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Dear Sir, "Pastor Dave" is a Troll-like supporter of Preterism, I think out of Florida, who partrols usnet alt groups like alt.bible, alt.bible.prophecy, alt.christnet.evangelical, ACC and others, looking for "futurests" to "debate". In the usnet group alt.christnet.christianlife (ACC), in a thread "What is "History"?" dated ll/27/2005 by "oldwetdog", "Pastor Dave" replied on 11/29 that, quote: I see this as an admission that he in particular and preterists in general do actually "interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic" (both scripture and historical accounts) in order to support their preconceived ideas. See: What is "History"? 11/27/05 See: Pastor Dave's Confession 11/30/05 "Those who believe in a future coming make this claim about Preterists, but the reality is, that they also interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic." Now I would have you consider the incredible details of Pastor Dave's statement," that is: "...but the reality is, that they also interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic." The important segment of his admission is: "that they also interpret" The Key words are: "they also" or, just the one damning word is: "also" Since "also" denotes at least two groups. Now, in context, paying close attention to the subject of Pastor Dave’s statement, "they" are the "futurists." Pastor Dave is claiming that "they also interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic." Now, the question (because "they" are the futurists) is, who does Pastor Dave mean by "also"? If "They" are the "futurists" then "also" must be the others who do what Pastor Dave accuses the futurists of doing. There are only two groups (by default) named in Pastor Dave's Statement: First is the Preterists, and second is the "futurists." It is the "futurists" who, Pastor Dave accuses, "also interpret what ever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic." Therefore it can only be the Preterists who are the "also." Pastor Dave freely admits in this statement that the Preterists "interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic," and then accuses the 'futurists' of doing the same thing. This is actually an admission, a confession, which reveals that Pastor Dave is fully aware that he, and the Preterists, "interpret whatever they wish as physical and whatever they wish as symbolic," not only in scripture, but in historical accounts in order to support their doctrine. However, Pastor Dave is wrong in a single point. Those who believe in the future coming of the Lord do not need to interpret current events to fit prophecy. Pastor Dave's confession and accusation is one sided: the confession and admission is correct--the accusation is false. See: Pastor Dave's Confession, 2 12/01/05 Dave admitted that he "interprets whatever he wishes as physical and whatever he wishes as symbolic" in order to support his preconceived ideas. As Peter said, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 peter 1:20. The meaning of His Word is determined by Him, not man. The meaning of scripture is not up to the mind of man--we do not have the option to "interpret whatever we wish as physical and whatever we wish as symbolic," and any one does so is wrong from the start and will end up wrong in the end. The only possible way to understand His Word is to rely on Him for the gift of understanding, that is, His intended meaning. James 1:5, and many others. So when Dave admitted that he "interprets whatever he wishes as physical and whatever he wishes as symbolic," what he was admitting is that his Doctrine of Preterism is actually a private interpretation of scripture, and thus, worthless. ----- I feel certain that this information will be useful to you, Respectfully |
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