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The Presence of the Future: The Eschatology of Biblical Realism
After surveying the debate of eschatology, Ladd discusses the promise of the kingdom, the fulfillment of the promise, and the consummation of the promise. Throughout the book he develops his thesis that the kingdom of God involves two great movements--fulfillment within history and consummation at the end of history.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
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460 people want to read
About the author
George Eldon Ladd
56 books55 followersGeorge Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) was a Baptist minister and professor of New Testament exegesis and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
Ladd was ordained in 1933 and pastored in New England from 1936 to 1945. He served as an instructor at Gordon College of Theology and Missions (now Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Wenham, Massachusetts from 1942–45. He was an associate professor of New Testament and Greek from 1946–50, and head of the department of New Testament from 1946–49. In 1950–52 he was an associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif, becoming professor of biblical theology in 1952.
Ladd's best-known work, A Theology of the New Testament, has been used by thousands of seminary students since its publication in 1974. This work was enhanced and updated by Donald A. Hagner in 1993.
Ladd was a notable, modern proponent of Historic Premillennialism, and often criticized dispensationalist views. His writings regarding the Kingdom of God (especially his view of inaugurated eschatology) have become a cornerstone of Kingdom theology. His perspective is expressed in The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, R. G. Clouse, editor (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977) and the shorter and more accessible The Gospel of the Kingdom (Paternoster, 1959).
Ladd was ordained in 1933 and pastored in New England from 1936 to 1945. He served as an instructor at Gordon College of Theology and Missions (now Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Wenham, Massachusetts from 1942–45. He was an associate professor of New Testament and Greek from 1946–50, and head of the department of New Testament from 1946–49. In 1950–52 he was an associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif, becoming professor of biblical theology in 1952.
Ladd's best-known work, A Theology of the New Testament, has been used by thousands of seminary students since its publication in 1974. This work was enhanced and updated by Donald A. Hagner in 1993.
Ladd was a notable, modern proponent of Historic Premillennialism, and often criticized dispensationalist views. His writings regarding the Kingdom of God (especially his view of inaugurated eschatology) have become a cornerstone of Kingdom theology. His perspective is expressed in The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, R. G. Clouse, editor (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977) and the shorter and more accessible The Gospel of the Kingdom (Paternoster, 1959).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 2, 2024
One of the most significant theological texts I’ve ever read. Without question the most insightful thing I’ve ever read on the Gospels, Jesus’ ministry and message, and the here-yet-coming Kingdom.
If I was asked what one book should someone read on the gospels or to grasp the contextual significance for Jesus, this would have to be it. My highest of high recommendations.
Also, Ladd is an excellent and thoroughly engaging writer.
If I was asked what one book should someone read on the gospels or to grasp the contextual significance for Jesus, this would have to be it. My highest of high recommendations.
Also, Ladd is an excellent and thoroughly engaging writer.
February 22, 2022
I just finished "The Presence of the Future, by George Eldon Ladd (A Revised and Updated Version of "Jesus and the Kingdom").
Ladd begins with a chapter dedicated to giving all eschatological and noneschatological schools of thought a hearing in dialogue, so to say, with their modern advocates. Consistent eschatology, realized eschatology, Future Eschatology, and some scholars different takes of noneschatology in Jesus. He is cool enough to document scholars growth in or from a position such as V. Taylor, and sometimes their equivocation in a position such as in Bultmann. He does this so he can give us a synthesis of realized and Future Eschatology (inaugurated eschatology) with a bit of the history of the concept. Here is where I wish I knew German.
The big question is "what is the Kingdom of God (Heaven)?" If we had an answer so many of our eschatological (last things) questions would be answered. Jesus was serious about it so we should be also. It was the main topic he spoke about so we need to look at the OT and the other second temple writings (from rebuilding the second temple after it was sacked by Babylon till it was sacked by Rome: 516 BC to 70AD [I know this sounds an awful lot like the history of swamp castle]; and this literature includes the NT but Ladd leaves the NT out for now). This is the track Ladd travels in Pt 2 of this work.
Kingdom of God/Heaven is not used in the OT. But the concept of God as King is common. "Kingdom" in OT and 2nd temple use always referred to the reign (think the application of a Kings power or rule) primarily and the territory where He rules as secondary. The OT shows us that the Kingdom spoke about by the prophets would not manifest without a Divine in-breaking. Man working in history is good but it won't bring the totality of the Kingdom which is currently "already" because Christ brought it in Himself and "not yet" because Christ has yet to come back. The 2nd temple eraser began developing the Kingdom--over justbthe "King"--concept. It must be kept in mind that Jesus and the NT writers would have a solid base of the OT "King" and the 2nd temple "Kingdom" motif as they taught and wrote.
I find it interesting that when speaking to inaugurated eschatology the focus is on the reign and realm of the Providence of God. One could say that the "already" part of eschatology is the reign of God, the "not yet" is the realm: God has yet to place all things within the borders of His Providence. Another very astute observation Ladd makes when speaking about another scholar is that when they say "eschaton" they do not nuance if they mean the event of or the time following. It made me think that I often equivocate, using eschaton for either event/time.
Ladd spends some time dealing with Jesus saying He saw Satan falling like lightning. This was a very good part of the book because it adds depth to a huge question in inaugurated eschatology, and Amillennialism if you really want to get in the weeds, and how a "bound strongman" can play into it. (Lk. 10:18 = Rev. 12.) I won't recount all of this but if interested please grab this work.
One thing that I must state which Ladd says without mixing words is that the Church is not the Kingdom. Jesus didnt talk about the Church. Ekklesia occurs two times in Mt and scholars believe that these are placed on Jesus lips my the Matthean writer. Jesus called out disciples for the Kingdom. The disciples later grouped into local ekklesia. The Church is not the Kingdom; your favorite country of choice is not the Kingdom; the church leveraging your favorite country of choice is not the Kingdom; the reign and rule of God, brought by Jesus and consummated in His return is the Kingdom. The Church are Kingdom people whose Allegiance (faith) is to King Jesus as citizens of God's Kingdom alone. And the more I think on this the more I believe Christianity has truncated if not missed the work of Christ. The Crucifixion is just another dead Messiah unless the resurrection is equally stated; the resurrection demands one (at the very minimum) reevaluate the message of the one who God affirmed via resurrection. What was the good news of the Crucified One?--that He would die or that He is King?
Excellent book.
I'm very, very impressed with this 1980's Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company paperback glue. Yes, I'm still burned at Fortress Press 1990s paperback "glue" which lacks any characteristics of glueness.
#ThePresenceOfTheFuture #GeorgeEldonLadd #GeorgeLadd #Ladd #Eschatology #InauguratedEschatology #ConsistentEschatology #RealizedEschatology #FutureEschatology #AlreadyNotYet #BiblicalTheology #Kingdom #KingdomTheology #WakeDivinity
Ladd begins with a chapter dedicated to giving all eschatological and noneschatological schools of thought a hearing in dialogue, so to say, with their modern advocates. Consistent eschatology, realized eschatology, Future Eschatology, and some scholars different takes of noneschatology in Jesus. He is cool enough to document scholars growth in or from a position such as V. Taylor, and sometimes their equivocation in a position such as in Bultmann. He does this so he can give us a synthesis of realized and Future Eschatology (inaugurated eschatology) with a bit of the history of the concept. Here is where I wish I knew German.
The big question is "what is the Kingdom of God (Heaven)?" If we had an answer so many of our eschatological (last things) questions would be answered. Jesus was serious about it so we should be also. It was the main topic he spoke about so we need to look at the OT and the other second temple writings (from rebuilding the second temple after it was sacked by Babylon till it was sacked by Rome: 516 BC to 70AD [I know this sounds an awful lot like the history of swamp castle]; and this literature includes the NT but Ladd leaves the NT out for now). This is the track Ladd travels in Pt 2 of this work.
Kingdom of God/Heaven is not used in the OT. But the concept of God as King is common. "Kingdom" in OT and 2nd temple use always referred to the reign (think the application of a Kings power or rule) primarily and the territory where He rules as secondary. The OT shows us that the Kingdom spoke about by the prophets would not manifest without a Divine in-breaking. Man working in history is good but it won't bring the totality of the Kingdom which is currently "already" because Christ brought it in Himself and "not yet" because Christ has yet to come back. The 2nd temple eraser began developing the Kingdom--over justbthe "King"--concept. It must be kept in mind that Jesus and the NT writers would have a solid base of the OT "King" and the 2nd temple "Kingdom" motif as they taught and wrote.
I find it interesting that when speaking to inaugurated eschatology the focus is on the reign and realm of the Providence of God. One could say that the "already" part of eschatology is the reign of God, the "not yet" is the realm: God has yet to place all things within the borders of His Providence. Another very astute observation Ladd makes when speaking about another scholar is that when they say "eschaton" they do not nuance if they mean the event of or the time following. It made me think that I often equivocate, using eschaton for either event/time.
Ladd spends some time dealing with Jesus saying He saw Satan falling like lightning. This was a very good part of the book because it adds depth to a huge question in inaugurated eschatology, and Amillennialism if you really want to get in the weeds, and how a "bound strongman" can play into it. (Lk. 10:18 = Rev. 12.) I won't recount all of this but if interested please grab this work.
One thing that I must state which Ladd says without mixing words is that the Church is not the Kingdom. Jesus didnt talk about the Church. Ekklesia occurs two times in Mt and scholars believe that these are placed on Jesus lips my the Matthean writer. Jesus called out disciples for the Kingdom. The disciples later grouped into local ekklesia. The Church is not the Kingdom; your favorite country of choice is not the Kingdom; the church leveraging your favorite country of choice is not the Kingdom; the reign and rule of God, brought by Jesus and consummated in His return is the Kingdom. The Church are Kingdom people whose Allegiance (faith) is to King Jesus as citizens of God's Kingdom alone. And the more I think on this the more I believe Christianity has truncated if not missed the work of Christ. The Crucifixion is just another dead Messiah unless the resurrection is equally stated; the resurrection demands one (at the very minimum) reevaluate the message of the one who God affirmed via resurrection. What was the good news of the Crucified One?--that He would die or that He is King?
Excellent book.
I'm very, very impressed with this 1980's Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company paperback glue. Yes, I'm still burned at Fortress Press 1990s paperback "glue" which lacks any characteristics of glueness.
#ThePresenceOfTheFuture #GeorgeEldonLadd #GeorgeLadd #Ladd #Eschatology #InauguratedEschatology #ConsistentEschatology #RealizedEschatology #FutureEschatology #AlreadyNotYet #BiblicalTheology #Kingdom #KingdomTheology #WakeDivinity
December 25, 2015
One can't read through the synoptic gospels without noticing a reoccurring and central theme: the Kingdom of God. Scholars from across the spectrum of theological and historical approach have interpreted the kingdom (as you can imagine) in vast and varied ways.
Ladd spent much of his academic career studying this subject. Though himself evangelical and Baptist, he plays an objective hand when dealing with the prominent interpretations of those with whom he disagrees. What this book lacks in readability, it makes up for with careful exegesis and insight.
Is the Kingdom of God coming, or is it here?
Yes, says Ladd. Jesus stood firmly in the tradition of the Old Testament prophets in His proclamation of the reign of God that is both present and will be consummated in the future. It is this dynamic tension that reconciles a seeming contradiction.
Ladd demonstrates how the rule of God was manifested in the person and mission of Jesus. It remains active through the reign of Christ in the lives of believers. It grows through the ministry of the church. And, it will be firmly and finally established at Christ's return.
Bottom line: it is through Jesus Himself that the Kingdom must be interpreted.
I would recommend this book particularly to those in positions of teaching within the church. For to miss the import and application of this subject is to miss a significant biblical concept.
Ladd spent much of his academic career studying this subject. Though himself evangelical and Baptist, he plays an objective hand when dealing with the prominent interpretations of those with whom he disagrees. What this book lacks in readability, it makes up for with careful exegesis and insight.
Is the Kingdom of God coming, or is it here?
Yes, says Ladd. Jesus stood firmly in the tradition of the Old Testament prophets in His proclamation of the reign of God that is both present and will be consummated in the future. It is this dynamic tension that reconciles a seeming contradiction.
Ladd demonstrates how the rule of God was manifested in the person and mission of Jesus. It remains active through the reign of Christ in the lives of believers. It grows through the ministry of the church. And, it will be firmly and finally established at Christ's return.
Bottom line: it is through Jesus Himself that the Kingdom must be interpreted.
I would recommend this book particularly to those in positions of teaching within the church. For to miss the import and application of this subject is to miss a significant biblical concept.
April 9, 2015
This is Ladd's introduction to "already/not yet" biblical theology. He shows how the kingdom came in Jesus's person and work yet is also waiting for the end.
In the Old Testament "Malkuth” refers to the dynamic aspect of ruling (Ladd 46). It is primarily “reign” and only secondarily “realm.” In the Psalms creation responds with joy to God’s reign--not merely the fact that God is sitting high in the heavens, but that he is reigning now: he will bring his judgment to earth.
It is God’s sovereignty, God’s rule (132). It exists de jure over heaven and earth; de facto in this age only when men submit themselves to the divine rule.
In the New Testament, and in Jesus's person, Ladd suggests a "fulfillment without consummation."
The Kingdom: Reign or Realm
The kingdom promised is royal rank (p. 136; Luke 22:29). “It is an act of God resulting in the eschatological order of the new age.”
central thesis: before the eschatological appearing of God’s Kingdom at the end of the age, God’s Kingdom has become dynamically active among men in Jesus’s person and mission” (139). Further, “God is about to act in a work of salvation and judgment which is not the apocalyptic manifestation but which is a necessary precedent to it” (146).
The Kingdom Present as Dynamic Power
an inescapable element in the biblical concept of redemption is that man must be saved from spiritual powers which are beyond his ability to conquer” (151).
The kingdom of God has invaded Satan’s realm and dealt him a preliminary but decisive defeat.
The Fall of Satan
“The Kingdom of God is dynamic power, and it must “come” because there are real spiritual enemies which oppose it, both human and superhuman” (155). John Wimber, call your office.
The Dynamic Working of the Kingdom
The gospel is the visitation of God to bring to his people the messianic salvation (165). Matthew 11 these elements include: the blind see, the deaf here, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news preached to them. The message makes possible the signs of the Kingdoms.
The kingdom is preached AND the kingdom exercises its power convey the same idea: the dynamic presence of the kingdom in the words of Jesus (166).
The Kingdom and the Church
(This is Ladd's view, not necessarily mine)
The kingdom cannot be identified with the church, because: a) the kingdom is the sphere in which the rule of God is experienced. b) the kingdom is never identified with its subjects; c) the kingdom is the rule of God; the church is the society of men (262).
1. The first missionaries preached the kingdom of God, not the church (Acts 8:12; 19:8).
2. The kingdom creates the church. Men respond to God’s dynamic rule (aka the kingdom) and the result of that response is the church. But the response is never equated with God’s rule.
3. The church witnesses to the kingdom.
4. The church is the instrument of the kingdom. The church brings men into the kingdom.
5. The church is custodian of the kingdom.
Conclusion
Much of this book is dated. You can probably skip the first hundred pages if you have read Carson, Wright, Blomberg, Vos, Kline, or any other modern author. I suppose Ladd broke new ground when he wrote it.
In the Old Testament "Malkuth” refers to the dynamic aspect of ruling (Ladd 46). It is primarily “reign” and only secondarily “realm.” In the Psalms creation responds with joy to God’s reign--not merely the fact that God is sitting high in the heavens, but that he is reigning now: he will bring his judgment to earth.
It is God’s sovereignty, God’s rule (132). It exists de jure over heaven and earth; de facto in this age only when men submit themselves to the divine rule.
In the New Testament, and in Jesus's person, Ladd suggests a "fulfillment without consummation."
The Kingdom: Reign or Realm
The kingdom promised is royal rank (p. 136; Luke 22:29). “It is an act of God resulting in the eschatological order of the new age.”
central thesis: before the eschatological appearing of God’s Kingdom at the end of the age, God’s Kingdom has become dynamically active among men in Jesus’s person and mission” (139). Further, “God is about to act in a work of salvation and judgment which is not the apocalyptic manifestation but which is a necessary precedent to it” (146).
The Kingdom Present as Dynamic Power
an inescapable element in the biblical concept of redemption is that man must be saved from spiritual powers which are beyond his ability to conquer” (151).
The kingdom of God has invaded Satan’s realm and dealt him a preliminary but decisive defeat.
The Fall of Satan
“The Kingdom of God is dynamic power, and it must “come” because there are real spiritual enemies which oppose it, both human and superhuman” (155). John Wimber, call your office.
The Dynamic Working of the Kingdom
The gospel is the visitation of God to bring to his people the messianic salvation (165). Matthew 11 these elements include: the blind see, the deaf here, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news preached to them. The message makes possible the signs of the Kingdoms.
The kingdom is preached AND the kingdom exercises its power convey the same idea: the dynamic presence of the kingdom in the words of Jesus (166).
The Kingdom and the Church
(This is Ladd's view, not necessarily mine)
The kingdom cannot be identified with the church, because: a) the kingdom is the sphere in which the rule of God is experienced. b) the kingdom is never identified with its subjects; c) the kingdom is the rule of God; the church is the society of men (262).
1. The first missionaries preached the kingdom of God, not the church (Acts 8:12; 19:8).
2. The kingdom creates the church. Men respond to God’s dynamic rule (aka the kingdom) and the result of that response is the church. But the response is never equated with God’s rule.
3. The church witnesses to the kingdom.
4. The church is the instrument of the kingdom. The church brings men into the kingdom.
5. The church is custodian of the kingdom.
Conclusion
Much of this book is dated. You can probably skip the first hundred pages if you have read Carson, Wright, Blomberg, Vos, Kline, or any other modern author. I suppose Ladd broke new ground when he wrote it.
October 10, 2011
I believe this is the most significant book on the Kingdom of God written (short of Scripture). If you want to contribute to the discussion on the nature of the Kingdom, you have to interact with Ladd. At a time when few were thinking about inaugurated eschatology, Ladd paves the way. Though written over 35 years ago (so his dialogue partners are not contemporary), it is still a must read. Moreso than the datedness of the book, the most significant weakness is that Ladd does not incorporate much pneumatology into his analysis of the Kingdom or Jesus' ministry (a horrible ommission). Even so, this is a foundational read for anyone wanting to study the Kingdom of God and Jesus' role in it.
September 29, 2023
A book for those wishing to survey the many positions of scholars on the Kingdom of God from the perspective and with insights from one who passionately believes the subject is of supreme importance. A rare view into the biblical and secular views, including the critical textual perspectives. Not for the casual reader. But of great value to those wanting to explore the vast history of men’s thoughts on the subject while valuing ultimately the Wird of God itself as the true source for understanding.
February 14, 2024
Certain aspects are outdated, but Ladd still introduces current readers to the “already and not yet” of eschatology.
October 22, 2024
IMO, this is one of the most important theological works of the 20th century. It's a bit dense at times (its non a popular-level book). But Ladd's development of the nature of the kingdom of God in the NT is foundational for understanding the goal of God's plan in history.
Ladd carefully works through varying views on the Kingdom as merely present or merely eschatological and argues that the NT teaches that the Kingdom is truly present, being introduced and inaugurated during the ministry of Christ. However, the Kingdom is not here in its fulness, and we await a future inbreaking of God into history to establish the Kingdom in its fulness. Additionally, the Kingdom is certainly spiritual in nature, but the Bible is clear that it is also physical in nature.
Ladd does excellent exegetical work when examining OT promises about the Kingdom and handling the statements about the Kingdom in the Gospels. Ladd, unfortunately, holds to the idea that church and Jesus' disciples are the true Israel, and the OT promises to Israel are fulfilled in the church. To support, this, though, Ladd abandons exegesis and seems to just think the connection makes sense. "While it is true that the word 'Israel' is never applied to Jesus' disciples, the idea is present, if not the term." (250) Also, he argues that the description of Jesus' disciples as a "little flock" (Luke 12:32) "suggests" that the church is the faithful remnant.
In spite of this shortcoming, this book is quite helpful. Much of what is assumed today in conservative evangelical circles related to the concept of "already-not yet" and the idea of the inauguration of the kingdom as separate from its eschatological fulfillment is due to the work of Ladd. Both Progressive Covenantalism and Progressive Dispensationalism are able to align with Ladd's exposition of the Kingdom as present and future, physical and spiritual.
Ladd carefully works through varying views on the Kingdom as merely present or merely eschatological and argues that the NT teaches that the Kingdom is truly present, being introduced and inaugurated during the ministry of Christ. However, the Kingdom is not here in its fulness, and we await a future inbreaking of God into history to establish the Kingdom in its fulness. Additionally, the Kingdom is certainly spiritual in nature, but the Bible is clear that it is also physical in nature.
Ladd does excellent exegetical work when examining OT promises about the Kingdom and handling the statements about the Kingdom in the Gospels. Ladd, unfortunately, holds to the idea that church and Jesus' disciples are the true Israel, and the OT promises to Israel are fulfilled in the church. To support, this, though, Ladd abandons exegesis and seems to just think the connection makes sense. "While it is true that the word 'Israel' is never applied to Jesus' disciples, the idea is present, if not the term." (250) Also, he argues that the description of Jesus' disciples as a "little flock" (Luke 12:32) "suggests" that the church is the faithful remnant.
In spite of this shortcoming, this book is quite helpful. Much of what is assumed today in conservative evangelical circles related to the concept of "already-not yet" and the idea of the inauguration of the kingdom as separate from its eschatological fulfillment is due to the work of Ladd. Both Progressive Covenantalism and Progressive Dispensationalism are able to align with Ladd's exposition of the Kingdom as present and future, physical and spiritual.
March 20, 2023
This book isn't what I thought it was going to be, but I still very much enjoyed it.
I recently read Ladd's "The Blessed Hope" and was interested in learning more about historical premillennialism. Because this book is about the kingdom, I assumed that it was about the millennial kingdom. Quite simply, it is not. The book is about what "the kingdom of God" means in the gospels, particularly the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Another thing that I didn't expect is that this book is very different than "The Blessed Hope." That work is definitely written for laymen. This book is very academic, and throughout the book, Ladd is directly responding to the arguments of the critical scholars of his day. For that reason, I would recommend skipping the first 50 pages of the book unless you are engaged in some sort of academic research project, as they just comprise Ladd's literature review. Nevertheless, it is a credit to Ladd that he can write compelling works for both the people in the pews and seminary scholars.
Regarding Ladd's actual argument, he proposes what he calls "inaugurated eschatology," that the power and the blessings of the future kingdom of God cast a shadow and are present in seed form in our present age. This is because the central figure of both ages is Christ. The king that will rule in the kingdom is the king that rules now in our lives. All in all, I found most of his arguments very convincing, and I took a lot of notes from the reading. I find his work to be a compelling challenge against many postmillennial claims and look forward to comparing his arguments to those contained in Gentry's "He Shall Have Dominion," which I plan to read next.
I recently read Ladd's "The Blessed Hope" and was interested in learning more about historical premillennialism. Because this book is about the kingdom, I assumed that it was about the millennial kingdom. Quite simply, it is not. The book is about what "the kingdom of God" means in the gospels, particularly the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Another thing that I didn't expect is that this book is very different than "The Blessed Hope." That work is definitely written for laymen. This book is very academic, and throughout the book, Ladd is directly responding to the arguments of the critical scholars of his day. For that reason, I would recommend skipping the first 50 pages of the book unless you are engaged in some sort of academic research project, as they just comprise Ladd's literature review. Nevertheless, it is a credit to Ladd that he can write compelling works for both the people in the pews and seminary scholars.
Regarding Ladd's actual argument, he proposes what he calls "inaugurated eschatology," that the power and the blessings of the future kingdom of God cast a shadow and are present in seed form in our present age. This is because the central figure of both ages is Christ. The king that will rule in the kingdom is the king that rules now in our lives. All in all, I found most of his arguments very convincing, and I took a lot of notes from the reading. I find his work to be a compelling challenge against many postmillennial claims and look forward to comparing his arguments to those contained in Gentry's "He Shall Have Dominion," which I plan to read next.
October 13, 2018
One of the best books on the subject.
August 7, 2024
Mostly present and not a lot of future. Some good points worth considering.
April 5, 2025
EXcellent
March 23, 2012
George Ladd's contributions to scholarship on the kingdom of God and biblical eschatalogy are simply worth their weight in gold. Ladd survey's recent scholarship on the kingdom of God (recent at the time of writing, its a little dated now, but not much) and then dives into the Old Testament, inter-testamental literature, and especially the New Testament in order to understand just what the kingdom of God is and how it frames our understanding of the message of Christ, the mission of the church, and our future hope.
Ladd persuasively argues that the kingdom of God is his dynamic rule and reign expressed through Jesus Christ, rather than the realm over which he reigns. The biblical words for kingdom (Heb. malkuth, Gr. basilea) refer more to king-ship, than to concrete domains. The mystery of the kingdom is that in Jesus, the rule of God dymanically entered into human history, fulfilling but not consummating the Old Testament promises. The kingdom is thus already here, but not yet here in its fullness. The task of the church today is to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom in anticipation of its consummation in the second coming of Christ.
I studied this text in preparing for a class on the kingdom of God that I was teaching in a Perspectives on World Missions class. I found this very helpful and formative in my understanding of this important biblical theme. For a more popular introduction to Ladd's thought, see his shorter book The Gospel of the Kingdom. This more lengthy and scholarly work belongs in every scholar's and preacher's library. Simply excellent!
Ladd persuasively argues that the kingdom of God is his dynamic rule and reign expressed through Jesus Christ, rather than the realm over which he reigns. The biblical words for kingdom (Heb. malkuth, Gr. basilea) refer more to king-ship, than to concrete domains. The mystery of the kingdom is that in Jesus, the rule of God dymanically entered into human history, fulfilling but not consummating the Old Testament promises. The kingdom is thus already here, but not yet here in its fullness. The task of the church today is to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom in anticipation of its consummation in the second coming of Christ.
I studied this text in preparing for a class on the kingdom of God that I was teaching in a Perspectives on World Missions class. I found this very helpful and formative in my understanding of this important biblical theme. For a more popular introduction to Ladd's thought, see his shorter book The Gospel of the Kingdom. This more lengthy and scholarly work belongs in every scholar's and preacher's library. Simply excellent!
August 10, 2015
Originally released in the mid-60s under the title "Jesus and the Kingdom," George Eldon Ladd's book "The Presence of the Future" was a landmark theological book. Ladd examines historical and modern scholarship on the Kingdom of God. He also explores Old Testament background on the kingdom of God, examines the writings of those awaiting the kingdom during the inter-testament period, and studies the words of Jesus himself. The result is a balanced treatment of conflicting views that has come to be known as "inaugurated eschatology." His book is a scholarly attempt to explain the “already / not yet” tension of the present fulfillment within history and future reality of the consummation at the end of history: “God’s kingdom has come, but not to usher in a new age, but to work in an unexpected way within history.” Ladd wades through a lot of research, making this a rather technical book; but it is thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. I know of no other book that has helped me better understand the kingdom of God.
August 10, 2012
Amazing. Dr. Ladd lives on! I went to Fuller Seminary and heard his name so much and thought, "Oh they are just biased." A few years later reading him for myself, holy crap... he was/is the stuff. If you want to dive into a good dense theology work on the end times and the "kingdom of God" I highly recommend this! Wow.
December 19, 2014
I cannot understand why I did not read it years ago. It is a fantastic exposition of inaugurated eschatology. Some parts of it I have had to labour through and other parts have got me so fired-up. This book has deepened my understanding of kingdom theology and has left me feeling like I am standing on firm ground knee deep in mud.
It is a great book.
It is a great book.
May 4, 2016
A foundational book that I probably should have read years ago. It's dated, but still very helpful for working through your understanding of the Kingdom of God. It's also very encouraging as Ladd continually and powerfully reminds us of how God has acted in history through Jesus to save us and will one day finish what He's begun.
November 21, 2016
Heavy read. It's a theological book, very academic. Good insights on the nature and tension of the present reality of the Kingdom of God and its ultimate expression at the end of time. Views of the Sermon on the Mount very interesting. He sees them presenting an ethic impossible to accomplish without God's grace. He also sees rewards as ultimately grace-given.
January 13, 2013
In my opinion this is the most important book that Ladd wrote. I don't know of any other book written on the Kingdom of God that has ever surpassed it's simplicity and brilliance. To read it is to be transformed in your understanding of the Scriptures.
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October 12, 2012Heady and full. Pick this up and hang on!
December 31, 2016
Makes so much sense!
August 9, 2017
This is a theological book that should be read by students of eschatology. It is a scholarly work, and should be approached as such.
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