What is Historicism?

The Historicist prophetic interpretation is a progressive and on going fulfillment of prophecy.

The Historicist believes that the book of Revelation explains (in symbols) the entire course of history of the Church from the first century A.D. to the end of time.
What Was the Origin of Historicism?

The Historicist doctrine had its roots and teachings from some of the early church fathers.

These early church fathers continued with additional teachings and ideas over a period of at least four centuries.

The exact year the term ‘Historicist’ came to be is not known, but the teachings and interpretations began around the latter of first century A.D.

Historicism has to be updated and changed since its beginning, because of the many ‘chosen’ historical events that have passed.

There are at least five different definitions of Historicism.

1. The historical account starts in the time of Daniel, (around 600 B.C.)

2. The historical account starts at the time of Christ, (0-34 A.D.)

3. The historical account starts at, or around 70 A.D.

4. Matthew chapter 24 is fulfilled.

5. Matthew chapter 24 is partly fulfilled.


What are some problems with Historicism?

According to the Bible, the prophecies had immediate meanings for the people to whom they were written.

The Bible does not say hundreds or thousands of years, but soon; quickly; or near. (See: Rev.1:1-3.)

All prophecy is a testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel. For example: The book of Revelation is a symbolic portrayal of what Christ has already done and its relevance for that future. Jesus Christ is at the center of the prophecies, not men and/or the history of men.

Historicism picks and chooses which historical events that will best fit what they think is a fulfillment. Therefore, Historicism can be labeled as a ‘jigsaw puzzle or match game’, because it tries to match or fit Bible prophecies and symbols with past historical and current events.

Historicism will always try to find a sequence of events that starts from the time the prophecy was written, right up to our present period of time.


Summary

1. Historicism is not a Biblical doctrine.

2. Historicism is a doctrine of men, with unbiblical teachings and interpretations.

3. It is a teaching and doctrine that began with the early church fathers, and cannot be found in the Bible.

4. Historicists pick and choose which historical events that will best fit what theythink is a fulfillment. Therefore, Historicism is a ‘jigsaw puzzle or a match game’.

The Historicist notes that the Revelation had its function first in counseling and for encouraging the early Christians in that period of time, but at the sametime extending its prophetic symbols beyond their understanding and range of vision for the far future.

If anyone doesn’t believe or understand the first three verses of Revelation,neither will they believe or understand the rest of the book.

When a person is stubborn and/or unwilling to accept and believe these verses then the rest of the book can mean anything that the reader desires. It is then impossible for anyone to allow the Bible to interpret itself, and men can make up any interpretation they want.

Historicism is a fable.

[link to www.victorparma.com]