Preterism 101: July 2011

They were the ones chosen by God
God's divine plan- "The Mystery of God" [ref. Rev 10] was fulfilled in AD70 when Jesus returned in judgment of the 12 tribes of Israel [ref. Mt 19:28].

The Chosen of God were everyone from the time of Adam to those who were alive to experience Jesus' return in judgment of the 12 tribes of Israel whom God used to bring about the fruition of His plan.

Jesus chose His Apostles. And in order to be an Apostle, the Apostle had to have known Jesus personally.

His Apostles had twelve thrones reserved for them in Heaven and they were the the ones who were going to cast the final judgment on the 12 tribes of Israel [ref Mt 19:28].

The Roman army, under the command of General Titus, made the final siege on Old Jerusalem. The results of that siege fulfilled all of the end times prophecy- mainly the destruction of the temple in Old Jerusalem.

When Jesus left the temple His Apostles made the comment how beatiful the temple was. Jesus then replied that not one stone of the temple would be left upon another which signified its destruction. [ref. Mt 24:2]

When His Apostles heard that they immediately equated the destruction of the temple with His return in judgment of the 12 tribes of Israel. [ref Mt 24:3]

They asked Him WHEN and He answered "during THIS GENERATION" [ref. Mt 24:34].

And 40 years later during that generation's lifetime that temple was dismantled stone by stone down to its very foundation- exactly how and when Jesus had prophecied it 40 years earlier- during their generation, during their lifetime [ref. Mt 16:28]

None of us today are chosen. They were chosen ones, not us today.

Mystery of God
Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,
the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
At the sound of the last trumpet-
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a [the last]trumpet, and they
shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all
riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and
of the Father, and of Christ;
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It [the Mystery of God] is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life
freely.

Jesus told them that He would:

gather His "elect"* at His "2nd Coming"** (which was the final judgment of the Twelve Tribes*** of
Israel)-
*Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
***Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

that this would happen during their generation-
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things**** be
fulfilled.
****"all these things" including-
- the gathering (rapture) of the elect (chosen) (Matt 24:31)
- not one stone [of the temple in Jerusalem] shall be left upon another (Matt 24:2)
**- Jesus' (2nd) Coming... the disciples equated His (2nd) Coming with the destruction of the temple
in Jerusalem; they also equated the destruction of that temple with the "end of the world"; the "end of the world" meant the end of the age; the end of the the old covenant age abnd the beginning of the new covenant age of Christianity; Judaism and its temple were going to be judged; a new heaven because New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God was "at hand"; New Jerusalem, the tabernacle of God, the dwelling place of God, was going to descend from heaven and
God would then dwell with man; that's why it's a new heaven- because heaven is now on earth and
God dwells in His Heaven which is now on earth; a new earth because heaven, instead of being "up
there", is now down here on this new earth that has heaven on it (Matt 24:3)
- "wars and rumours of wars" ... one major war that was on the not too distant horizon was the Jewish War(s) where in AD70 Rome captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple where the "elements melted with fervent heat" and was dismantled stone by stone so that "not one stone was left upon
another"; armies began encircling Jerusalem in AD66- 3 1/2 years before the final assault on
Jerusalem; during those 3 1/2 years, the "two witnesses" (Peter and James, Jesus' brother) of Rev
11 began their prophesying (Matt 24:6)
- the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place...
the holy place meaning the "Holy Place"in the temple in Jerusalem; the abomination that caused the desolation of the temple was the "image of the beast [from the sea]" of Rev 13; the "image of the beast from the sea" that came to life was the beast from the sea that came back to life via his image that was constructed under the supervision of the "beast from the earth [Judea]"; the beast from the sea meant that this beast was from a foreign land; the beast from the earth meant that this beast came from Judea; the beast from the earth of Rev 13 was probably the high priest in Jerusalem at the time (Ananias?) and was also the "false prophet" of Revelation 16:13, 19:20, and 20:10; the high priest in Jerusalem had the citizens of Jerusalem construct the image of the beast and then allowed the image which came to life to stand in the holy of holies, thus bringing about its future destruction, where its elements melted with fervent heat and then was completely dismantled so that not one stone was left upon another.

Paul mentions several times in his epistles:

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we
should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ*....
*"who FIRST trusted in Christ"... Paul along with the rest of the Apostles were the first who
trusted in Christ and God made known the "mystery of his will"- the "mystery of God" when He wanted to and He chose that time period to do it and to bring it ALL to fulfillment.

THEY were a unique group not to be numbered any further.
When Jesus ascended into heaven His choice group, the Apostles, were told by Him that He was going to return during His (their) generation, and that some of them would still be alive- (Matt 16: 28)

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus:7 That in the ages to come* he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his
kindness toward us through Christ Jesus...
*That in the ages to come... This is a unique verse BECAUSE Paul speaks of a future time when people, in the ages to come, will be able to read his words and realize "...the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." His epistles are letters and are all addressed to the Christians and the Churches he had established on his missionary journies. It is rare to find verses that acknowledge a future age where people of the future age are even mentioned. Most N.T. Scripture are writings that are addressed to people at that time in history. When we write a book or a letter today, it is meant to be read by people of this time period. When is the last time you wrote a letter to someone and mentioned that it will be read by peoples of another age in a distant future time? Or a book that has been written that the author specifically wants it reserved to be read by people in the distant future? The Bible is the Word of God but can also be viewed as a history of God's dealings with man. Paul's letters were personal writings to people at that time.

That is not the only verse:

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
1 Timothy 1:15 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: 16 howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life. (ASV)

These are verses that I believe show the uniqueness of Paul and the Apostles where THEY are the chosen ones, THEY are the elect to bring about the fulfillment of God's plan.

I believe it is foolish for any of us today to think that we are of the elect, that we are of the chosen by God, to be participants in the fulfillment of God's plan.

I believe that God's plan has been fulfilled:

Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me* according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
* "...hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me..." and not some generation 1,000's of years into the future...

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion*. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

* "...and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion".
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he was imprisoned in Rome and Nero was Caesar and Nero was feeding Christians to the lions. In AD64 fire broke out in Rome and Nero ended up blaming the Christians in Rome for it. History books teach us that, to the Romans, Christianity was regarded in Rome at that time as a radical sect of Judaism. "The Christians, popularly believed to be the most troublesome segment of Rome's Jewish minority, were already disliked if not actively hated. They were different and insular, their religious services were private, and what little was "known" about their beliefs was disgusting even to the bloodthirsty Romans. This is what Romans had heard: the infant god of the Christians grew up was eventually eaten, "body and blood" (the Christians said) in what the Romans considered a cannibalistic ritual. And this was something which the Christians reenacted often. Why, they were worse than those horrible ancient Carthaginians, who burned their babies but at least didn't eat them. Any Roman child that went missing led to inevitable conjecture." (from http://www.mmdtkw.org/VNeroFire.html)

Today's Jews resent Paul just as much as they resented him in the 1st century.
Paul was a Jew who became a Christian.
I wouldn't doubt, because history isn't clear on the subject, that Jews may have started the fire in Rome. If not, it could very likely have been the Jews who managed to convince Nero that the Christians were the ones to blame for the fire. The Jews could also have been the ones responsible for giving the description above of the Christians and their Christianity. They may have figured if they could get Nero and Rome to believe their lies about Christianity and the Christians practicing it, then, once they got Nero to believe that the Christians started the fire, Nero would begin executing the Christians and eventually the turncoat Paul.
Whatever the truth is on that, it is a fact that Christians were being fed to the lions starting in AD64 and eventually Paul was executed (beheaded?) in AD67. Nero supposedly commited suicide in AD68. The Jewish Revolt commenced in AD66.

I believe that for anyone today to think for even a moment that they are on par with Paul or any of the Apostles for that matter with his committment, with his missions, with their roles is absurd. THEY were chosen to fulfill. THEY were chosen to evangelize the entire world. God knew beforehand, God chose THEM to be the integral parts in fulfilling His Plan. NOT US TODAY. Paul sacrificed his life at the hands of Nero for his faith. Paul was persecuted by the Jews for his turning from Judaism and for his faith in Jesus Christ. THEY experienced it first-hand. THEY saw Jesus face-to-face. WE cannot make those claims, can we? I believe that God's "choosing" people, His "electing" people, His establishing nations and rulers of those nations ENDED when God did indeed establish His Kingdom. John the Baptist, Jesus and His Apostles ALL claimed "The Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God is NEAR. The Kingdom of God has been established. THEY were the ones who were integral in the fulfillment. THEY were the ones who wetre "chosen". THEY were the ones who were "predestined". THEY were the ones who were "pre-ordained". NOT US TODAY.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples* to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come*.

*which delivered us from the wrath to come:

Seige Machines Used Before Final Assault on Jerusalem

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 8 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.