Faith without religion.
Preterist Insights: Jesus’ Return and Spiritual Resurrection
As we approach the New Year, it’s a time for reflection and setting goals. But today, let’s shift our focus to a deeper contemplation of biblical teachings, specifically the return of Jesus and the concept of resurrection. This discussion is rooted in a preterist interpretation, suggesting that Jesus’ return was imminent in the first century and occurred in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem.
The New Testament, particularly the book of Revelation, is often seen as a prophecy for the early church, warning them of events that were about to unfold. This perspective is supported by the urgency and immediacy expressed in the text, with phrases like “the time is at hand” and “I come quickly.” The primary audience for these messages were the seven churches in Asia Minor, emphasizing the relevance of these prophecies to their contemporary context.
The teachings of Jesus, Paul, and other apostles consistently pointed to a return within their generation. This interpretation challenges the traditional futurist view, suggesting instead that the events described were fulfilled in the first century. The resurrection, then, is seen as a spiritual transformation that began with Jesus’ resurrection and continues for believers at their death.
This understanding invites us to consider the spiritual nature of Jesus’ kingdom, which transcends the material world. As believers, our resurrection is a spiritual awakening, a transition from the physical to the spiritual realm, where we are united with the Lord.
As we move into the new year, let’s embrace this spiritual journey, seeking a deeper understanding of our faith and the transformative power of resurrection in our lives.