I recently had a debate with someone that believes in Preterism. Let me explain what that is and why I believe the bible does not support this doctrine.
A Biblical Refutation of Full Preterism Using Luke 21
Some claim that the Second Coming of Jesus already took place spiritually or symbolically at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This view, called full preterism, often cites Luke 21:32—“this generation will not pass away until all has taken place”—as proof that all of Jesus’ end-time prophecies occurred in the first century.
But does Scripture support that view?
Let’s take a careful look at Luke 21 to separate what has already been fulfilled from what is clearly yet to come. You’ll see that while some of Jesus’ prophecies in this chapter did happen in 70 AD, others clearly describe global, cosmic events still awaiting fulfillment—including His visible Second Coming.
What Was Fulfilled in 70 AD?
Jesus accurately predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.”
— Luke 21:20
In 70 AD, Roman armies under Titus destroyed the Temple—just as Jesus said:
“Not one stone will be left upon another…”
— Luke 21:6
The persecution of early Christians, wars, famines, and local unrest described in Luke 21:8–24 all find fulfillment in the first-century events documented in Acts and Roman history.
What Was Not Fulfilled in 70 AD?
Jesus also described events that clearly did not happen in the first century:
“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations… people fainting with fear… Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
— Luke 21:25–27
None of this occurred in 70 AD. No historical or biblical record shows Christ returning in glory, cosmic upheaval, or universal fear as described here. These signs align with other end-time prophecies like Matthew 24:29–31 and Revelation 6:12–17, which describe Jesus’ visible and glorious return, still in the future.
Does “This Generation” Mean the 1st Century?
“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.”
— Luke 21:32
This is the key verse preterists cite. But context is everything. The Greek word “generation” (γενεά – genea) can mean:
Those living at the time
A type of people (e.g., a wicked generation)
A race or lineage (e.g., the Jewish people)
But in Matthew 24:33–34, the parallel passage, Jesus says:
“When you see all these things, know that it is near… this generation will not pass away…”
This better fits the generation alive during the final signs—not the first-century audience. It’s a reference to those who will witness the last-day events beginning to unfold.
Additional Scriptures Show the Second Coming Is Future
Acts 1:11 – “This Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw Him go.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – “The Lord himself will descend… and the dead in Christ will rise.”
Revelation 1:7 – “Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him.”
Revelation 19:11–16 – Jesus returns as King of kings, in power and judgment.
None of these events happened in 70 AD.
Conclusion: The Second Coming Is Still Future
While some prophecies in Luke 21 were fulfilled in 70 AD, Jesus clearly also spoke of global events, cosmic signs, and His visible return in glory, none of which have yet occurred. The claim that the Second Coming already happened does not align with Scripture.
Believers today are still called to:
“Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
— Luke 21:36
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