What is preterism?
Preterism is the view that many — and in extreme forms, all — of the prophecies about the end were fulfilled in the first century, particularly in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Partial preterism is mainstream; full preterism is not.
Partial preterists hold that prophecies like the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) are largely about AD 70, but the second coming, final judgment, and resurrection are still future.
Full preterism (or "hyper-preterism") claims even the second coming and resurrection occurred in AD 70 spiritually. This contradicts historic creeds and the church has overwhelmingly rejected it.
Partial preterism can sharpen our reading of the Gospels — Jesus really did predict Jerusalem’s fall — while preserving the future return of Christ.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.