Ask AI: Did Jesus Christ return in 70 A.D.?

The belief that Jesus Christ returned in 70 A.D. is associated with a theological view called "preterism." Preterism interprets prophecies of the New Testament, particularly those in the Book of Revelation and the Olivet Discourse in the Gospels, as events that were fulfilled in the first century. Partial preterism, a more common view, holds that many but not all prophecies, including the "coming" of Jesus in judgment, were fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Full preterism, however, asserts that all biblical prophecy, including the final coming of Christ, was fulfilled by this event. These views are not considered orthodox by most mainstream Christian denominations, which generally believe in a future, physical second coming of Jesus Christ. Full preterism, in particular, is often regarded as heterodox because it denies a future bodily return of Christ. In contrast, most Christians await a future second coming of Christ as a central tenet of their faith. The view you hold will depend largely on your theological perspective and the tradition you identify with.