Before 70 AD, believers were waiting for the fulfillment of the resurrection promises. Jesus said, "the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies" (John 11:25), pointing to the coming resurrection that would vindicate the righteous dead.

Jesus is saying, "He who believes in Me shall live [spiritually], even if he dies [physically], and everyone who lives [physically], and believes in Me, shall never die [spiritually]." His promise was never about escaping physical death, but about overcoming the true death, spiritual separation from God.

Hebrews 11:39-40 says, "And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect." This shows they were still awaiting the full realization of life.

After 70 AD, the resurrection was fulfilled, and death, the covenantal separation from God, was defeated. Revelation 20:14 says, "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire." That was the end of the Old Covenant death.

Believers after 70 AD are not waiting for resurrection or vindication. They are born into the New Jerusalem, the body of Christ, where there is no more death (Revelation 21:4). Jesus is the resurrection and the life now.

So before 70 AD, the promise was a hope. After 70 AD, it's a reality. Believers now live in the fullness of what Jesus said in John 11:25.