Understanding Fulfilled Eschatology: A Simple Explanation for Dispensationalists
Eschatology, the study of the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity, is a topic that has fascinated theologians and believers for centuries. Within the realm of eschatology, there are various interpretations and beliefs, with two major schools of thought being Fulfilled Eschatology and Dispensationalism. In this article, we will seek to provide a simple explanation of Fulfilled Eschatology for Dispensationalists, using scriptures as supporting text to illustrate key points.
Fulfilled Eschatology in a Nutshell
Fulfilled Eschatology, also known as Covenant Eschatology, is a theological perspective that asserts that many of the prophecies and events traditionally associated with the “end times” in the Bible were fulfilled in the first century AD, particularly with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD. This view contrasts with Dispensationalism, which often anticipates future, yet-to-be-fulfilled events such as the Rapture, a seven-year tribulation, and the physical restoration of Israel.
Key Points of Fulfilled Eschatology
1. The Coming of the Kingdom:
Fulfilled Eschatology teaches that the promised kingdom of God, foretold in the Old Testament, was inaugurated by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Scriptures like Matthew 4:17 (“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'”) emphasize the imminence of the kingdom.
In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus declares, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” This verse suggests that the kingdom was not a future event but had arrived during Jesus’ ministry.
2. The End of the Old Covenant:
Fulfilled Eschatology asserts that the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD marked the end of the Old Covenant system. This is supported by passages like Hebrews 8:13 (“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”).
The book of Hebrews extensively discusses the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Hebrews 9:8-9 highlights this change: “The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.”
3. The “Parousia” of Christ:
Fulfilled Eschatology interprets the “coming” or “parousia” of Christ not as a physical return to earth in the future, but as His spiritual presence and judgment upon Jerusalem in the first century. Matthew 24:30 (“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”) is often cited in this context.
Matthew 24:34 records Jesus saying, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” This verse implies that the events He described, including His coming, would occur within the lifetime of those listening.
4. The Resurrection:
Fulfilled Eschatology teaches that the resurrection of the dead, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15, was a spiritual resurrection that occurred at the inauguration of the new covenant, rather than a future physical resurrection.
In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul speaks of the “spiritual body” in contrast to the “natural body.” This suggests a different perspective on the nature of the resurrection, emphasizing a spiritual transformation.
5. The New Heaven and Earth:
According to this perspective, the new heaven and earth described in Revelation are symbolic of the new covenant era, where believers have direct access to God’s presence through Christ.
Revelation 21:1-2 describes the new heaven and earth: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Fulfilled Eschatology views this as symbolic of the new covenant era, where believers have access to God through Christ’s redemptive work.
Conclusion
Fulfilled Eschatology offers a unique interpretation of biblical prophecies related to the end times, emphasizing their fulfillment in the first century AD. While this perspective may challenge traditional Dispensationalist views, it is essential to engage in respectful and open dialogue when discussing matters of theology. By examining the scriptures and considering alternative viewpoints, individuals can deepen their understanding of eschatology and its significance within their faith.