Jesus Fulfilled the Old Covenant: “It is Finished” in 70 AD
As a believer, I’d like to share with you the profound belief that Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant, definitively declaring, “It is finished.” This pivotal moment in history embodies the will of the Father to end the old covenant and usher in the new covenant, as supported by the Bible.
**The Fulfillment of the Old Covenant:**
In the New Testament, we find multiple references to the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ. One of the most significant moments is Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross. He declared, “It is finished,” in John 19:30, signifying the completion of God’s plan for salvation. This declaration is the culmination of God’s redemptive work through Jesus, which includes ending the Old Covenant.
**Justice and Wrath Poured Out in 70 AD:**
A cornerstone of the Full Preterist belief, rooted in New Covenant Creation eschatology, is the understanding that the justice and wrath of God were poured out in 70 AD. This momentous event in history was the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. It marked the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies in Matthew 24 and the Old Testament feasts, particularly the Passover and Tabernacle.
The destruction of the temple was a significant sign of God’s judgment on the old covenant system. It was a divine declaration that the old covenant, with its sacrifices and rituals, had served its purpose and was being superseded by the new covenant in Christ. The temple’s destruction symbolized the end of the Old Covenant era.
**God Dwelling with His People:**
The Old Covenant was characterized by a physical temple where God’s presence resided. However, with the coming of Jesus and the subsequent events in 70 AD, a profound shift occurred. We see this shift beautifully depicted in Revelation 21:3 (KJV), which states: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
This verse signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people. In the new covenant, God’s presence is not confined to a physical temple but is made manifest through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. This is a remarkable transformation and a testament to the completion of the old covenant and the inauguration of the new.
In conclusion, the belief that Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant is deeply rooted in the Bible and is in harmony with the Full Preterist perspective. The declaration, “It is finished,” marked the end of the old covenant’s requirements and the ushering in of the new covenant in Christ. The events of 70 AD, including the destruction of the temple, further affirm this belief, and we now experience the fulfillment of God dwelling with His people in the new covenant era.