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Category Archives: Topical
Acknowledgement of Extremes (january 11, 2009) by Larry Siegle
Acknowledgement of Extremes (january 11, 2009) [reprinted with permission] THE PURPOSE of this article is to acknowledge and to discuss the fact that extremes do exist within the framework of biblical preterism. [1] In recent years, a zealous host of … Continue reading
A Quick Lesson in Logic
The Bible uses what is called “Logic” all through out its pages. Indeed, every word inspired by God from the pens of the sacred writers assumed what i formally called the law of contradiction. That is, subject A cannot be … Continue reading
Oswald Chambers: Todays Devotion
Beware of placing Our Lord as a Teacher first. If Jesus Christ is a Teacher only, then all He can do is to tantalize me by erecting a standard I can not attain. What is the use of presenting me … Continue reading
Response to James N. Anderson’s “Theological Paradox”
The following article was written by Gary W. Crampton for the Trinity Review. It seem the old Barthian notion of “paradox” is fashionable in some Preterist circles, and we have voiced our criticism as well. Anderson is a Van Tillian, … Continue reading
Answering Dave Green
Dave Green, a great brother, recently wrote: “Sam and Jason, on the issue of “paradox,” have relied heavily on Robert Reymond’s Clarkian book, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. In that book, on page 129, Reymond wrote: “The … Continue reading
Ongoing Fulfillment: A Working Definition
And the nations shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour into it (Rev 21.24). This is in reference to the New Jerusalem. Very briefly, we should note the … Continue reading
Definitions, Definitions, Definitions
I hate, absolutely hate, to continue to bring up particular posts, but this one in specific really hit home as to what the problem is. Ed Hassert is continuing to keep flames hot by throwing more fuel on the fire. … Continue reading
And It Gets Worse
Recently, probably one of the most abhored persons in the history of Preterism, Roderick Edwards, has a forum at Preterist Cosmos, ran by Dave Green. Here is his latest: From other FP blogs, comes comments like these about Sam: “Just … Continue reading
God “Knows” All His People (The Problem of Infinity Continued)
I have written three articles on this issue, coming at it from a theological/logical viewpoint. I think my case has been, thus far, made. Is 9.7 cannot be used to support an “infinitely increasing” people as maintained by the FP … Continue reading
Responses from Preterists to the Problem of Infinity
The responses that I have received so far from FP have been, in the main, thoughtful. They are kind of a “I’ll have to really take a look at this.” Some have accepted it in one way or the other, … Continue reading
More Thoughts on the Problem of Infinity
I have now been charged with devaluing God and defining him more akin to “Hercules.” If this were not laughable (since Hercules was not “all knowing”), I would not take it serious. But, it has been stated with seriousness. Imagine, … Continue reading
Full Preterism and the Problem of Infinity
The following paper is the fruition of almost two years of thought. I first posted an internet article on Sovereign Grace Preterism entitled, “A Proposal: An End to History”, back in 2008. That met with some comments, for and against, … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged eternity, history, infinity, knowledge, preterism, procreation, time
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Dave Green on the Difference between Then and Now
In Dave Green’s YAHOO group, he responded with a statement that so clarified, so sharpened, and so illuminated the biblical position of Preterism. I had to ask to him to reprint it here. He obliged. Read it carefully. “Imagine” a … Continue reading
In The Beginning(s), God: Creation, Re-Creation in Terms of the Covenant People of God
There is no shortage today of theological works which note the “bookends” of Revelation (Rv) 22 and Genesis (Gn) 1. Conservative inerrantists see it as the work of the inspiring Holy Spirit that authored both books. And, though serious scholarship … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Biblical Defintion of Man, Conclusion
Well, we have made it through this little book in about eleven or so essays, and from it, I believe, we have made a great stride towards a biblical and Preterist view of man. This would Preterist Anthropology. 1. God … Continue reading
II Peter 3 and I Enoch
It is readily acknowledged that, regardless of whether Peter ever read what is now called, “First Enoch” (there are three “books” of Enoch), the thoughts of Enoch were “in the air” so to speak within the world of Judaism in … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part XI
The chapter we next come to is “Total Depravity.” “This doctrine has to do with the effects of sin in the history of the human race” (71). But, not merely the sins, but “the depraved nature which engenders them” (71). … Continue reading
Dave Green; concerning some remarks from Todd Dennis
Dave Green recently wrote a brilliant, albeit brief, critique of a few remarks by Todd Dennis that I thought needed to be published. The critique is from PretCosmos@yahoogroups.com, Dave’s wonderful group (proud to be a friend of yours, brother). The … Continue reading
Gordon Clark: The Biblical Definition of Man, Part X
We have had tremendous success with this series and we are just about finished. This chapter is the idea of “Immediate Imputation.” The imputation of Adam’s sin to his posterity (all mankind). This is a strong Calvinist doctrine and leads … Continue reading
A Message to Paul T.
Paul, Since I cannot (i.e., am not allowed) to post on Dee’s Dee’s site, even though it is YOUR blog (huh?), I am going to ask that you email me again at samuelmfrost@yahoo.com That way, I can answer your question … Continue reading
Physical Life and the Pro Life Movement
When we say “pro life” what do we mean? Does the Bible teach that “life” begins at conception? Define “life”, then? Try to define “life” covenantally. Define it in terms of biology. Where does the soul come from? The Pro … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Biblical Definition of Man Part IX (B)
This will conclude Part IX which I began earlier today. There we were noting the comparisons between the Son of God, Adam, and the Son of God, Son of Adam, Jesus. Paul’s material in Romans 5 (and I Corinthians 15) … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part IX
We are about halfway through the book, and we have discovered some interesting things along the way. Thanks for the many encouragements to continue through this series. In the last paper, I noted that I disagreed with the “covenant of … Continue reading
Carl F.H. Henry: God, Revelation, and Authority
Finally! At last! I have added to my library a six volume set by Carl F.H. Henry entitled, God, Revelation, Authority (Word Books, Waco, Texas). For those of you who do not know, Carl Henry, was a theological giant. You … Continue reading
B.F. Westcott on the Many Comings of Christ
Brookes Foss Westcott was a giant in terms of bible history and interpretation. He had a personal, controversial life, too. Just google it. But, his view on the “coming of the Lord” sounds a lot like Todd Dennis, John Noe … Continue reading
Mike Bull on Scriptura sub scientia
Excellent article. I have heard the name, Mike Bull, somewhere. I read him on the Pret Blah, and thought, where do I know that name? I searched, and found, that Michael Bennett was dealing with him about some things. So, … Continue reading
Kurt Simmons on II Peter 3
I recently wrote a piece against Jerel Kratt on Preterism Debate (Larry’s site). I am certainly open to other views on II Peter 3. I am not open to BCS view that, because it is false, leads to the absurd … Continue reading
Pret Blah: A Zebra Can’t Change It’s Spots
Recently, Paul T. (in case you have not noticed) and I have been sort of getting along in print. And, so, he wrote, “I appreciate your advice and I do understand your conflict with Dr. Birks but that is between … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part VIII
Is there a covenant of works? First, we have to define it. Foedus operum has been defined as that original arrangement God had with Adam and Eve… Continue reading
Smoking Cigarettes and Science
I came across some books on smoking and the surgeon general issues in a library. They were on the 25 cent table, so I bought them. I am an ex-smoker (as of 2009, midnight, new years eve). Anyone got a … Continue reading
Beyond Creation Huh?
Mick Deneen recently posted on his blog an article from Peter Enns “Every week, “Science and the Sacred” features an essay from a guest voice in the science and religion dialogue. Today's entry was written by Pete Enns. Pete Enns … Continue reading
Paul T.: To Connote, or Not to Connote? That Is the Question.
Paul T. has been nice lately, I guess. I take what I can get. Let it be noted that we are spot on agreement as to presuppositionalism (ala Clark), and Paul T. has said so in many words on Pret … Continue reading
Philosophy of Science, Part III
In this discussion, from our textbook (see part I), John Ziman’s essay is simply titled, “What Is Science?” He notes the problem that most practitioners of science rarely bother with this question. Common sense takes over (and takes for granted) … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part VI
[My comments will appear in these brackets scattered throughout this article, written by Clark. The following is an article from the Trinity Foundation website (www.trinityfoundation.org) and is, more or less, what we have in the book we have been covering … Continue reading
Preterist Ecclesiology 101: Part V
[This was the final installment in this series I wrote around 2002, 2003. The "opponents" at the time were those preterists (small in number) who were actually teaching a complete cessation of "leaders" within a church community (local gathering). I … Continue reading
Philosophy of Science, Part II
Some Preterists, and most Beyond Creation Science ones, have a remarkable ignorance about what science actually is, and what it can actually accomplish. I have spent a great deal of time reading on the subject for almost two decades, and … Continue reading
Preterist Ecclesiology 101: Part IV
Our survey in the OT concluded with the remarks that the ‘elders of the people’ continued right through the post-exilic communities, through the Maccabbean Period up to the time of Christ. The NT Gospels recognize ‘the elders of the people’ … Continue reading
Philosophy of Science, Part I
I seem to be writing a lot in “parts” these days. I have some time, and with a great deal of clamor that I have decided to put out of my life (for good), I seem to have more energy … Continue reading
Preterist Ecclesiology 101: Part III
In the first two articles in this series, we mentioned several divisions of “leaders” within the Old Covenant people of God, Israel. The most peculiar of this were the “elders of the people.” These were leaders commissioned solely by the … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part V
Well, we have covered a lot of material in the first installments of this series. The main point is that Clark broke from the understanding that man is defined as a combination of body and soul (substantia compositiva). Now, Clark … Continue reading
Preterist Ecclesiology 101: Part II
In the first part of this series of articles I covered material which indicated the origin of the NT synaxis (synaxis is Greek for ‘meeting’). It is helpful to read that material before reading this second article. For the sake … Continue reading
Preterist Ecclesiology 101
This series was from a work done years ago when I was pastoring Christ Covenant Church. Some of us have been in talks about formation an alliance of Preterist churches that can be used to help others to plant or … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part IV
Review: So far we have covered the biblical definition of the image of God and the soul. From this, we have seen that the rational ability of the mind (soul, image) of Man is innate. Man is hardwired to “think … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part III
Alright. This little series is causing a bit of stir! That’s good. Some may think that I admire Clark too much. Well, maybe. But, for me, Clark is not just a man. He represents a viewpoint shared by many able … Continue reading
Criticism on Machen’s View of Image of God
Alright. I’ll bite. I don’t know why. Paul T. recently wrote an article saying I misrepresented J. Gresham Machen. Well, first, let’s deal with his little paper on this charge, then we can go back to the paper I wrote … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man, Part II
There was a generally good reception of my first installment of Clark’s anthropological views, so I figured I might as well go through the rest of the book in a series of installments. If you can, buy this book (Trinity … Continue reading
Gordon H. Clark: The Definition of Man
Clark wrote a small book entitled, The Biblical Doctrine of Man (Trinity Foundation, 1984). In it is a powerful argument that suites the Corporate Body view quite well. Of course, Clark was a Westminster Confession man all the way, but … Continue reading
A Major Victory
Since we have cleaned house, so to speak, and since I am completely free from certain quarters of criticism, which is a breath of fresh air, I wanted to write this little blog in what may be one of my … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged birks, history, ibd, resurrection, talbot, theologyexplained, westminster
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Theology 101: Glorification
Ready for some theological problems? Then hang on. I recently was reviewing J. Gresham Machen’s little book The Christian View of Man (Banner of Truth Trust, 1965). Machen, if you don’t know, was a stalwart defender of the Faith (google … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged body, glorification, gordon clark, image of god, machen, resurrection, soul
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Calvin Speaks from the Grave on IBD View!
Recently, I came across a shocking statement from Dr. Kelly Birks, which must be quoted in full, given by him on Larry Siegle’s Preterism Debate site (TE stands for Theology Explains, a website created by Sharon Nichols, but approved by … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged ibd, immortal body death, john calvin, kelly birks, resurrection
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Response to Dr. Talbot
I was alerted today to a new website created by Dr. Kenneth Talbot… Finally, the respective men seen on the front of this site means that the Preterist view is being taken seriously. After all, these men, valuable as their time is, would not erect a website which has as its first article an argument against Preterism. Continue reading
Beautiful Science
I have a moment of clarity today, and decided to air it out here. You know, see if it jives. After studying the philosophy of science for a couple of decades, this is, basically, where I am with the whole … Continue reading
Towards a Preterist Worldview
Please feel free to copy this, post it, and send it to whoever you wish – Sam. Towards a Preterist Worldview: An Outline I. The Scriptures: We affirm the 66 books of the Bible as the one and true, and … Continue reading
Justification
I feel as if I must re-introduce my career in theology again in order to make a point. As a graduate of Whitefield Theological Seminary with two M.A. degrees (straight A’s by the way), one thing I do know is … Continue reading
Our Final State
I am going to follow the sytematic theology work by Millard J. Erikson (Christian Theology, Baker, 1990). His chapter, “Final States” is divided into Final State of the Righteous and Final State of the Wicked (1225-1247). I will not be … Continue reading
IBD and CBV: FYI ASAP
I thought I would have fun with the title. But seriously, folks. I want to demonstrate, briefly, a few concerns I have with the IBD view and exegesis. Mainly, I wanted to focus on the “seed analogy” of Paul in … Continue reading
Posted in 1 Corinthians, Topical
Tagged corinthians, corporate, immortal body, israel, resurrection
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Focusing on the Right Thing
I have been in the muddy battle lines for several years now. I have watched them come and go, and I have watched them fall and rise. I am getting a little older, and, for now, I am taking a leave from the battle field and going into the camp-tent for awhile to concentrate, write, and focus. The battle is in capable hands.
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What Is the Gospel?
In keeping with the recent new attempts to separate Preterists from being legitimately called “Christians”, our opponents have tried to make the case that we preach “a different Jesus” and a “different Gospel.” They understand that Preterism has moved into … Continue reading
Exposing Dr. Talbot’s Strategy
Dr. Talbot has recently posted an article by Gordon Clark here: http://preteristdebate.ning.com/profiles/blogs/dr-gordon-clark-on-heresy If one knows the background, which I believe forms the reason, of this material, one can easily see what it is trying to do. First, Dr. Talbot’s subtitle … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged christianity, Dr Talbot, heresy, heretics, preterism, reformed, westminster
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Why Glenn Beck Is Insane
I listen to Beck almost daily. He’s a Mormon, you know. The whole “last days saints” stuff. Mormon eschatology is essentially Dispensationalism with a Tim LaHaye bend. In the article from NewsMax (April, 2009), Beck tells us flat out that … Continue reading
The Dumbest Thing, Perhaps, I have ever read
Recently, Dr. Talbot wrote Tami wrote: “If you are waiting for a future “resurrection” to fulfill 1 Corinthians 15, then your sins are not forgiven, and you are not saved.” I would really like to thank you for this comment, … Continue reading
Final Response to Dr. Birks
Final Response to Dr. Birks I regret having to write this because, in other regards, I enjoy my friendship with Dr. Birks. However, unlike my first Response, I did not write it as a personal piece. We must keep emotions … Continue reading
Response to Dr. Birks
The Last Enemy “being destroyed”: A Response to Dr. Kelly Birks This paper will be brief in that I will utilize three standard works on I Co 15.26. First, a string of translations: ESV: “The last enemy to be destroyed … Continue reading
Old Testament Studies Blog/Adam Considered
Recently an article surfaced (thanks Jason) that caught my attention as being an attempt to refute preterism on linguistic grounds (http://otrmin.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/logic-and-hyperpreterism/#comment-226). The authors name is Adam. Dr. Talbot recently offered his support of Adam’s work against “hyperpreterism” and a link … Continue reading
Paul T. and Creation
Paul T., at the Preterist Blog, apparently has toned down the rhetoric a bit and written a fairly straightforward piece without any slurs or demeaning character shots. This is great. For the first time, I was not offended reading an … Continue reading
Another Post for Paul T. at Preterist Blog
Well, I see in the flurry of article posts, the picture of Hitler was quickly bumped off the opening page. Thank God. Seeing that picture every time one went to Preterist Blog was offensive. Seems like most folks agreed. Water … Continue reading
The Non-Temporal Use of “Thousand Years”: A Response to Paul T. and the Preterist Blog
Recently, the Preterist Blog has found a new author to denounce my views. I have to give Paul T. (I don’t know him) some credit. Apart from the ridiculing manner of his writing (like calling me “prophet” Frost and other … Continue reading
An Exegesis of I Corinthians 5.
Whoredom is actually heard of among you, and such whoredom as is not even named among the nations — as that one hath the wife of the father! — 2 and ye are having been puffed up, and did not … Continue reading
My Response: Love
Yet again, another article defaming my name and character has been posted on the Preterist Blog. I called Dr. Talbot and received great advice. Love your enemies. We have adopted the rules Sharon posted awhile back, and would wish that … Continue reading
Isaiah 65:17-ff
This will be a simple article. I am reading a great deal on Isaiah 65:17-ff. As a Preterist, we affirm the fulfillment of the passage (and I stress the ongoing fulfillment of this passage in terms of its gradual effects … Continue reading
Are Weeds a Biblical Curse?
I was recently reading an article on gardening, since I have a little 20′ x 6′ garden in my backyard, and came across this: Weeds benefit in: helping to conserve soil moisture and prevent erosion. A ground cover of weeds … Continue reading
“You Shall Certainly Die”: A Response to Dr. Talbot
Hopefully, no one will misinterpret the title of this essay! Dr. Talbot and I have a strong sense of humor, and perhaps beginning with a sort of levity will help the conversation. I have no pleasure in pointing out what … Continue reading
The Embarrassment of Premillennialism
Premillennialism (PM), or Chiliasm (chilia is the Greek number for 1,000), is an embarrasment for Partial Preterists (PP), Postmillennialists (PoM) and Amillennialists (AM). This short paper will highlight the reasons why it is an embarrassment and why scholars who are … Continue reading
Sanctification from A Preterite Perspective
This was delivered at New Creation Ministries Conference: Parts 1 and 2 For my text I will be using the book written by Gordon H. Clark aptly entitled, Sanctification (Trinity Foundation, 1992). Clark died in April of 1985, authored over … Continue reading
John Calvin on Councils and Creeds
John Calvin most clearly and forcefully sets the principle of Scripture Alone against his detractors. This is found in Book IV, Chapter 9 “Councils and Their Authority” (from Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battles trans.). This is a bit lengthy, … Continue reading
Posted in Topical
Tagged authority, confessions, councils, creeds, john calvin, sola scriptura
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The Lord’s Prayer in its Preterist Context *
THE PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE STUDY IS TO PLACE THE LORD’S PRAYER IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PRETERIST UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT SETTING WITHIN THE REDEMPTIVE-HISTORICAL FLOW OF HISTORY. THIS WILL INVOLVE CERTAIN PRE-UNDERSTANDING, STUDIES THAT WE HAVE ALREADY … Continue reading
Redemption As Creation
First, I will use the the chart and some other organizing information taken from God’s Big Picture: Tracing the story-line of the Bible by Vaughan Roberts (IVP 2002). His overview is Story and his main organizing motif is Kingdom. FOLLOW … Continue reading
The Parables of Matthew 13
I want to look at the parables of Matthew 13 primarily due to a very interesting comment made by Davies & Allison in their monumental International Critical Commentary. I will get to that last. First I want to set it … Continue reading
Does Mark 13 Include the Resurrection of the Dead?
Mark 13 has been subjected to so much scrutiny within scholarly circles that writing on it poses the immediate problem of where to begin. I have decided to simply jump in the water with my own convictions and see if … Continue reading
Application of Desert Motif in NT
Last time we met we looked at the way the New Testament opens and then leads us into the desert setting promised by the prophets. That is, the setting for the New Testament story is the return to the desert … Continue reading
Sheol/Hades: What is it?
Sheol/Hades: What is it? The only way to answer that question is to look at the occurrences in the Bible. Sheol (lAav.) is the Hebrew term we are interested in. The first occurrences are in Genesis (Gn). All four occurrences … Continue reading
Israel and the Church: A Preterist Approach to the Israelfrage
The city set ‘in the middle of the nations’ (Ez 5.5)[1] confronts us in the texts of the Bible as it does daily in the newspaper. Scholars and theologians down through the centuries have searched the sacra pagina in an … Continue reading
The Desert/Wilderness Setting of the NT
The Preterist framework takes into consideration references to the Old Testament (citation, allusion & echo) that frames the meaning of the story but also the setting. Many things in the Preterist conception are not located on the surface of the … Continue reading
The Definition of “The Death” in Scripture
A Proposed Solution In our recent debate, Kurt Simmons has attempted to define “death” in certain eschatological passages as meaning only “hadean death.” That is, in Rev, for example, the Greek phrase o` Qanatoj kai. o` adhj (ho thanatos kai … Continue reading
The Heart of The Matter: Defining The Death
This is not an official Response to the supposed “debate” between Simmons and me. I stopped that. But, I will not stop writing about what has come about recently. I want to make some points that should clarify the issues … Continue reading
Why Simmons Is Wrong: A Tour de Force Written During le Tour de France
1. Bad Greek My first argument is the easiest to reveal the incompetence of Simmons. I had a good laugh over this one. Simmons wants his readers to think that the Greek article is of no real importance. Yet, anyone … Continue reading
Debate with Kurt Simmons, Part 1
Introduction: When I initially finished this piece, the debate with Kurt Simmons was not in the forefront. Recently, however, it has come to the forefront. The basic charge is laid out that the "corporate view" necessarily leads to Universalism. Now, … Continue reading
Todd Dennis and Preteristic Idealism
I consider Dennis to be a good friend of mine and have fellowshipped with him many times. Hopefully, after this article is read, that fellowship will remain intact. With that being said, I do want to critically evaluate his article … Continue reading
Romans Overview 5 Transcript
Podcast: Download
The following is a transcript of part 5 of Sam’s Overview of Romans series, which can be heard in full at RCM Radio. Because this is a transcript, you may want to listen as you read. 6032-rss-45244-1.mp3 Concluding chapter 8, I … Continue reading
Matthew 13.24-30, 37-43 – Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat
First off, we must define a “parable.” Etymologically, it is made up of two Greek words, the preposition “para,” which means “alongside of,” and “ballo,” which is a verb meaning, “put, place, throw.” Thus, a parable, also called a similitude, … Continue reading
Observations
I. Observations I have recently come out of a certain e-mail group, mostly Reformed, that has left me feeling quite depressed. The last few nights have been restless and sleepless. The issues revolved around the alleged support that Planet Preterist … Continue reading
The Suneidesis in Paul’s Romerbrief
The term “conscience” (suneidesis) becomes a key element in Pauline themes when developing Christian action and morals in his letters. Particularly, in Paul’s letter to the house congregations in Rome, the conscience is developed in a more explicit way. C.K. … Continue reading
More History Lessons
[note: this was a post in response to someone on another site, which explains why it starts the way it does. However, Sam makes some great points here that can be understood apart from knowing the previous exchanges - jason] … Continue reading
How to Build a Framework for Interpreting the New Testament
The Obvious Superiority of the Preterist Framework QUESTION: How do we, as Preterists, formulate a consistent approach to interpreting the NT? In our discussions on Pal Talk we have been taking baby steps toward that goal. We have been looking … Continue reading
Isaiah and the resurrection of the dead
We have seen several points in Isaiah that has led to some conclusions that, for our matter, has served to confirm the preterist framework; i.e. the biblical teaching of the Second Coming of the Lord within the generation that he … Continue reading
Israel and the Gentiles
There has been considerable confusion over the definition of Israel and the Gentiles coming from some circles within preterism. Hopefully, this article will clear up the confusion. First off, it was no shock to Paul that the majority of Jews … Continue reading
Jesus’ Body: Super Body or Same Body?
It has been conjectured that in the resurrection of Jesus, he obtained a “glorified body.” That is, he obtained a new body that was not entirely the same as the body he had during his death and burial. You have … Continue reading
Christianity in the Early Centuries and Its Global Vision
The questions I wish to explore in this paper have to do with the interpretation of many historians of the early formative centuries of Christianity. A noticeable “shift within the polarity of already/not yet” (Pelikan, 124) occurred within the second … Continue reading
History, Historiography and Empiricism
My favorite subject in college and seminary was philosophy, not theology. One cannot be studied without the other, though. Philosophy was, correctly called, the Queen of sciences, whereas theology was king. The so called “problem” of a failure for Preterism … Continue reading
Imminent Eschatology and Its Influence on Second Century Christianity Ethics
The Epistle of Pseudo-Barnabas (EpPs-Barn), and Shepherd of Hermas (ShHerm) represent two ethical treatises for Christians of the second century in light of an imminent expectation of the Second Coming. These duties range from doing business with “the world” to … Continue reading
The New Exodus Under the Surface
The Narrative Substructure of Romans 3-8 by N. T. Wright with notes from Michael Grace I have looked at the importance of the EXODUS MOTIF in Isaiah and throughout the Bible. The Isaianic New Exodus is more a re-direction than … Continue reading
Satan and Evil
If Satan and the demons have been cast into the Lake of Fire, how do you explain all of the evil in the world today? The question appears to assume that “satan and the demons” are the cause or … Continue reading
Big Bird Hermeneutics and the Preterist Tipping Point
The Preterist hermeneutic awaits a “Tipping Point”, a point at which the foundational framework of Preterism catches fire and spreads epidemic-like through the Church. The Preterist would also be well advised to pray for patience in this regard, for the … Continue reading
Universalism and Preterism: Bedfellows or Bedlam?
I have been asked to write a paper on the issue of universalism and what some see within our movement as a “drift” towards this doctrine. I won’t delve into the history of universalism only to say that it did … Continue reading
Saint Athanasius and Preterism
It comes up from time to time that if Preterism is true, then how has the church “missed it” for so long. Well, they didn’t “miss it.” They got all that God intended for them, and us, to get. We … Continue reading
Just A Tad Bit of Philosophy
This article will contain no references to Matthew 24, Josephus or the visions of the Apocalypse (whew!). Instead, a much deeper problem appears on the Preterist horizon, and it ain’t Calvinism versus Arminianism. It’s Empiricism versus Presuppositionalism. Before you get … Continue reading
Christian Morals
What makes one a Christian today? Jesus said, “by their fruits, you shall know them.” One of those fruits is “love.” Paul wrote, “the love of God has been poured out in the hearts of us through the Holy Spirit, … Continue reading
The Inconsistency of Jay E. Adams
I must first say that to criticize Jay Adams makes me a little uncomfortable only because of the great admiration I have for the man. At Whitefield Theological Seminary I had to write many essays on his books dealing with … Continue reading
Ethics – Comparing and Contrasting Clark, Bahnsen, Murray
I wish to use Gordon Clark’s view as well as Murray’s and Bahnsen’s. Clark’s view is briefly stated in Essays on Ethics and Politics (Trinity, 1992). Bahnsen’s two books are considered, By This Standard: The Authority of God’s Law Today … Continue reading
The writings of John Chrysostom
Doubts occasionally fill my mind. As one training to be a disciplined scholar, I am always aware of my presuppositions that I carry into a text. I read the Bible anymore through what I call a covenant-redemptive framework. That is, … Continue reading
The Assumptions That Kill
Dee Dee Warren (an alias name) has been stirring the pot recently with a quote by Dave Green, a preterist. Dee is a radical anti-preterist who is emboldened with a modern day Joan of Arc spirit to wipe out preterism … Continue reading