Introduction
† For nearly two thousand years, Christians have been taught to look toward the future for the fulfillment of God's promises. They've been told to expect another coming of Christ, another resurrection, another judgment, and the destruction of the physical world. But what happens when we recognize that Jesus fulfilled everything He promised concerning the end of the Old Covenant age in AD 70?
† Does that mean our work is finished? Does it mean we have nothing left to accomplish? Should we simply wait until we die and go to be with the Lord? Absolutely not!
† The fulfillment of prophecy wasn't the end of Christianity. It was the completion of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom in which we now live (Daniel 7:14; Hebrews 12:28).
† We aren't waiting for Christ to establish His kingdom. We're living in it. We aren't waiting for the New Jerusalem to descend. We're citizens of that heavenly city. We aren't waiting for the Old Covenant to disappear. We're living under the completed New Covenant (Hebrews 8:13; 12:22-24).
† But this raises some important questions. What should Christians be doing now? Is the world going to become better? Are we living in the greatest time in redemptive history? How do we bring others to Christ? And perhaps most importantly, what should our personal relationship with Jesus look like?
† These aren't questions about predicting tomorrow. They're questions about how we should live today.

The Kingdom Has Already Been Established
Colossians 1:13
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
† Paul didn't tell the Colossians they would someday enter Christ's kingdom. He told them they had already been transferred into it. Their citizenship wasn't a future possibility. It was an accomplished reality (Colossians 1:12-14).
† The kingdom was already present in the first century, and the judgment of AD 70 brought the Old Covenant age to its final conclusion. We aren't waiting for another kingdom to arrive (Luke 21:20-22; Hebrews 8:13).
† Our responsibility is to live as people who belong to Christ's kingdom. That means demonstrating His righteousness, peace, love, and truth in our everyday lives (Romans 14:17).

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
† The writer of Hebrews described a kingdom that couldn't be shaken. The Old Covenant system was approaching its removal, but Christ's kingdom would remain (Hebrews 12:26-27).
† That kingdom hasn't disappeared, weakened, or been replaced. Jesus continues to reign, and His people continue to serve Him (Ephesians 1:20-23).
† Our response to a completed redemption should be gratitude, worship, and faithful service. Fulfillment gives us a reason to live for Christ, not an excuse to stop serving Him (Romans 12:1-2).

Are We Living In The Greatest Time In History?
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
† From the standpoint of covenant redemption, we're living in the greatest age in human history. We have the completed work of Christ, the established New Covenant, and direct access to the Father through His Son (Hebrews 10:19-22).
† Under the Old Covenant, the Law exposed sin and condemnation. Through Christ, believers have forgiveness, reconciliation, and life. That's a greater blessing than anything the former covenant could provide (Romans 8:1-2; Hebrews 8:6).
† But living in the greatest covenant age doesn't mean every human condition is better than it has ever been. Wars, disease, poverty, suffering, and human cruelty still exist. The fulfillment of prophecy didn't promise the disappearance of every earthly hardship (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).

John 17:3
This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
† Jesus identified eternal life with knowing the Father and His Son. Christianity isn't merely about knowing when prophecy was fulfilled. It's about knowing the One who fulfilled it (John 14:6).
† We can understand Daniel, Matthew 24, and Revelation and still neglect our relationship with Christ. Knowledge of fulfilled prophecy should deepen our love for Jesus, not replace it (1 Corinthians 13:2).
† The greatest blessing of our age isn't technology, prosperity, or political freedom. It's the completed reconciliation that allows believers to know God through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Will The World Continue To Get Better?
Matthew 5:14, 16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
† Jesus didn't tell His followers to hide from the world. He told them to shine in it. Their lives were supposed to demonstrate God's goodness before others (Philippians 2:15).
† Scripture doesn't give us a timetable guaranteeing that every nation will become peaceful, every government righteous, or every generation more moral than the last. Those aren't promises we should invent (Ecclesiastes 7:10).
† But neither should we assume that everything must continually become worse. We have no reason to surrender the world to hopelessness when Christ has called His people to practice righteousness and love (Galatians 6:9-10).
† The world can become better wherever people choose mercy over cruelty, truth over deception, generosity over selfishness, and peace over hatred. We shouldn't confuse the completion of prophecy with the completion of human responsibility (Micah 6:8).

Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
† We weren't created in Christ merely to understand biblical timelines. We were created for good works. Our lives should demonstrate what it means to belong to Him (Titus 3:8).
† We can't control the entire world, but we can influence our homes, families, churches, neighborhoods, and communities. Every act of kindness matters (Galatians 6:10).
† We don't need another prophetic event before we can begin doing good. We have everything necessary to live faithfully in the kingdom Christ established (2 Peter 1:3).

How Do We Bring Others To Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:18, 20
Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
† Paul described the ministry of reconciliation as bringing people to understand what God accomplished through Jesus Christ. The foundation of that message remains the same today (Romans 5:10-11).
† We don't bring people to Christ by frightening them with predictions of an approaching tribulation, a future Antichrist, or the destruction of the planet. We introduce them to the Savior who gave His life for sinners (John 3:16-17).
† Our message should center on Jesus, His death, His resurrection, His forgiveness, and the life available through Him. Fulfilled prophecy helps explain His faithfulness, but Jesus Himself must remain the center of our message (1 Corinthians 2:2).

1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
† Peter instructed believers to explain their hope with gentleness and reverence. That principle remains essential when discussing the fulfilled perspective with those who disagree (Colossians 4:6).
† We don't win people to Christ by humiliating them, attacking their intelligence, or treating every disagreement as a personal battle. Truth doesn't require cruelty to make its point (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
† We should explain Scripture clearly, answer questions patiently, and allow people time to examine what they've been taught. Our responsibility is to present the truth faithfully, not force someone to accept it (Acts 17:11).
† Bringing someone to understand AD 70 isn't the same thing as bringing that person into a relationship with Christ. Our goal must always be greater than winning an argument about prophecy (John 20:31).

What Should Our Relationship With Christ Be Like?
John 15:4-5
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
† Jesus described a living relationship, not merely an intellectual agreement. A branch depends upon the vine for life, nourishment, and fruitfulness. In the same way, our spiritual lives depend upon Christ (Galatians 2:20).
† Abiding in Christ means trusting Him, following His teachings, remaining faithful to Him, and allowing His love to shape our decisions. It's an ongoing relationship, not something we practice only on Sunday (John 14:21).
† We should begin our days remembering who we belong to. We should seek His wisdom when making decisions, thank Him for His blessings, and turn to Him during our difficulties (James 1:5).

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
† Prayer isn't a ritual performed to earn God's approval. It's an expression of our relationship with our heavenly Father. We can bring Him our gratitude, fears, needs, and concerns (Hebrews 4:16).
† Having a relationship with Christ doesn't mean we'll never experience pain, sickness, disappointment, or grief. It means we don't have to face those experiences without the comfort and hope found in Him (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
† Our relationship with Jesus should grow through prayer, studying Scripture, obedience, gratitude, and love. We shouldn't spend our lives studying His return while neglecting His presence in our daily lives (John 14:23).

How Should Christians Treat One Another?
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
† Jesus didn't say the world would recognize His disciples by their knowledge of prophecy. He said people would recognize them by their love for one another (1 John 4:7-8).
† We can have an accurate understanding of fulfilled prophecy and still fail miserably in the way we treat others. If our knowledge produces arrogance, bitterness, and contempt, we've missed something essential (1 Corinthians 8:1).
† Christians should be known for compassion, forgiveness, patience, generosity, and honesty. We should care for those who are suffering, encourage those who are discouraged, and help those who are struggling (Ephesians 4:32).

Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
† Paul understood that peace isn't always possible because we can't control how others behave. But we can control how we respond (Romans 12:17).
† We don't have to agree with everyone to treat them respectfully. We can defend Scripture without becoming hateful or insulting (Colossians 3:12-14).
† If we want others to see the goodness of Christ, they should be able to recognize something different in the way we live and speak (Matthew 5:16).

The Invitation To Christ Still Matters
Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
† Revelation originally addressed first-century believers concerning events that were near. Its invitation to receive the water of life reveals the gracious character of the completed redemption Christ accomplished (Revelation 1:1-3).
† The New Jerusalem represents God's redeemed people, and the water of life represents the life available through Christ. The fulfillment of the prophetic vision doesn't mean the blessings of Christ have stopped being available (John 4:14).
† We aren't inviting people to escape an approaching destruction of Jerusalem. We're inviting them to know Jesus Christ and receive the life found in Him (John 10:10).
† The church still has a purpose because people still need forgiveness, hope, encouragement, instruction, and love. The end of the Old Covenant age wasn't the end of God's goodness toward humanity (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Historical References
† Josephus, in The Jewish War, Books 6-7, described the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in AD 70. His account provides historical evidence of the catastrophe that brought the temple-centered Old Covenant system to its physical end.
† Tacitus, in Histories, Book 5, described the Roman conflict involving Jerusalem and the Jewish people. His account independently confirms the historical setting of the first-century war.
† Eusebius, in Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 5, recorded the tradition that Christians departed Jerusalem and settled at Pella before the city's destruction.
† These historical accounts help us understand the first-century setting of Jesus' warnings. They don't replace Scripture, and they don't determine how we should live today. Our daily responsibilities come from the teachings of Christ and His apostles (Matthew 24:34; John 13:34-35).

How It Applies To Us Today
† We should stop living as though Christianity is an unfinished story. Christ accomplished the redemption promised in Scripture, and we now live in the blessings of His established kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).
† We should make our relationship with Jesus our highest priority. Understanding prophecy is valuable, but knowing Christ and living according to His teachings is far more important (John 17:3).
† We should share the gospel without using fear. People need to hear about the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and the life available through Him (Romans 5:8).
† We should work to make the world around us better. Feed the hungry, help the struggling, encourage the discouraged, forgive those who have hurt us, and show kindness wherever possible (Galatians 6:10).
† We should stop measuring Christianity by the number of people who agree with our eschatology. Our lives should be measured by faithfulness, love, integrity, and the fruit we produce (John 15:8).
† We should enjoy the blessings of life without feeling guilty for living in a world where suffering still exists. We can celebrate God's goodness while helping those who are hurting (Romans 12:15).
† We should remember that our earthly lives are temporary, but our relationship with Christ isn't. When believers leave this physical life, they have the assurance of being with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).
† We should wake up each morning with a purpose. There are people to love, lives to encourage, truths to share, and opportunities to demonstrate the goodness of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:10).
† We don't need another coming, another judgment, another resurrection, or another prophetic fulfillment to give our lives meaning. We already have a King, a kingdom, a Savior, and a purpose.
† The greatest question facing Christians today isn't when Jesus will return. It's what we're doing with the life He's given us.
† The prophecies have been fulfilled, but our opportunities to love, serve, teach, encourage, and glorify Christ continue every day.

Q & A Appendix
Q: If all prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70, why are we still here?
A: Because the fulfillment of prophecy wasn't the end of human existence. It was the completion of God's covenant promises. We continue living, serving Christ, and doing the good works for which we were created (Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 12:28).
Q: Are we living in the greatest time in human history?
A: We're living in the greatest age of covenant redemption because Christ has completed His work and established the New Covenant. That doesn't mean every earthly condition is better than in previous generations (Hebrews 8:6; 10:19-22).
Q: Does Scripture promise that the whole world will continually become better?
A: No. Scripture calls us to do good and demonstrate God's righteousness, but it doesn't guarantee uninterrupted worldwide moral or political improvement (Matthew 5:16; Galatians 6:9-10).
Q: Should Christians still share the gospel?
A: Absolutely. The original first-century mission reached its appointed fulfillment, but people today still need to hear about Jesus Christ, His forgiveness, and the life available through Him (Colossians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Q: How do we bring people to Christ without frightening them about the end times?
A: By teaching them about His love, sacrifice, resurrection, forgiveness, and the blessings of knowing Him. We should explain our hope with gentleness and reverence (John 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:15).
Q: Is understanding fulfilled prophecy necessary for salvation?
A: No. Salvation is through Jesus Christ, not through mastering a particular interpretation of prophecy. Our faith must rest in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 20:31).
Q: What should our daily relationship with Christ look like?
A: We should trust Him, pray regularly, study Scripture, obey His teachings, love others, and allow His character to influence our decisions (John 15:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7).
Q: If Satan has been defeated, why do people still commit evil?
A: Human beings remain capable of sinful choices. James explained that temptation can arise from a person's own desires. Satan's defeat doesn't eliminate human responsibility (James 1:14-15; Romans 6:12-13).
Q: Should Christians be involved in helping their communities?
A: Yes. We were created in Christ Jesus for good works. Helping others is one way we demonstrate His love and glorify our Father (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16).
Q: What happens to believers when they physically die?
A: Believers have the assurance of being with the Lord. We aren't waiting for another future resurrection event to make that possible (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).
Q: What is the most important thing Christians should be doing now?
A: Loving God, loving others, living faithfully, sharing Christ, and demonstrating His goodness in everyday life. Fulfilled prophecy should strengthen our relationship with Jesus, not distract us from it (John 13:34-35; John 15:8).
Q: If the redemptive work is complete, does that mean our Christian work is complete?
A: No. Christ's completed redemption is the foundation of our ongoing service. We don't work to finish what Jesus accomplished. We serve because of what He has already done (Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 12:28).

† This is the fulfilled perspective we proclaim at Fulfilled Prophecies †
© Fulfilled Prophecies - Dan Maines.

Source Index
† Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20; John 17:3; Matthew 5:14, 16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:15; John 15:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:18; Revelation 22:17.
† Flavius Josephus, The Jewish War, Books 6-7; Tacitus, Histories, Book 5; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 5.