Introduction

A growing number of Christians is recognizing they have made a bad choice by adopting the principles of hyper-preterism. Hyper-preterism is a theological system that contradicts historic Christianity on some major doctrinal issues, mostly involving eschatology. By “hyper-preterist” I am not narrowly referring to those who call themselves “full” preterists (though they are in fact “hyper” preteristic). Rather I am referring to anyone who follows the “full preterists” in denying the three R’s of eschatology: the denial of the future, physical Return of Christ, the future, physical, corporate Resurrection of the body, and the ultimate glorious Renewal of the created order.

Hopefully this theological fad will soon burn out and those caught up in it will repent and return to historic, orthodox Christianity. Like the prodigal son returning to his father’s house.

Theological defection

Hyper-preterism has gradually become a full-scale theological system negatively impacting all loci of theology. For instance, even the doctrine of Christ is negatively impacted. For example, HPs argue that Jesus’ earthly body dissipated as he ascended into heaven. Consequently, he now has a new, immaterial, spiritual body, and therefore his incarnate body no longer exists in heaven or anywhere else. On this view, which strikes at the very heart of Christianity, the incarnation was a thirty year experience of the Triune God that ended at the ascension. Thus, Jesus is no longer united to the human race through the hypostatic union.

Not only so, but this sleight-of-body (you might say) effectively undercuts the true, original meaning of man as created by God. Man is a two-part being composed of body and soul (Gen. 2:7) and who will be judged in body and soul (Matt. 10:28). But in hyper-preterism the composite nature of man no longer exists when he dies. For then he receives a new immaterial, spiritual body rather than having his God-created physical body undergoing a physical resurrection. And this occurs on an individual basis as each believer dies in history. It does not occur as a corporate reality at the end of history as God re-establishes the world in righteousness.

Problem with labels

The hyper–preterist movement is in much disarray today, even debating among themselves what they believe. We who are historic, orthodox Christians must understand that it is the KEY issues involved that are heretical — and therefore crucial to understand. Don’t be fooled by someone who says, “I am not a full-preterist.” The heresy does not circulate only among those who proudly hold to each-and-every point of “full” or “consistent” preterism. An adherent can adopt the main, heretical full-preterist errors and say they disagree on this point or that point. And by this clever maneuver they can claim that they are not “full” preterists. And regarding the label “hyper-preterist,” no one would grin and say, “I am a hyper-preterist.” This is a label created by its opponents in order to expose the excessive nature of this brand of preterism.

Labels are helpful for quickly pointing to someone’s viewpoint. But we must look more closely, and not allow a side-step to fool us. There are hyper-preterists out there trying to step around the landmines that threaten them as they attempt to labor within orthodox Christian communities. They may deny creeds as “man-made,” but they themselves are wolves in sheep’s clothing, trying to hide their own “creed” from unsuspecting believers.

For more help

For more information on hyper-preterism, see this website: Unorthodox Eschatology. If you know of someone who is struggling in this system or of a church that is being buffeted by it, this website should provide helpful insights for you.

For testimonies of those who have extricated themselves from this novel doctrinal paradigm, go to: https://hyperpreterism.com/testimonies/

Another extremely valuable, scholarly site which I highly recommend is hosted by Jason Bradfield, a convert from hyperpreterism. It is: https://reformation.substack.com . I recommend that you subscribe to it in order to be well-informed and up-to-date.

Have We Missed the Second Coming:

This book offers a brief introduction, summary, and critique of Hyper-preterism. Don’t let your church and Christian friends be blindfolded to this new error. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

For more Christian educational materials: www.KennethGentry.com