Pantelism is a variant of Christian eschatology that holds that the plan of God has been completed both prophetically and redemptively. It is an extension of Preterism, distinguished from it by the view that Israel's prophesied redemption in Christ served as the catalyst for the restoration of all humankind to God.
Etymology
The term "pantelism" derives from the Greek pantelēs (παντελής), meaning "all accomplished," and conveys the sense of "all things having been accomplished."
Belief System
Pantelism shares an "inclusive" approach with transmillennialism. Its core tenets include the following:
- Fulfillment of prophecy: Pantelists hold that the biblical prophecies, including those concerning the Second Coming of Christ, the final resurrection, and the consummation of God's redemptive plan, were fulfilled in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
- Soteriology: Pantelism teaches that with the end of the Old Covenant system of law and judgment, redemption came to Israel, and reconciliation subsequently spread to all humankind. This inclusive reconciliation is understood as a unilateral act of God, not dependent on a professed personal faith in Jesus Christ. Pantelism nonetheless acknowledges that "faith in Christ" was the prerequisite and basis for those called to serve God on behalf of others.
- View of judgment: Pantelists accept the view that references to the "lake of fire" and final judgment in Revelation pertain to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, and they regard hell as a metaphor for judgment.
Relationship to Other Views
Because of its inclusive nature and its acceptance of biblical authority, pantelism is sometimes viewed as a form of Christian universalism. Some commentators have described it as a "universalist version of full preterism." It is occasionally confused with other eschatological positions, including transmillennialism and full preterism, though it differs from them in its specific soteriological claims.
Reception
Pantelism is a relatively recent term within Christian eschatological discourse. It has been discussed and critiqued within theological literature, including works addressing preterist and pantelist interpretations of biblical prophecy.
