Inaugurated Eschatology

First-Century Jewish Expectation:

Some (extra-biblical) Jewish Texts: 4 Ezra 7:50- “The Most High has made not one age but two.” 4 Ezra 7:113- “The Day of Judgment shall be the end of this age and the beginning of the

eternal age to come.” 2 Baruch 15:7- “And with regard to the righteous ones, those whom you said the

world has come on their account, yes, also that which is to come is on their account.”

The Presentation of the New Testament

OR:

(see James D.G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997] 464)

A Few Key Verses: Matthew 12:28 Acts 2 1 Cor. 15 (especially 20-25; in verse 25 “He must reign” is present tense to denote that he

is currently reigning) Galatians 1:4 and Colossians 1:13

This AgeThe Age to ComeOverlap

This Age Age to Come

This Age

The Age to Come

Mid-pointcross/resurrection

End-pointReturn of Christ

First Advent of Christ Second Advent of Christ

Definitions:

Eschatology- Generally in theology the word refers the study of the end times including but not limited to the rapture, the tribulation, the antichrist and the millennium. For example, the popular series Tribulation Force deals with eschatology.

This definition needs to be modified some, Inaugurated Eschatology- The schema that God has acted triumphantly and climactically in

history with Christ so that the blessing of God’s reign and future restoration can be experienced in the present life in some extent with a clear expectation that there remains a ‘mopping-up’ battle with the fulfillment of the rest of the Old Testament promises.

Key Old Testament Passages: Isaiah 40-66, especially the Servant Songs: 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11 and 52:13-53:12

o Note the use of the word ‘gospel’ or ‘good news’ Isa. 52:7o Important for our understanding of ‘Justification’ is Isa. 53:11 and its similarity to

Romans esp. 5:17-20. The Spirit and the New Covenant

o Joel 2:28-32 (see also Acts 2:14ff)o Ezekiel 26:24-27 (see also John 3:5-8)o Jeremiah 31:31-34 (see the New Covenant theme in Hebrews)

RELVANCE TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF JUSTIFICATION:

It is precisely within this schema that Paul locates is doctrine of justification. The verdict of the future judgment of God has penetrated into history specifically as the result of the work of Christ (cf. Isa. 53:11 and Rom. 4:25; 5:17-20). Justification is not an ahistorical or abstract declaration but relates specifically to the climactic working of God in Christ at the cross and resurrection. Christ’s righteousness becomes the righteousness of his people (1 Cor. 1:30). Justification has significance for the future judgment before God (see especially Rom 8:30-39). The person who is justified remains secure because justification is the activity of God upon the believer. However, the person does not have to wait until the judgment to have this verdict declared upon him.