Were all resurrection and final judgment promises completely exhausted in A.D. 70?
Subject: Prophecy, resurrection and judgment
Claim examined: The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 exhausted every promise of resurrection, Christ’s return and final judgment, leaving no future bodily resurrection.
Scriptural Answer
Passages concerning Jerusalem’s judgment must retain their first-century setting. Recognizing that setting does not establish that every resurrection promise describes only the fall of that city. First Corinthians 15 argues from Christ’s resurrection to the resurrection of the dead and identifies death as the last enemy.
John 5 speaks of those in the graves hearing Christ’s voice and coming forth. Acts 1 connects His promised coming with His departure. An early date for Revelation or a Jerusalem application for a vision is not proof that these promises have all ended. Compare each passage’s subjects and stated outcome instead of forcing all events into one date.
Biblical Connections — Scripture comparison
Identify each passage’s historical setting → Compare Christ’s resurrection with the promised resurrection → Respect the stated defeat of death → Do not equate every judgment with Jerusalem’s fall
These connections summarize the study. An arrow alone does not establish chronology or authority; examine the cited passages.
KJV Scriptures Used
- 1 Corinthians 15:20–26 →
Read KJV passage
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 →
Read KJV passage
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
- John 5:28–29 →
Read KJV passage
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
- Acts 1:9–11 →
Read KJV passage
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Read each passage in its chapter and compare the Scriptures together.
Further Publisher Studies
- Premillennialism study directory — The Interactive Bible (Bible.ca) ↗
- AP Doctrinal Matters — Prophecy, resurrection and judgment — Apologetics Press ↗
- Answering the Error — Gospel Broadcasting Network ↗
- GBN tract library — Gospel Broadcasting Network ↗
These outside studies remain with their publishers. They are additional reading, not the authority for this answer. Compare every claim with Scripture.