Why Full Preterism Fails Paul’s Test in 1 Corinthians 15
Introduction
Full preterists claim the resurrection is already fulfilled — spiritually, corporately, and covenantally — with no future bodily resurrection. But Paul warned about exactly this kind of error and tied our entire hope to a bodily resurrection like Christ’s.
A Spiritual Resurrection Doesn’t Replace the Bodily One
Yes — we’ve been raised with Christ in a spiritual sense:
- Colossians 2:12 — “Raised with him through faith…”
- Ephesians 2:6 — “Raised us up together and made us sit in heavenly places…”
But Paul also says:
“He shall also quicken your mortal bodies…” (Rom. 8:11)
“The redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23)
“Our vile body… changed like unto his glorious body.” (Phil. 3:21)
The resurrection of Jesus wasn’t metaphorical.
Neither will ours be.
Paul Anticipated and Refuted Preterism
1 Corinthians 15 is Paul’s answer to those who said:
“There is no resurrection of the dead.” (v. 12)
If “resurrection” is only spiritual, Paul’s entire argument falls apart:
- “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (v. 17)
- “Every man in his own order… Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (vv. 23–24)
Full preterism says the “afterward” already happened in AD 70 — but Paul says:
“Then cometh the end…” (v. 24) — when death itself is destroyed.
That hasn’t happened. Death still reigns — and so the resurrection still awaits.
The Bodily Pattern Is Non-Negotiable
Paul doesn’t describe covenant transfer — he describes transformation:
- “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body…” (v. 44)
- “We shall be changed…” (v. 52)
- “This mortal must put on immortality.” (v. 53)
Spiritual death is real — but physical death is still an enemy, and the final one (v. 26).
If the Resurrection Is Past, What Are We Still Waiting For?
According to full preterism, there is:
- No bodily return of Christ
- No future resurrection
- No final judgment
- No consummation of creation
Paul says the opposite:
“We look for the Saviour… who shall change our vile body.” (Phil. 3:20–21)
“Christ… shall appear the second time… unto salvation.” (Heb. 9:28)
“We have no continuing city… we seek one to come.” (Heb. 13:14)
Conclusion: A Gospel Without the Resurrection Is No Gospel at All
Full preterism turns the resurrection into metaphor — and hope into history.
But Paul warns:
“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Tim. 2:18)
The Church does not just look back.
We look upward — and forward — to the appearing of our Lord, and the resurrection to come.