutation of the A.D. 70 Doctrine – 1

Posted on January 1st, 2010 in A.D. 70 Doctrine,Preterism,Realized Eschatology,Subject Index,The A.D. 70 Doctrine,Themes,Transmillennialism by Cox, Stan

Introduction

A doctrine exists which asserts that all Biblical prophecies regarding the end times were ultimately fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in A.D. 70.  It is known by several names.  It is referred to most commonly by the awkward “A.D. 70 Doctrine”, technically by the term “Realized Eschatology”, recently by some of its adherents as “Transmillennialism®”, and less precisely by the more generic term “Preterism.”

Definitions

A.D. 70 Doctrine.  As indicated above, the generally accepted date of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus is A.D. 70.  The doctrine this work examines asserts that all of the “end time” prophecies and references in the New Testament refer to that event.  It is contended that at that time, Jesus came for the second and final time.  At that time, taking the language of 2 Peter 3, (and wresting it, we might add), “both the earth and the works that are in it” were burned up; and the “new heavens and a new earth” were established.  Though it is not a phrase used by the adherents of the doctrine, it is descriptive and appropriate.

The Foolishness of Preaching the End Times

Posted on October 1st, 1998 in A.D. 70 Doctrine,Eschatology,Preaching,Premillennialism,Subject Index,Themes,Universalism by Hafley, Mo

Just about the time you think the false teacher has exhausted his pathways of perversion up pops another. If it is not original, it is an offshoot of one previously existing. It is no different concerning the end of the world. I am certain the defenders of the faith become weary from fighting the foe coming from every direction (Gal.6: 9; Neh.4: 12).

Some years ago I saw a documentary by Walter Cronkite concerning the running of the marathon in the Olympics. I recall vaguely the story of one runner who came into the stadium as he completed the 26 mile run. The huge crowd shouted encouragement as he stumbled and staggered around the track. He was so exhausted from having run the great distance that he came to what he thought was the finish line and collapsed thinking he had won the race. However, some 20 minutes later another runner came jogging into the stadium and won the race.

How terrible to have run as hard as the first runner and collapse thinking he had won only to awake to hear he had lost. He was so close, but so far. Being close didn’t count in that race nor in our spiritual race to heaven (Heb. 12:1-2). What if I die believing I have completed the race God has appointed for us, but fail to finish my course (2 Tim.4:7)? Will he reward me with the crown of righteousness (2 Tim.4:8; cf. Matt.7:21-23)?