What's the point?

[hoonbaba]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Just so you know I'm a Full Preterist (praise God!) About half a year ago, I completely switched from premillenial dispensationalism to Consistent Preterism. But then I kept asking myself, "What's the point of living if we now have what the first century apostles hope (of salvation)?"

Honestly after having come to the conclusion that preterism is correct, I pretty much put the question on hold and accepted reality as what it is. However, now I'm asking the question that Apostle Paul asked: "Who hopes for what he already has?" (Romans 8:24).

It's not that I'm troubled by preterism. Not at all. It's just, now I think to myself, "What is the point of our lives?" Or as many of my futurist friends ask, "What is the point of our sufferings if Christ already came?" Many of my friends (who may probably become partial preterists sometime soon) like to believe that they are suffering for the future coming of Christ. It seems to be a healthy way of looking at why we suffer. Whether it's true is a completely different story..

Anyway, the only answer I can come up with is the further advancement of the kingdom of God on this earth. Another question on my mind is, "What is my purpose?" I'm sure someone would give a broad answer like, "To glorify God". Hm..I just realized question isn't a matter of one's eschatological view. But from a preterist position, I can't seem to fully understand why we live on this earth? I'm guessing there may be no exact answer for all these questions, but I ask again, "What's the point?"

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

-Hoonbaba

[Brandan Kraft]

Soli Deo Gloria!

[Parousia70]

Hoon,

I think you hit the nail ont he head when you said:
"the only answer I can come up with is the further advancement of the kingdom of God on this earth."

I think that our "great commission" today is summed up in Revelation 22:17

" And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. "

Thats our job description for life today in the New Heaven and earth, to call to all who thirst and say "COME!" "we have the water of Life!"

This verse also points to the reality that the New Heaven and earth are here now since there are still people who thirst.

If the New H & E represent ONLY the "saved of all the ages" dwelling together for eternity, WHO WOULD BE THIRSTY?
One drink and ye shall never thirst again right?

Just my $.02

Peace, Peter

[hoonbaba]

Wow! Of all the times I've re-read Rev. 22, I can't believe I didn't notice it! The verse spells it out so clearly, how did I miss it? =) Anyway, thanks for sharing, I think that's what I needed! God bless!

-Hoonbaba