As the years progress, humanity grows further away from the events of Revelation. According to preterism and prophecy in Revelation, the bulk of Revelation has already been fulfilled by the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. As such, the Book of Revelation is about the victory of Christ over His enemies and the creation of the New Covenant, rather than a fulfilled prophecy.
Linguistic Clues
Some of the key proofs of preterism and prophecy are found in the language of the Bible. In Revelation 1:1, it uses the word táchos (shortly) to show that the events are soon to take place. Additionally, the use of the word “tachús,” which means quickly, is used in Revelation 2:16, 3:11, 11:14, 22:7, 22:12 and 22:20 to show that the second coming is soon. The third woe will arrive quickly, and the events of Revelation are soon to take place.
The Implications of the Prophesies of Revelation
Through a preterist understanding of Revelation, certain prophesies of the Bible can be better understood. This viewpoint creates a different interpretation of several biblical passages that are considered the hallmarks of Revelation.
The Beast: Revelation uses the imagery of the Beast as a metaphor for the Roman Empire at large and Emperor Nero.
The Great Apostasy: According to preterism and prophecy in Revelation, the Great Apostasy occurred during the first century. Therefore, there is not reason to expect another apostasy in the future.
The Second Coming: This event will occur at the end of the Millennium when the entirety of history is sealed at the Judgment.
The Antichrist: John uses the term of the Antichrist to describe the apostasy of the Church before Jerusalem’s fall. The term does not refer to a future evil individual like Hitler; instead, any apostate system can be labeled as the Antichrist.
The Millennium: The Millennium referenced in Revelation is also known as the Kingdom of Christ. It was created between the first and second advents of Christ and it is happening now.
Armageddon: This is symbolic of a defeat for the people who set themselves against God the Father and choose to obey a false prophet. Since there is not an actual place known as Armageddon, the Battle of Armageddon will never actually occur.
The Rapture: The Bible does not divide or separate the Rapture and the Second Coming. Instead, they are simply parts of the Last Day.
The Great Tribulation: This is actually a reference to the Fall of Israel. It is not a future or present event.
The Great Harlot: The Great Harlot was a term for Jerusalem. She fell into apostasy and refused to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, so she was no longer the City of God.
The New Creation: Preterists believe that the New Creation has already started. Christ has saved our souls, and there is now a new heaven and earth.