We began by exploring what preterism is all about. We’ve also seen how preterism and its supporters have grown over time. In previous posts, I looked at some key interpretive issues in the Book of Revelation and shared why a dispensational approach is particularly helpful. Now, I’d like to take a step back from the details to share the top five reasons dispensationalism is a better approach than preterism.

  1. Literal Interpretation of Prophecy
    One of the main strengths of dispensationalism is its consistently literal interpretation of biblical prophecy. Dispensationalists maintain that prophecy, especially in the Book of Revelation, should be understood according to its plain and normal meaning unless the text explicitly calls for a figurative interpretation. In contrast, preterism often spiritualizes or allegorizes key prophecies, which can lead to a loss of clarity and precision in interpreting God’s promises. For example, dispensationalism takes the promises made to Israel (such as land promises) literally, while preterism often interprets these promises as being fulfilled in the church or in a symbolic sense.
  2. Distinctive Role of Israel and the Church
    Dispensationalism rightly upholds a distinction between Israel and the Church, which is essential for understanding biblical prophecy. According to dispensational theology, God has distinct plans for both Israel and the Church. This distinction helps explain why many prophecies related to Israel, such as those in the Old Testament and in Revelation, have yet to be fulfilled. Preterism, however, tends to merge the roles of Israel and the Church, leading to the interpretation that prophecies about Israel were fully fulfilled in the first century, often in relation to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Dispensationalists argue that the future restoration of Israel is an essential part of God’s plan, a view that is better supported by Scripture.
  3. The Unfulfilled Future of Prophecy
    Dispensationalism maintains that many prophecies, especially those in the Book of Revelation, have not yet been fulfilled. These prophecies, such as the return of Christ, the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom, and the judgment of the nations, are viewed as future events. In contrast, preterism tends to place the fulfillment of many prophecies in the first century, specifically around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Dispensationalists argue that this approach fails to account for the unfulfilled aspects of prophecy and the ongoing expectations set forth by Jesus and the apostles. For example, Christ’s second coming is explicitly described in Scripture as a future, visible event that has not yet occurred.
  4. Consistency with the Olivet Discourse
    The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) is often central to understanding biblical prophecy, particularly in relation to the second coming of Christ. Dispensationalists argue that this discourse points to future, global events (such as the Great Tribulation) that have not yet occurred. In contrast, preterism interprets much of the Olivet Discourse as having been fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem. Dispensationalists maintain that the Olivet Discourse’s prediction of cosmic disturbances, the appearance of the Son of Man in the sky, and the gathering of the elect is a prophecy for the future, not for the first century.
  5. The Consistency of God’s Covenant Promises
    Dispensationalism preserves the consistency of God’s covenant promises to Israel and the Church, particularly in relation to the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants. These covenants contain promises that are yet to be fulfilled, especially regarding Israel’s future restoration, the reign of the Messiah on David’s throne, and the eventual salvation of Israel. Preterism, on the other hand, tends to spiritualize or dismiss these promises as having already been fulfilled in the church or in the events surrounding A.D. 70. Dispensationalists argue that this undermines God’s faithfulness to His covenants, as these promises have not been fully realized, especially concerning Israel’s national restoration.

Conclusion

The dispensational view offers a clear, literal, and consistent framework for understanding prophecy that aligns with the overall narrative of Scripture, especially in regard to the promises made to Israel and the future return of Christ. By maintaining a distinction between Israel and the Church, emphasizing the unfulfilled nature of many prophecies, and interpreting the Olivet Discourse and other prophetic texts as future events, dispensationalism provides a coherent and faithful approach to biblical prophecy.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Dan Starcevich

Hi, I am Dan Starcevich. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I live in Windsor Colorado, just north of Denver. Not only do I run TheoFaith but I also serve as a professor at Tyndale Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, and I serve as the academic dean and professor of applied faith at Agathon University. I wasn’t always a theologian. I was in the United States Army for almost 10 years, then spent 30 years in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Thanks to the support of my wife I was also able to get degrees from Hawaii Pacific University (B.S.), The University of Southern California (M.S.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Thm.), and Tyndale Theological Seminary (PhD. and D.min). My deep desire is the see people grow in the knowledge of the Lord through deep, enriching, satisfying engagement with Scripture.

Leave a comment