📖 Biblical Definition
Realized eschatology emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is already present. Jesus declared "the kingdom of God is come upon you" (Matthew 12:28). Believers have already been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1) and possess eternal life now (John 5:24). The orthodox position holds the "already/not yet" tension: the Kingdom is inaugurated but not yet consummated. Full-preterist versions that deny any future return of Christ cross into heresy.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The view that eschatological prophecies have been substantially fulfilled in Christ and the church.
expand to see more
This term was not in use in 1828. It emerged through C.H. Dodd in the 20th century. Webster would have held the common Protestant view of a future, literal return of Christ, resurrection, and final judgment.
📖 Key Scripture
• Matthew 12:28 — "If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."
• John 5:24 — "He that heareth my word, and believeth, hath everlasting life."
• Colossians 3:1 — "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above."
• Luke 17:21 — "The kingdom of God is within you."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Realized eschatology, taken to an extreme, denies the future bodily return of Christ and the physical resurrection.
expand to see more
Full preterism teaches that all prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70. Paul explicitly condemned those who said the resurrection had already passed (2 Timothy 2:17-18). The orthodox already/not yet framework affirms the Kingdom has been inaugurated but awaits consummation at Christ's visible return.
Usage
• "Realized eschatology rightly emphasizes that the Kingdom is present now, but errs when it denies the Kingdom's future consummation."
• "The already/not yet tension guards against both escapist futurism and triumphalist realized eschatology."