Partial Preterism teaches that most biblical prophecies, especially those concerning Israel, judgment, and tribulation, were fulfilled in the first century, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The Former Adventists Philippines (FAP) adopt this framework in understanding biblical prophecy while affirming a future, final Second Coming and resurrection.
Position Summary:
FAP holds that modern geopolitical events involving Israel and Iran are not direct fulfillments of biblical prophecies but are part of general world history unfolding under God’s providence. The prophecies commonly cited about “Israel’s enemies” or an “end-time war” (often applied to Iran as ancient Persia) were historically fulfilled in the biblical context.
Key Bible Passages and Commentary
Matthew 24:34
"Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place."
Jesus was referring to the events He described in the Olivet Discourse—wars, famines, persecutions, and the destruction of the Temple—as occurring within the lifetime of His first-century audience. Partial preterists see the A.D. 70 fall of Jerusalem as the fulfillment of these prophecies, not awaiting a modern recurrence involving Iran or the modern state of Israel.
Daniel 8:20-21
"The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes represents the first king."
Some prophecy teachers try to link Iran (Persia) in modern times to end-time wars. However, Daniel explicitly interprets these visions as relating to ancient Persia and Greece. Partial preterism views these prophecies as fulfilled in history—Persia’s defeat by Alexander the Great—and not predictive of modern Iran.
Ezekiel 38–39
“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog...”
Dispensationalists often associate Gog and Magog with modern nations like Russia and Iran against Israel. Partial preterism, however, interprets these chapters as apocalyptic imagery of Israel's historical enemies and the first-century judgment of apostate Israel, fulfilled in A.D. 70. The ‘latter days’ phrase is understood within Israel’s covenantal history, not a modern 21st-century timeline.
The Former Adventists Philippines maintain that God’s redemptive plan culminates in Christ and His Church (both Jew and Gentile), not in modern national Israel as a prophetic time clock. Modern conflicts, including those involving Israel and Iran, are significant historically and politically, but are not direct fulfillments of biblical end-time prophecy according to a partial preterist framework.
Hebrews 1:1-2 beautifully confirms this:
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...”
The ‘last days’ began with Christ’s first advent, not in our contemporary political events.
Though wars and rumors of wars continue, Christians believe God remains sovereign over the nations.
"This word is by decree of the watchers, and the decision is by command from the holy ones. This is so that the living will know that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms." Daniel 4:17 (CSB)
We are not to be driven by fear or speculative prophecy charts but to trust that history unfolds under God’s providential hand. Every war and conflict happens within His permission and ultimate plan.
2.) Commit to Prayer for Peace, Justice, and the Spread of the Gospel
While we acknowledge these events are part of the ebb and flow of world history, we are still called to pray:
* For peace and the protection of innocent lives (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
* For wisdom for global leaders
* For the comfort of those who mourn
* For the spread of the gospel amid turmoil
"Pray constantly." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (CSB)
3.) Offer Real Hope—Not Fearful Speculations
Many people get anxious when global conflicts arise. As Christians, we offer a secure hope not based on geopolitics but on Christ’s finished work.
Offer encouragement to others.
- Christ’s kingdom is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28)
- Our hope is not tied to earthly nations but to a coming new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13)
- God’s promises are for His people in every generation, regardless of global events (Psalm 46:1-2)
4.) Focus on Evangelism and Compassion
Crisis moments often soften hearts. As Christians, this is a time to:
- Preach the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)
- Extend compassion to the suffering
- Encourage people to fix their eyes on Christ, not on fearful headlines
5.) Strengthen the Church’s Witness and Unity
We should avoid divisive end-times speculations that harm our witness. Instead, proclaim:
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28 (CSB)
Christians must remain united in faith, love, and service, being a steady, hopeful presence in a fearful world.
Summary
As Christians and as part of the Former Adventists Philippines ministry:
- Recognize God’s control over history
- Pray faithfully for peace and gospel opportunities
- Encourage people with the hope of Christ’s unshakable kingdom
- Avoid speculative, fear-driven prophecy claims
- Use these moments to show compassion and preach the good news
Conclusion:
Modern Israel and Iran’s conflicts are not fulfillments of Bible prophecy in the Former Adventists Philippines' partial preterist view. The prophetic passages frequently cited for this were historically fulfilled in the Old Testament or in the first century, particularly at the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The focus of prophecy is on Christ’s completed work, the growth of His Church, and the promise of His final return.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment