You Are Not Alone

by Brian L. Martin

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished . . . 2 Tim 4:16-17

Paul was well acquainted with the loneliness that often accompanies the proclaiming of the truth. In the above passage, he states that no one stood by his side in support, but that all had deserted him as he defended the truth. I know that many Preterists can empathize with Paul’s situation—perhaps you are one of them.

Please understand that I am not attempting to “read ourselves” into the New Testament, nor over-spiritualize our present-day experiences. Rather, I merely see our situation as being but one of many to which Paul’s experience can be applied, agreeing with Milton S. Terry that: 

We may readily admit that the Scriptures are capable of manifold practical applications; otherwise they would not be so useful for doctrine, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). But the moment we admit the principle that portions of Scripture contain an occult or double sense we introduce an element of uncertainty in the sacred volume, and unsettle all scientific interpretation.

 Many Preterists have been nurtured in a\ environment which exhorted them to personal Bible study. Yet, when they found that their studies led them to conclusions other than what they had been taught, they received everything but commendations for their efforts in seeking the truth. Indeed, many have found that, as they attempt to give a defense for the hope that is in them, they have lost all support, and have been deserted by all. Many who were respected as ministers, Bible teachers or diligent students of God’s Word, are suddenly condemned as heretics or, at the very least, as being “off” in their theology. And very often, those passing judgment haven’t even taken the time to honestly consider what these formerly “respected” students of God’s Word believe.

Even though Paul felt deserted in this particular situation, he knew that there were others like him, scattered abroad. In Romans chapter 11 Paul used the analogy of Elijah, who had also felt deserted, and thought he was the last servant of God in the land. But God responded that there were seven thousand who had not bowed their knee to Baal. Likewise, Paul says, there was a remnant saved by grace in his generation. Once again, please understand that I am not equating Preterism with the remnant. Preterists are no more saved than Futurists, for we are all saved on the basis of God’s grace, not upon our understanding of every last doctrinal detail. The point I wish to emphasize is that although Elijah and Paul may have felt alone and deserted, God had a remnant of other likeminded believers.

The same is true today—even though you may feel isolated and deserted, know that there are others “out there.” I recently spoke with one brother who said he thought he was the only Preterist in his town. I shared with another brother that one of the goals of this magazine was to give Preterists a sense of belonging to a greater whole, since so many are spiritually isolated. He responded by saying that he felt so isolated at times he could scream! A Pastor recently told me that as he shared Preterism with other Pastors he has known for years, they looked at him like he was mad. Sometime ago I received an email from an individual who had the opportunity to sit down and share Preterism in detail with a couple of other people. They began to see that Preterism wasn’t the “heresy” they’d been led to believe it was. One of them told the Preterist that he was glad the Preterist was in the same town. The Preterist wrote that he hadn’t heard that in 15 years of living there.

These are just a few examples. No doubt we could easily find hundreds of similar examples, as well as Preterists who have been asked to leave churches, have lost Christian friends and perhaps have even been rejected by family members.

So be encouraged—whatever your situation, there are no doubt many others experiencing something similar. Perhaps even someone reading this article as you are. Preterism is on the move, and someday isolation will be the exception rather than the rule. But until then, even if you feel deserted, know that you are not alone!