The following is quoted from a Preterist site:

“Proponents of the futurist, historicist, and idealist approaches offer several criticisms of the preterist approach to the book [of Revelation]. Probably the most serious criticism is that this approach robs the book of any contemporary significance. John Walvoord, for example, writes, ‘The preterist view, in general, tends to destroy any future significance of the book, which becomes a literary curiosity with little prophetic meaning.’ 13 Leon Morris echoes this sentiment, claiming that the preterist approach ‘has the demerit of making it [the book of Revelation] meaningless for all subsequent readers (except for the information it gives about that early generation).’

14 In short, we take a basically preterist approach to the Old Testament prophetic books, recognizing that they speak largely of impending events, yet also deal at times with the distant future.16 Given that this is the way in which the Old Testament prophetic books are approached, it seems that our presumption should be in favor of the same basic approach to the prophetic book of Revelation.”

I believe that the Preterist view on Matthew 24, is that it mostly is referring to what took place in 70 AD. My issues:

Matthew 24:9 “Then they will hand you over to those who will torture and kill you. All nations will hate you because you are committed to me. (GOD’S WORD)

How was this fulfilled by Rome (Vs. The stated “all nations”) concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. If this verse could not have been fulfilled by Rome, is it not then necessary that the destruction will await something similar to what we now have occurring in hatred surrounding Israel with the preparation for the rebuilding of the Temple (red hefer; temple implements; new understanding of the temple location)? And do we not even now have a hatred of believers in Christ actually occurring around the earth?

Matthew 24:15 “The prophet Daniel said that the disgusting thing that will cause destruction will stand in the holy place. When you see this (let the reader take note), (GOD’S WORD)

What is the Holy Place? I know that a similar thing did take place, but was it not actually before Jesus made this prophecy? Which would mean that it was not a prophecy. So has it then occurred since in the physical Temple? Is Jesus saying that the desecration had already happened, but the Temple destruction will follow? How can this be the conclusion when Jesus stated: When you see this (let the reader take note)?

Matthew 24:21 There will be a lot of misery at that time, a kind of misery that has not happened from the beginning of the world until now and will certainly never happen again. (GOD’S WORD)

Was the misery or tribulation that happened in Israel in 70 AD more severe than say that of World War I or 11?

Matthew 24:23 “At that time don’t believe anyone who tells you, ‘Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There he is!’ (GOD’S WORD)

I would think that this implies that Jesus is physically coming for as it proceeds it states:

Matthew 24:26 So if someone tells you, ‘He’s in the desert!’ don’t go out [looking for him]. And don’t believe anyone who says, ‘He’s in a secret place!’

24:27 The Son of Man will come again just as lightning flashes from east to west. (GOD’S WORD)

The Preterist position seems to be that Jesus did come to judge Israel in 70 Ad and that this was speaking of that time, and not an actual future coming??? I’m not certain that that is their position, because it requires word twisting, but what else could fulfill this prediction that took place in 70 AD? If it is Israel’s demise, I find that difficult to swallow.

Matthew 24:30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. All the people on earth will cry in agony when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds in the sky with power and great glory. (GOD’S WORD)

Making His coming not really a localized event. But maybe they see this as still future?

Having asked these questions. I really don’t know exactly how a Preterist does actually see these events. I know that they view Revelation somewhat as I do. In that they see some of Revelation taking place in an historic setting and some being prophetic. But what do they see occurring when, and do they all agree? In the book”And Then the End Shall Come”, I had clarified some of my own thoughts in that regard.

I never want to myself be unteachable, so I’m still wanting to hear your thoughts my Preterist brothers on the strength of your arguments.

I’m interested in why Israel today is not fulfilling former promises to Israel. How do you see Paul’s teaching on Israel in Romans 11 being fulfilled, and how does Zach 13 and 14 fit your understanding of Israel being excluded in 70 AD events.

Please include in your response why Paul implied a great falling away or Apostasy and the coming of Antichrist before the day of The Lord would come in 70 AD? I have heard from some what I think is your answer but I can’t believe that is your actual answer to this question, so help me understand it.