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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR BOOK: HOUSE DIVIDED BRIDGING THE GAP IN REFORMED ESCHATOLOGY…

 

 Don Preston

“In 2005 Keith Mathison and a group of Reformed scholars produced what was touted as the definitive scholarly response to true preterism (Covenant Eschatology).That book was called When Shall These Things Be? (WSTTB) In the ensuing years, many, both within and without the preterist community, have wondered when a response to Mathison’s book would be forthcoming. That response is now available, and it was worth the wait!
 
    Four Reformed authors, well known in the preterist community as solid Bible students, have now produced a book that will serve as a more than adequate response! The authors confront WSTTB head on, with no compromises. With candor, but Christian civility, the authors of House Divided: A Reformed Response to When Shall These Things Be, David Green, Ed Hassert, Michael Sullivan and Sam Frost, demonstrate that the authors of WSTTB hold dramatically differing views of eschatology. They contradict one another, they contradict themselves, they contradict emphatic declarations of scripture and they are at odds with the creeds, all the while claiming to be the defenders of orthodoxy! House Divided is devastating in its logic and argumentation.
 
    Make no mistake: you do not have to be of the “Reformed” persuasion to benefit greatly from this book! If your friends have challenged you with the writings from WSTTB, claiming that it is the premiere refutation of true preterism, you now have access to a powerful, effective response. I highly recommend this book!”
 
Don K. Preston
President Preterist Research Institute
Author, Lecturer, Debater
Answering Christianity’s Greatest Challenge
Dialogue When Possible
Debate When Necessary
At All Times Charity
www.bibleprophecy.com
www.eschatology.org
 
John L. Bray
 
“I’ve not seen another book as strong as this defending the preterist position.” 
 
Sharon Nichols

“The last time I read a book from beginning to end in one sitting was longer ago than I wish to remember. But “House Divided” so captured my attention by its sheer exegetical reasoning and smooth writing style, I couldn’t put it down! If I wasn’t previously aware the book had four authors, and nowhere was it recorded as such, I would have believed one person wrote the book, which strongly testifies of the unified views of the authors.

No such reaction came to mind when I read the book WSTTB, which is the target of “House Divided”. Within the pages of WSTTB, I discovered conflicting views and weak attempts to refute a realized preterism. Fortunately, the authors of “House Divided” have exposed the confusion of thought pervading WSTTB by their eloquent and strongly exegetical response found in this book, “House Divided.”

First, as I’ve already hinted at, the book flows quite nicely from one chapter to the next. I appreciate the footnotes at the bottom of the pages, rather than in a separate section in the back of the book, and it’s worth noting that Mike Sullivan provided more than a good handful of very handy charts to help elucidate his points. The cover art is beautiful, not to mention more than appropriate to the subject matter at hand.

All I can say about the first Chapter, “The Arbitrary Principle of Hyper-Creedalism”, by David Green is, read it. Read it again. Then read it once more. Absorb it. There are powerful arguments that you will not want to miss. If there is any doubt in your mind after reading this chapter, then read it again!

In Chapter 2, “If Preterism Is True”, also by David Green, on page 38 he states that “Despite futurist errors regarding various and major prophecy-texts, the church has been, in a very real sense, teaching preterism for nearly two thousand years now.” Doesn’t THAT pique your interest? How can this be? Well, Mr. Green explains this comment of his and it is a compelling argument. One you don’t want to miss. Along with other, just as compelling arguments, this chapter is one you don’t want to miss.

In Chapter 3, “Open Futurism”, Edward Hassertt deals with the arguments put down by Dr. Richard Pratt. I’m left to wonder why Pratt was included in the book WSTTB since he seems so off point from the other authors. But nonetheless, Hassertt deals fairly and effectively with Pratt. On page 67, Hassertt makes a stunning statement: “Preterist, in contrast {i.e. to Pratt’s claim that prophecy in the Bible are not necessarily going to happen as predicted], walks by faith. If it appears that a divine prediction was not fulfilled when and how God said it would be fulfilled, then it is our interpretation of the predictions, not its fulfillment, which must be called into question.” I say, good advice! Amen and Amen!

In Chapter 4, titled “The Eschatological Madness of Mathison or How Can These Things Be?”, Michael Sullivan provides extremely powerful exegetical work and is worth the time to move slowly and methodically though so you don’t miss a thing. Sullivan boldly confronts Keith Mathison’s `dual nature’ on his interpretation of time statements by pointing out the contradictory comments he has written, depending on his audience of futurists or preterist. Sullivan is adept at bringing to the forefront Mathison’s Jekyll and Hyde exegesis.

Sullivan’s commentary on 2 Timothy 2:17-18 and related verses, on page 123ff throws a huge wrench into the gears of the “Hymenaean Heresy” which is so often used against the preterist. He concludes with the statement that, “… it is more than ironic that the one passage in all Scripture that can conceivably be perceived as anathematizing preterists is in reality applicable to the implications of futurism.” You’ll have to read the book to learn how Sullivan’s argument supports this statement. You will not be disappointed.

My hat is off to Sullivan for his critique of Dr. Simon Kistemaker’s arguments as presented in WSTTB. Mr. Sullivan displays great patience dealing with Dr. Kistemaker’s confusing and `tired’ arguments. You will enjoy scholarly and solid exegetical rebuttals from Mr. Sullivan to Kistemaker in chapter 5 of “House Divided.”

Edward Hassertt makes another appearance in Chapter 6. On page 153 he writes, “… only those who were already convinced that preterism was wrong would find anything resembling a unified exegetical refutation of preterism within WSTTB. Using a multitude of contradictory arguments, the authors had such a wide difference of opinion on eschatology as to make a “unified” response impossible”

I whole heartily agree. As I noted earlier, this was a characteristic I had noticed when I read WSTTB. What I didn’t realize was just how confusing and contradictory they were. “House Divided” provided more proof of this confusion, as I’m sure it will you, the reader, too.

Hassertt, a bit further along, goes on to say, “If the writers of WSTTB, along with the historic church, are unable to agree on what the creeds mean in their eschatological statements, how can Wilson make a universal announcement that the creeds have settled eschatology for the church?”

That is a good question! After reading the book, you will further understand the implications of this question. Also in this chapter, look for the “The Beam in Wilson’s Eye” for a powerful proof of the hypocrisy of Wilson. If justification by faith is important to you, you won’t want to miss the revelation about Wilson that Hassertt brings forward.

Dave Green’s must read Chapter 7, “The Resurrection of the Dead” deals quite effectively with Stimple’s thirteen arguments. As an added bonus, Green offers up a brief exposition of 1 Corinthians 15 – a must read for the Bible student seeking the truth. Gems of enlightenment await the reader in this section.

While you are in Chapter 7, take a hard look at Strimple’s argument number 11 and Green’s logical and detailed response. You will enjoy this material, no matter what you personal view may be.

Chapter 8, is written by Samuel Frost. In “Inconsistent Orthodoxy” Frost does an excellent job of adding even more scholarly insights to the arguments presented in WSTTB, rounding out the arguments presented in the earlier chapters. On page 231 he gives this advice. “You now have a choice, dear reader. I strongly urge you to examine WSTTB, study it, and look up its references. Do the same with this book you now have in your hands. I believe that if you honestly ask yourself who has presented a more consistent representation of eschatology as it is taught in the Bible, you will come down on the side of preterism.”

What more could be added to that?

A concluding chapter by Edward Hassertt closes the book with an excellent, pithy summary of the arguments presented in “House Divided”. This will be a great tool for the reader for future, quick reference.

Whether you agree or don’t agree with the conclusions of the authors of this book, it must be admitted by the honest critic that the only acceptable way to refute preterism is exegetically, using the Reformed Standard of Truth, Sola Scriptura. As Edward Hassertt so eloquently explains in his chapter dealing with creedalism, Scripture alone carries the truth to the world, not the creeds. Creeds were developed FROM the Scripture, not the other way around. Hold this Reformational doctrine close to your heart and you won’t go wrong.

Buy the book. Read it. Absorb it. You will not be disappointed.”

Cliff Martell

House Divided is a devastating blow to Kenneth Gentry, Keith Mathison and the other authors of WSTTB. Sam Frost, David Green, Ed Hassertt and Michael Sullivan have clearly and convincingly destroyed the arguments in WSTTB and have shown how completely wrong and foolish these men who oppose True Preterism really are! House Divided not only exposes the ignorance and hypocrisy of the authors of WSTTB; it exposes their blatant disregard for what the Scriptures clearly say and teach! To say the authors of WSTTB deliberately mislead their readers is an understatement. The Introduction alone is worth the price of the book! Outstanding… simply outstanding!
 
Mark Chiacchira

” . . . having read the book, it is a “MUST READ!” and worthy of 5 stars. The arguments have not been, nor can they be, refuted.”

Minna Hill

“This book is a must read for anyone who is confused by all of the different eschatological views floating around out there, especially those held within the Reformed faith. Dave, Ed, Michael, and Sam bring to the surface the WSTTB? authors’ inconsistent interpretations and outlandish theories. Buy this book. You won’t be disappointed.”

David Carraway

“I can already say that I have never read WSTTB so I didn’t realize Doug Wilson was one of the authors in that book. And knowing what he’s involved in I was flabbergasted that he had the gumption to point the finger at anyone in things related to “heresy”. Also I think Mathison having allowed Pratt to be an author in their book greatly weakened their book as a whole. It showed me that they were willing to except whatever as long as it was anti preterist. That guy doesn’t even sound reformed, much less like a partial preterist. I have to tell you Mike this book is an absolute page turner! I cannot put it down. I really like how your first chapter is separated into Mathison’s statements and your response dealing directly with his statements. And the charts are a definite bonus! Oh and thanks for the autograph…lol Did you sign everyone’s and with the same scripture references?

I read this book in about six days. It was just that good. I believe that the arguments against the writers of WSTTB were very well established and the book showed the over all confusion within the partial preterist view even among those who are the prominent defenders of that view. I think the writers of WSTTB did little more than shoot themselves in the foot by having Wilson and Pratt in their book. I personally would really like to see the authors of WSTTB write a response to House Divided. I would love to see if they can effectively refute the arguments presented in House Divided by Scripture alone. You know, like the authors of House Divided did with their arguments.

I am having to go back and re-read the chapter on the resurrection of the dead as I was completely lost at times. I think I understand it in a broad sense when talking about a corporate body resurrection but I think it’s in the details that I get lost. I’m planning on writing down the questions that come to mind while reading it in hopes that I can post them here and get some better understanding of it all.

I am very appreciative to the authors of House Divided for first of all taking the time to fervently study the Scriptures and secondly to write a book that faithfully presents a consistent interpretation of Scripture. I think this book will go a long way towards showing that God’s word truly is infallible and that he said what he meant and meant what he said.” 

 
Alan Bondar

“There you go – A Must Read! You can put that on your second edition from a legitimate source. This book should be read by everybody – no exceptions. If you can manage to get through a book of contradictions, then I recommend you read When Shall These Be? first. It is written by some of the most renowned scholars in the Reformed tradition. After reading House Divided, you will then see that the authors of When Shall These Things Be? are truly brilliant men, except when it comes to eschatology. Why? Because they are ultimately bound by Tradition and not by Scripture. House Divided demonstrates that and will bring to light the truth of full preterism for all who have been taught to think like the authors of When Shall These Things Be? If House Divided doesn’t make you realize the absurdity of futurism, then you have lost your ability to reason logically and biblically. Before you condemn full preterists or a book on full preterism, read House Divided. You will no longer be able to condemn this doctrine.

If the truth will not cause the authors of WSTTB to submit to full preterism, maybe the embarrassment of all their contradictions demonstrated in House Divided will. The only other option is that we should anticipate another book from them called, “More Inherent Contradictions: A Response to the Display of Our First Set of Contradictions.”
 
Biblicalpreteristarchive.com

“Samuel Frost, David Green, Edward Hassertt and Michael Sullivan have dedicated their time to answering the seemingly tough, but actually simple questions concerning Preterism and why others try to refute us before even sitting down to see what the Scriptures actually teach.  They explain why people like Gentry would rather let the creeds and tradition come before Scripture rather than the other way around, where SCRIPTURE should always come first…Sola Scriptura.  David Green writes:

“We also learn from Gentry that when Christians today are first confronted with preterism, it is ‘crucial’ that they first go to the ecumenical creeds (orthodoxy) before they go to the Scripture. And ‘only after’ Christians decisively establish the fact (by means of the creeds/orthodoxy) that preterism is anti-biblical, may they then rightly go on to ‘consider’ preterism exegetically and theologically in the in the light of Scripture (When Shall These Things Be? 2, 60).  We also learn [from Gentry] that the doctrine of futurism, as contained in the ecumenical creeds, is ‘infallibly certain’ (When Shall These Things Be?, 44) and that it is thus unthinkable that Mother Church could have been mistaken on creedal eschatology.”

After establishing the striking fact that the anti-preterist authors of When Shall These Things Be? would rather put Mother Church over the Bible, instead of the other way around, Sam Frost ends his chapter by sharing:

“The book you have in your hand is a strike against what has divided our house for far too long. It is time to rebuild the edifice, heal the divisions, and bring back into focus what it means to be followers of sola Scriptura.”

You will never forget this book.  After reading it, you’ll never again see Preterism in the negative light in which it has been cast, for it will be the Scripture that guides you instead of a mere tradition of “Mother Church.”

Jean-Pierre Cote (Canada)

After reading this book, I was amazed at the confusion that the authors of (When Shall These Things Be) where swimming in.

Every point of the (WSTTB) book was answered with biblical accuracy.

I am very happy with the result.

There are many issues around realized eschatology and each author of House Divided did a fine job refuting the false accusations of the confused futurists.

Brian Simmons

“I received my copy of the book yesterday, and have been patiently reading it. It’s actually quite a competent book — from a Hyper-Preterist perspective. Although, I don’t believe in any form of systematic Preterism, I think the book touches some sore spots in Mathison’s theology.”

Joel (no last name)

I’m only halfway through the book so far but WOW! This is some good stuff.  I read in a review on (I think) Amazon that the first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. I completely agree. What’s always disturbed me about the “partial preterist” response to biblical preterism is their heavy reliance on the creeds over the Scriptures itself. Whatever happened to Sola Scriptura? When did the reformed Protestant church turn back to Rome and the fraudulent, anti-biblical argumentation of Eck? “House Divided” does a superb job of exposing this “hyper-creedalism” for the error that it is.  Great job, guys. The “partial preterist” camp is very much indeed a “House Divided.”

Joseph Vincent

I’m only half way through this book so far, but already this is one of the most comprehensive, yet concise rebuttles to the idiotic arguments made my men like Matthison, Pratte, Gentry, and others that I have ever read. Unbelievable job, and very professionally written. It definately has the marks of graduate level work and carefully examined arguments. My only question is, why wasn’t WSTTB called “How Can These Things Be?” The contradictions contained within the individual arguments alone in WSTTB merit an embarassing mark, but they go even further and then contradict each other’s arguments in the same book where they are supposed to be in agreement with each other!

It is truly incredible that people take Matthison and the gentelmen who wrote that book seriously. Really…it’s a joke; and if you didn’t think so before, you will after reading “House Divided.”

Gamaliel (from an Amazon review)

“Gary DeMar’s excellent book, “Last Days Madness” introduced me to the preterist view of eschatology. Since first being introduced to the preterist view I have spent the last several years trying to get a good grasp of Biblical eschatology. As the authors of “House Divided” insist, the logical conclusion of the partial-preterist position is to leave one at the doorstep of full-preterism. This has been true for me. I have been left in that gray area in between partial-preterism and full-preterism trying to be fully convinced one way or the other.

“House Divided” brilliantly points out the inherent problems and inconsistencies many of us see within the partial preterist position. In fact, the inconsistencies were worse than I even imagined. The very words of the authors of “When Shall These Things Be” are used to point out this very problem. Not only do the authors of “When Shall These Things Be” contradict each other, they many times contradict themselves in their own writings. Do honest students not see a problem with this?? I now understand why those who authored “When Shall These Things Be” and other leading Reformed partial preterist refuse to debate these issues in a open and formal debate. Their own writings condemn them!

For those, who like me, are searching for truth and a proper understanding of Biblical eschatology this is a must read. I hope the authors of “When Shall These Things Be” will get their act together and write a consistent, clear and Biblical response the the issues and objections raised in “House Divided”. This is a “problem” that is not going away for those who care about consistency and Truth.”

Russell
 
“Hi Dave, Ed, Mike, & Sam,
 
I purchased
House Divided from Amazon and just finished reading it. Very fine
job!
 
The scriptural case for preterism was well established and the fallacious and inconsistent
arguments in WSTTB were clearly exposed.
 
Thanks for putting all the time and effort into this response.
 
Agape,
Russell”

 

 

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Mike Sullivan