So, You Think Jesus is Coming Back?
Shawn McCraney's book, "So You Think Jesus Is Coming Back?", challenges the traditional futurist view of the Second Coming of Christ by presenting a fulfilled perspective that suggests biblical prophecies have already been realized, such as the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The book argues that this perspective offers a more coherent understanding of Christianity and the purpose of the Bible, impacting everything from faith to church structure. It critiques the theological errors of futurism and encourages readers to explore alternative interpretations of eschatology, aiming to free them from fear-based beliefs.
Sample: Introduction: So You Think Jesus is Coming Back?
Standard fare for most Christians today – most but not all – is the idea that we are waiting for His second coming, and that signs are all around us evidencing this apparently wonderful event. Trained in the ministry at Calvary Chapel and having enormous respect for Chuck Smith, founder, I was steeped in the culture of futurism, or the idea that the Bible speaks of a time when Jesus was going to come back in the future to bring destruction upon the wicked and give rewards to the faithful. So strong and prevalent is this belief today that most Christians tie it right in with a view necessary to be considered true.
Through a series of unexpected events my eyes were opened to what the Bible is really talking about when it comes to Jesus and His return to the earth. What is fascinating about this is I was able to read the Bible through futurist eyes and was able to see what I wanted to see – which was futurism and the expectation of Jesus coming back at any minute. But when the time was right, and my mind and heart were willing to entertain a view I had never even considered, I unveiled itself in living and full color, and I now see the content of the Bible making better, a more complete, unified and rational sense.
So let’s cover the major points of this view (known as the Preterist or Fulfillment View of scripture. If you too, are able by the Spirit to see its validity, it will radically alter almost everything you have ever understood about Christianity and the Christian faith today.
- There are those who think nobody taught the fulfillment/Preterist view before the late 19th Century. Throughout this thumbnail survey of scripture we will prove that stance incorrect by citing several devout believers who sustain the teaching that Jesus returned in 70AD for His church and brought with Him destruction for the faithless and rewards for the faithful.
- We’ll begin with a quote from Jonathan Edwards in 1776:
- ” Tis evident that when Christ speaks of His coming; His being revealed; His coming in His kingdom or His kingdom coming, He has respect to His appearing in those great works of His power, Justice, and Grace, which should be in the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM and other extraordinary Provinces which should attend it.”
- Eusebius, in 314 AD said:
- “And all this prophecy of what would result from their insolence against Christ has been clearly proved to have taken place.”