The End of History

Against Hyper-Preterism Heresy

Yet I see the heretics assaulting the holy church of God under the pretense of higher wisdom, and bring forward works in many volumes in which they offer expositions of the evangelical and apostolic writings. It appears to me, therefore, to be necessary that one who is able to represent in a genuine manner the doctrine of the church, and to refute those dealers in knowledge, “falsely so-called,” should take his stand against the historical fictions, and oppose them with the true and lofty evangelical message in which the agreement of the doctrines, found both in the Old Testament and New, appears so plainly and fully. - Origen

Hyper-preterists argue that history has no conclusive end; it perpetually extends. To discern the biblical perspective on history, we turn to the question posed in Romans 4:3: "What does the Scripture say?" The Bible conveys several key principles about history. Firstly, it emphasizes that history is a creation of God. Secondly, it underscores that God imparts purpose and meaning to history. Thirdly, the Bible teaches that God exercises control over the course of history. Fourthly, it highlights that the ultimate purpose of history is centered around the redemptive work of Christ. Lastly, it elucidates that the purpose of history involves the progression of Christ's Kingdom on earth toward its consummation and the well-being of Christ's church.

Gordon Clark emphasizes the need for a Christian perspective on the philosophy of history:

In contrast to secular philosophy, Christianity has always emphasized history. Of course the events of the gospel story have formed a large part of Christian preaching, and the events of the Old Testament too. But in addition to a recital of events, Christianity has taught a philosophy of history. The events are emphasized because in them Christianity finds the clue to all significance and value. It could hardly be otherwise. If the second person of the Triune God actually became flesh and dwelt amongst us, and died on the cross for men, that event would naturally overshadow every other aspect of the world, scientific or historical. And such a descent of Deity into human affairs would not only involve a theory of history logically, but must psychologically provoke some general reflection on history. Both logically and actually therefore Christianity has a philosophy of history.¹

History is the Creation of God

The Scriptures convey that God is the Creator of all things and has a predetermined plan for the unfolding of history. The opening verse of the Bible affirms this, stating, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Further, Genesis 2:4 records, "These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens." Additionally, Colossians 1:16 reveals, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." This verse underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in the entirety of the creation event, as further elaborated below.

According to Acts 17:28, we discover that the entire created order is within the consciousness of God, with nothing existing outside of His mind, as expressed in the phrase, "for in Him we live and move and have our being." This concept is further affirmed in Colossians 1:17, stating that "in Him [Christ] all things hold together." Theological circles refer to this perspective as "theistic idealism." This implies that due to God's timeless and limitless nature and because He lacks physical constraints ontologically, all of creation represents the "ideal" in God's thoughts. It is not a component of His being but rather contingent on God for its existence (refer to Job 34:14-15). In simpler terms, nothing exists independently of God's being and/or mind. God is not situated within the universe; instead, the universe exists within God. However, it's crucial to note that this existence is not a part of God's essence or being. God, ontologically, is distinct from creation.

Hence, the entire created order, encompassing history, time, and space, reflects the craftsmanship of the sovereign triune God revealed in Scripture. History unfolds as the manifestation of God's sovereign will, as affirmed in Ephesians 1:11: "who works all things according to the counsel of His will." Despite the ontological distinction between creation and God, creation remains continually dependent on God for its existence. In essence, history is "His-story." Since all things originate from God's creation, each possesses a designated purpose and a preordained fulfillment. Since history is a product of God's creation, not eternal in nature, it necessitates both a commencement and a conclusion. The idea of a world consummation is articulated in Isaiah 46:10, where God is described as "declaring the end from the beginning." In this context, the Hebrew word "end" (אַחֲרִ֔ית) signifies the "last" or "latter event," pointing to a conclusion or termination of events from past to future times. Take note that God is unveiling the "end from the beginning," with "end" and "beginning" being intentionally juxtaposed as part of God's overarching plan for His creation. This progression is described by the prophet as involving events that "from ancient times things not yet done." This suggests that God has established the temporal boundaries, marking a starting point with a predetermined conclusion.

Every occurrence within this framework is intricately designed to fulfill God's intended purpose for the created order. Within God's sovereign plan for history, both a past and a future exist, as Acts 15:18 suggests: "the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’" As a creative undertaking of God, the entirety of history has been meticulously planned from eternity past. It is purposefully shaped by God to achieve His objectives, with Him guiding all things toward their intended culmination.

God Gives Purpose and Meaning to History

The teachings of Scripture are unequivocal: God's act of creation assures us that history possesses meaning and purpose. From eternity past, God has predetermined the ultimate outcome of history, and every aspect of His eternal purpose is guaranteed to unfold. No force or entity can alter God's unchanging, eternal purpose. As expressed in passages like Isaiah 45:11-12, 18, and 46:10, the LORD, the Holy One of Israel and the Creator, emphasizes His role in forming the earth and man, stretching out the heavens, and commanding all their host. His counsel stands unshaken, and He accomplishes all according to His will. In essence, history does not autonomously generate its own purpose and significance. History does not have an independent existence apart from God. In the words of the apostle Paul, God orchestrates all things in accordance with His will (Ephesians 1:11).

God Controls every Detail of History

The teachings of Scripture are clear in asserting that God has preordained the entirety of history and exercises control over every facet of it. God is the creator and ruler of the universe, as expressed in Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” The divine influence extends to the governance of all authorities, as articulated in Proverbs 21:1: "The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."

Even the sufferings of Christ were determined by God's predetermined counsel and foreknowledge, as noted in Acts 2:23. God's sovereignty is evident in the realm of election and reprobation, as highlighted in Romans 9:15-16: "For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."

The processes of regeneration and sanctification are also attributed to God, as stated in James 1:18 and Philippians 2:13: "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures," and "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure," respectively.

Furthermore, God's providence is acknowledged in the direction of believers' suffering, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:17: "For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil." Scripture emphasizes God's comprehensive sovereignty over various aspects of human existence in all these instances.

God exercises authority over the course and destiny of humanity, as emphasized in James 4:15, where it is stated that the acknowledgment of the Lord's will should guide discussions about life and future plans. This divine control extends to the most intricate details of life, as conveyed in Matthew 10:29, using the analogy of sparrows to illustrate that not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Father's will.

The destiny of nations is also within God's purview, as affirmed in Daniel 2:21, which asserts that God changes times and seasons, appointing and deposing kings (representative of nations). Isaiah 40:15 further underscores the insignificance of nations compared to God's vastness.

God's will regarding His purpose is exclusively revealed in the Scriptures, as articulated in Deuteronomy 29:29. The physical and spiritual universe is under God's control, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Hebrews 1:7, respectively. God's rule extends to the animal kingdom, as noted in Matthew 6:26, emphasizing His care for the birds. Lastly, God orchestrates the affairs of nations, as conveyed in Job 12:23, demonstrating His role in their rise and fall.

God oversees every aspect of life, from conception in the womb to death, as expressed in the idea that He knows of one's existence even before its formation, as seen in Psalm 139:16. Even seemingly random or chance events are under God's control, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:33, stating that every decision of the lot is ultimately from the LORD.

The sovereignty of God extends to the protection of the righteous, ensuring that everything works for their good, as affirmed in Romans 8:28. The needs of His chosen ones are met by God according to His abundant resources, as conveyed in Philippians 4:19. Furthermore, God's providence is instrumental in bringing about responses to prayers, as stated in Matthew 7:7, 11, encouraging believers to ask, seek, and knock, with the assurance that their heavenly Father will provide good gifts.

Additionally, God's justice is evident in the punishment of the wicked, as articulated in Psalm 11:6, where it is described as raining fire coals and brimstone upon them.

The sovereign God depicted in Scripture does not endorse the idea of an eternal, unending history devoid of conclusion, meaning, or purpose. Asserting such a perspective is, at the very least, implicitly challenging the truthfulness of God's nature.

History’s Purpose is Centered in Christ

According to the Bible, the fundamental purpose of history centers around the redemptive actions of Christ. In Colossians 1:16-18, it is elucidated that Christ played a pivotal role in the creation of all things, both visible and invisible, in heaven and on earth. All things were brought into existence through Him and for Him. Christ predates all existence, and in Him, everything coheres. Additionally, as the head of the church, He holds the foremost position, being the starting point and the first to rise from the dead, ensuring His preeminence in all things. Therefore, history is not a neutral entity; rather, it is intricately linked to the sovereign control of God. God, through Christ, fashioned and designed history, making the person and work of Jesus Christ the focal point and essential to the entire narrative of history.

The reality that God's sovereignty determines every aspect of history, including creation, the fall, and redemption, will necessitate a designated timeframe for culminating these events. In Ephesians 1:3-14, the apostle emphasizes that God has a chosen people, selected "in Christ" before the world's inception. The number of the chosen is fixed and cannot be altered. According to God's good pleasure, Christ will call the chosen ones to God. God is committed to fulfilling His intended purpose of uniting all things in Christ:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The ultimate aim of history is assembling all things, encompassing the chosen ones, both in heaven and on earth, under the unifying banner of "in Christ" at the designated time set by God. The reliability of God's Word, as affirmed in Isaiah 55:11, ensures that it never falters but consistently achieves His planned objectives. In the context of creation, God will fulfill His Word, leading to a purposeful conclusion for all things.

History’s Purpose Involves the Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth

The purpose of history revolves around the progression of Christ's Kingdom on earth, leading it towards its ultimate fulfillment. Ephesians 1:10 emphasizes this by highlighting the dispensation of the fullness of times when all things will be unified in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. The advancement of Christ's Kingdom is intricately linked to the well-being of His church. Romans 8:28 assures believers that all things work together for their good if they love God and are called according to His purpose. Additionally, Ephesians 3:9-11 underscores the revelation of the mystery and the manifestation of God's wisdom through the church, accomplished in Christ Jesus, according to God's eternal purpose.

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord…

Concluding Thoughts

Gordon Clark has articulated in his writings that, as per the teachings of Scripture:

God has not only controlled history so far, but He will bring it to its end and culmination. The Messianic function of Christ was not exhausted in His past work, but He is to return to earth again, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel.”²

Given this reality, any perspective that rejects the notion that history is both created and under the providential control of God, guided toward His intended purpose, which involves a conclusion at the end of history, fails to acknowledge the essential nature of God (including His attributes) and undermines the significance of Christ's redemptive work.

The Hyper-preterist system, which envisions history as perpetual, raises doubts about the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. While such a God might be considered transcendent, the absence of His omnipotence or omnipresence concerning history comes into question. A deity who does not actively and sovereignly operate within history to achieve divine purposes, bringing everything to its consummation, does not align with the all-powerful, ever-present God depicted in the Bible. Although this god may be credited as the creator of everything, suspicions arise regarding his providential involvement with creation. It prompts contemplation on whether this god truly exercises control over all things and can actualize a divine purpose.

This perspective, not in accordance with biblical teachings, could lead to perceiving history as an independent ontological essence. In such a scenario, history coexists with the deity, resembling the deity of Deism. The Hyper-preterist viewpoint on history suggests that God lacks purpose and does not steer events toward fulfillment in Christ, except, perhaps, adhering to a Gnostic view of salvation. In this context, history appears perpetual and seemingly devoid of meaning. Hyper-preterism, in this aspect, shares more similarities with Open Theism than it does with Biblical Christianity.

Another consequence of the Hyper-preterist perspective is that it presents a limited understanding of the redemptive work of Christ. Unlike the biblical teaching that emphasizes Christ's eventual return to conclude space-time history, bringing about the new heavens and the new earth, the Hyper-preterist viewpoint contends that history is perpetual, and death is not overcome or eradicated. If history is not integral to God's plan of redemption, particularly in its complete expression through Christ, then Christ's redemptive work could, at best, resemble elements of Gnosticism, which negates the resurrection of the dead. Hyper-preterism, whether explicitly or implicitly, suggests that redemption exists outside the realm of history.

Contrary to this, the Bible teaches that God's sovereign actions throughout history are part of His decree and creation. As articulated by Paul in Romans 8:30, those whom God predestined are called, justified, and glorified in Christ, leading to the final state at the second advent (as seen in Revelation 21-22). However, these concepts do not align with the Hyper-preterist understanding of eschatology.

R. J. Rushdoony provided a concise summary of the issue by stating:

The purpose of Biblical history is to trace the victory of Jesus Christ. That victory is not merely spiritual, it is also historical. Creation, man, and man’s body all move in terms of a glorious destiny for which the whole creation groans and travails as it awaits the fullness of that glorious liberty of the sons of God (Romans 8:18-23). The victory is historical and eschatological, and it is not the rejection of creation but its fulfillment.³

1. Gordon H. Clark, A Christian View of Men and Things (Jefferson, Maryland: Trinity Foundation, 1991), 80-81.

2. Clark, A Christian View of Men and Things, 89.

3. R. J. Rushdoony, The Biblical Philosophy of History (Vallecito: Ross  House Books, 1997), 20.