The preterist interpretation of revelation is the belief that the events in Revelation have already occurred. A preterist is a Christian believer that does not see Revelation as future events, but as history. There are two types of preterist interpretations: partial preterism and full preterism. Both see Revelation as historical fact, but in slightly different ways.
Revelation
Revelation is a fantastical story with monsters and wars that could become the next great fantasy novel. There is the story of the Four Horseman that will lead the way to destruction. It tells of wars and natural occurrences such as earthquakes and hurricanes that will take lives and homes. Finally, it tells of the great seven-headed dragon and the Second Coming of Christ to save the believers. Preterism believes these stories really happened, and that it is all a metaphor for real people and events. There really weren’t any dragons and angels, but much of what happened can be interpreted literally.
Partial Preterist
Partial preterists believe that most of Revelation has already happened. Everything leading up to the Second Coming of Christ has happened and now we just wait until He comes so that Revelation is complete. Partial preterists place Revelation as happening in different parts of history. Some believe that it took place during the days of Nero and that he is the antichrist. His conquests are seen as the events of Revelation. Others believe that Revelation ended with the siege of Jerusalem. The Four Horsemen are considered four generals that led the way to the destruction of the city.
Full Preterist
Full preterists believe that all of the events of Revelation have happened. They feel that the Second Coming of Christ has already happened. While partial preterists believe that the fall of Jerusalem leads up to the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment, full preterists believe that the fall of Jerusalem was the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment. They feel that when the temple at Jerusalem was destroyed, an event that should not have happened except fires got out of control, that it was Jesus’ judgment of the people.
