Understanding the New Testament and the End Times, Second Edition. Rob Dalrymple. Читать онлайн. Newlib. NEWLIB.NET

Автор: Rob Dalrymple
Издательство: Ingram
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Жанр произведения: Религия: прочее
Год издания: 0
isbn: 9781532649493
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a finality or totality to them; that is, the effect is eternal or catastrophic, perhaps even resulting in the destruction of the cosmos. Naturally, many conclude that since this aspect of a given prophecy has yet to occur, then the prophecy has clearly not yet been fulfilled. Thus, they look to the second coming of Jesus as the fulfillment of a given prophecy. This is a very Western (either/or) way of thinking. For example, it is assumed that since the result of a given prophecy is the dissolution of the heavens, and since such has not occurred, then the fulfillment of the prophecy must await the future. Such thinking is not inherently wrong.

      But what if the fulfillment of prophecy is more complex than this? Is it not possible that the fulfillment of a prophecy may happen over time? Might not the fulfillment of a prophecy have already begun in Christ, and continue in the life of God’s people today, and climax in the New Jerusalem? That is, do we necessarily have to view a prophecy as being fulfilled at only one point in time? For, as I will contend in chapters 6 and 7, the NT identifies Jesus as the temple of God in fulfillment of the OT promises of the restoration of God’s presence among his people. Yet, we also find that the NT people of God are the temple of God in continuity with the OT and Jesus as the temple. Finally, we see that the New Jerusalem is the climax of the promises of the temple. Thus, the promises of the restoration of the temple begin to find their fulfillment in Jesus, they continue to find their fulfillment in the NT people of God, and they are ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem.

      Jesus’ Ministry in an End Times Context

      It is necessary at this point to continue our investigation into the nature of the NT and the end times by looking at three arguments that the NT presents the person and ministry of Jesus in an end times or “eschatological” context.

      The NT Presents the Teachings of Jesus in an End Times Context by Using Apocalyptic Language

      First, understanding the NT in an end times context makes sense of the apocalyptic language used to describe the events in the life of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit. Thus, the first coming of Christ was an eschatological event for which the best language to depict was apocalyptic. What the prophets had looked forward to now finds its consummation in Jesus.

      A problem at this point is that many readers may feel a bit uneasy at the notion that Jesus and the NT writers employed apocalyptic language. It is important that we understand that ancient writers employed this genre because it allowed them an avenue to move their readers/hearers emotionally as well as intellectually. Plain narration, as in most stories, may well persuade some, but if writers truly want to impact their readers/hearers, they must also learn to tell their stories in a manner that moves people emotionally.

      NT’s Use of Apocalyptic Catchphrase “He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear”

      This phrase also appears in the prophets of the OT. In Ezekiel the phrase is used in conjunction with a prophetic message from a prophet to the house of Israel. It serves as a stern warning. For example, Ezekiel is told, “Thus says the Lord God. ‘He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse’” (3:27).

      Jesus Uses “He Who Has, Ears Let Him Hear”

      The NT Uses Apocalyptic Language for Numerous Events In the Life of Jesus