------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #biblical_eschatology, #Kingdom_of_God, #church_history, #Christian_living, #Second_Coming, #biblical_study, #Jesus_Christ, #eschatology # The “Already/Not Yet” Concept in Biblical Eschatology The idea of the **"Already/Not Yet"** nature of the [[Kingdom of God]] is a critical concept in [[biblical eschatology]]. It suggests that while the [[Kingdom of God]] has been inaugurated through the person and ministry of [[Jesus Christ]], its ultimate consummation will not occur until His return in glory. This tension between the present reality and the future hope has been a subject of theological debate throughout [[church history]], shaping how [[Christians]] understand the [[kingdom]] and their role within it. ## “Already/Not Yet” in Context Throughout much of [[church history]], the [[Kingdom of God]] was viewed as the transcendent and eternal rule of [[God]] in heaven. It was primarily perceived as something that would occur beyond this present world, in an era where [[God]]’s perfect reign is established. With the Enlightenment, however, the emphasis shifted. Thinkers began to see the [[kingdom]] as an **ethical ideal**—a moral standard that could be achieved through human effort and society’s evolution. This transformation set the stage for a new theological exploration into what [[Jesus]] meant by the [[Kingdom of God]]. > The challenge was how to reconcile [[Jesus]]’ teachings about a [[kingdom]] that “has come” with the expectation of a future [[kingdom]] to be established. In this exploration, **Johannes Weiss (1863–1914)** made a pivotal contribution by rediscovering the apocalyptic element of [[Jesus]]’ message. From his work, three main views emerged in modern discussions: **Consistent Eschatology**, **Realized Eschatology**, and the **Inaugurated [[Eschatology]]** position, which provides a balanced synthesis of both. ## Consistent Eschatology: The Kingdom Is Entirely Future [Matthew 6:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6.10&version=AMP) > “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” One of the first modern perspectives on [[Jesus]]’ teachings was **Consistent Eschatology**, which argued that [[Jesus]] saw the [[Kingdom of God]] as **entirely future**. According to this view, popularized by **[[Albert Schweitzer]] (1875–1965)**, [[Jesus]] mistakenly believed that the [[kingdom]] would come in His lifetime. - The [[Kingdom of God]] is not a **present spiritual reality** but is instead wholly future. - This is the **"Consistent" view**: It consistently locates all [[kingdom]] fulfillment in a coming, apocalyptic event. ### Evidence: - **The Lord’s [[Prayer]]:** The petition “Thy kingdom come” ([Matthew 6:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6.10&version=AMP)) implies anticipation of a future reality. - **The [[Parables]] of Jesus:** Many parables like the **Wheat and the Tares** ([Matthew 13:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13.24&version=AMP)), **The Dragnet** ([Matthew 13:47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13.47&version=AMP)), and **The Ten Maidens** ([Matthew 25:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25.1&version=AMP)) focus on a **decisive future in-breaking** of [[God]]’s rule. - **Jesus’ Predictions of His Return:** [[Jesus]]’ view of His future coming as the [[Son of Man]] in glory ([Matthew 16:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16.27&version=AMP)) further points to this. ### Key Insight: Consistent Eschatology sees [[Jesus]] as a prophet expecting a dramatic intervention by [[God]]. His ministry, while powerful, is seen as merely a **prelude** to the true arrival of the [[kingdom]]. ## Realized Eschatology: The Kingdom Is Now [Luke 11:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11.20&version=AMP) > “If I cast out demons by the finger of [[God]], then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” **Realized Eschatology**, advocated by **[[C. H. Dodd]] (1884–1973)**, takes the opposite stance. It sees the [[Kingdom of God]] as **already present** in the ministry of [[Jesus]]. Instead of awaiting a future manifestation, Dodd argues that [[Jesus]] proclaimed that the **kingdom has arrived**. - [[Jesus]] did not say the [[kingdom]] “is near” but that it **"has come."** - This view emphasizes the **actualized dimension** of the [[kingdom]] in [[Jesus]]’ work and the **present reality** of [[God]]’s reign. ### Evidence: - **The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Costly Pearl ([Matthew 13:44–46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13.44-46&version=AMP))** illustrate the present value and availability of the [[kingdom]]. - **Jesus’ Exorcisms:** These events show the **defeat of [[Satan]]** and are signs that the [[kingdom]] has **arrived in power** ([Luke 11:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11.20&version=AMP)). - **Gospel of John:** Dodd sees the entire **[[Gospel of John]]** as a testimony to Realized Eschatology, highlighting the present experience of **eternal life** in [[Christ]]. ### Key Insight: This view interprets [[Jesus]]’ ministry as the **culmination of [[God]]’s promises**, not simply a preparation for a future event. When the [[parousia]] (second coming) did not occur as expected, the early [[Church]] shifted focus to the **[[Christ]] who had already come** and redefined hope around **His present reign**. ## Inaugurated Eschatology: The Kingdom Is “Already” and “Not Yet” [Mark 1:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1.15&version=AMP) > “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” The final position, and the one that is becoming the **emerging consensus**, is **Inaugurated Eschatology**. This view synthesizes both the **present reality** and **future expectation** of the [[kingdom]]. It recognizes the tensions but argues that they are not in opposition. - The [[Kingdom]] was **inaugurated** by [[Jesus]]’ ministry and death on the cross but will reach **full consummation** only at His return. - This view captures the **“Already/Not Yet”** tension, where [[Jesus]]’ victory over [[Satan]] and sin is **already secured**, but the full realization of [[God]]’s reign awaits the **Second Coming**. ### Key Metaphors: - **Oscar Cullmann’s World War II Metaphors:** - **D-Day:** [[Jesus]]’ crucifixion and resurrection were the decisive turning points. - **V-Day:** The [[parousia]] will be the final victory. ### Key Insight: This position avoids the extremes of Consistent and Realized Eschatology by holding that the [[Kingdom of God]] has begun, but its **full impact** is still awaited. Believers live in the **in-between**—experiencing the **first fruits** while awaiting the **full harvest**. ## Applying the “Already/Not Yet” Concept ### Call to Action: Understanding the **“Already/Not Yet”** nature of the [[kingdom]] shapes how we live as [[Christians]]. We are called to: - **Proclaim the Gospel** with urgency, knowing that the [[kingdom]] is a **present reality**. - **Live in Hope**, recognizing that [[God]]’s **ultimate victory** will come. - **Participate in [[God]]’s Mission**, realizing that our work now is both a **sign** of what [[God]] has done and a **foretaste** of what He will do. > As believers, we are invited to experience the **joy of the [[Kingdom]]** now while longing for its **fullness** when [[Christ]] returns. This balanced view calls us to a **faithful tension**—celebrating the [[Kingdom]]’s presence, but never forgetting its future consummation.