We are sharing some brief articles by our friend Frank Speer. He offers some succinct responses to some of the most common objections to Covenant Eschatology, along with other resources for follow up study. This is article #8 in this series, so, enjoy!
The objection stated: “Preterists believe we are now living in the “Kingdom of Christ” and have been since the days of the early church.”
Of course we are living in the Kingdom of Christ – the kingdom is the church and Christians have been “living in it” since the first century…
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (Acts 20:25 NASB)
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 NASB)
“For He has (past tense) rescued us from the kingdom of darkness (apostate Judaism), and transferred us (past tense) to THE KINGDOM OF HIS BELOVED SON…”(Colossians 1:13)
Rev 1:9 “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and ‘KINGDOM’ and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”
How could THEY be living in the Kingdom in the first century if it HASNT YET ARRIVED??
Jesus said His kingdom was INVISIBLE – not brick-and-mortar like ancient Israel (temple, etc) – Luke 17:20-21; Eph 2!! Therefore – what we read about in Revelation 21-22 is not a literal brick-and-mortar kingdom but a metaphor for the church.
Please listen to this audio series…
http://lightshine.me/life-in-the-new-jerusalem-part-1