Realized Eschatology (A.D. 70 Doctrine) The final coming of Christ and the promised resurrection occurred in A.D. 70

Has far-reaching consequences upon the faith of Christians! If True: All who hope of a bodily, personal return of Jesus are deceived (1 Thes 4:16) If True: We cannot expect our bodies to be raised to immortality when Jesus comes (1 Cor 15) If False: Those holding this doctrine have erred and guilty of overthrowing the faith of others

What Is Realized Eschatology? “Eschatology” – or doctrine of last things, is meant the ideas entertained at any period on the future life, the end of the world (resurrection, judgment) and the eternal destinies of mankind (ISBE, James Orr, II: p. 972) “Realized” – signifies accomplishment. Realized Eschatology: “A Doctrine of Completed Last Things”

Did Jesus Come in the First Century After His Ascension? Not in bodily form Content of Matthew 24 is the destruction of Jerusalem. He did not appear bodily in A.D.70 when Jerusalem fell. They would discern His presence when this destructive judgment occurred A.D. 70 doctrine teaches: End of Jewish world was the second coming Coming of Christ was destruction of Jerusalem

A.D. 70 doctrine teaches: Every mention of the “coming of the Lord” or “day of the Lord” means the same event, regardless of its usage in context Every New Testament book would have had to be written before A.D. 70 Gospel of John – A.D. Ephesus 1,2,3 John, Revelation – A.D. Jude – A.D.

Passages Refuting A.D. 70 Doctrine “coming of the Lord” or “day of the Lord” Acts 1:9-11 (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) They “saw” his ascension – will return the same way 2 Peter 3:5-7, The world will one day be destroyed by fire John 5:28-29 Graves are literal (proof of spiritual life is the ability to give physical life (John 11:21-25 – Lazarus) 1 Corinthians 15 Teaches a future, bodily resurrection from the dead

Problems Concerning Worship The Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:26 “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” Singing of Songs (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) Pertaining to second coming of Christ Why sing about something that you believe has already occurred?

Other Perversions of the A.D. 70 Doctrine The church / kingdom was established only in a partial, incomplete manner on Pentecost and did not reach its full maturation until the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The New Covenant could not be fully established until the Old Covenant was destroyed and therefore they both existed in tandem; both systems pleasing to God for 40 years (A.D )

Comforting Christians Concerning Christ’s Coming Apostle Paul Comforts the Saints 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Jesus “Himself” will descend from heaven Did NOT happen in A.D. 70 “we will ever be with the Lord” in a resurrected, changed state Did NOT happen in A.D. 70 We can “comfort one another with these words” No comfort in the words and doctrine of Realized Eschatology

Conclusion A.D. 70 doctrine provides no final and decisive solution to the sin problem humanity faces It presents a world in sin which will forever continue The Bible reveals that with the Lord’s return: This sin-cursed world will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:5-12) A new order will take place (2 Peter 3:13) Christians should be comforted in their hope of the future return of Jesus Christ our Savior! 2 Thessalonians 1:10; Colossians 3:4