Partial and Complete fulfillment in prophecies
In the Bible, many prophecies are considered to have had partial or "intermediate" fulfillments, with a more complete fulfillment expected in the future. This is especially true for prophecies related to the restoration of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and God’s ultimate kingdom. Here are a few examples of this pattern:
1. The Prophecy of Israel’s Restoration
Historical Fulfillment: After the Babylonian exile, some prophecies of Israel’s return to the land (like in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel) were partially fulfilled when the Jews returned from exile and rebuilt the temple.
Future Fulfillment: However, many prophecies about Israel's complete restoration, where they would live in peace, righteousness, and under God’s direct rule (such as in Ezekiel 37 or Zechariah 14), are viewed by many as still to be fulfilled in the future, especially in connection with the Messianic Kingdom.
2. The Coming of the Messiah
First Coming (Partial Fulfillment): Jesus’ first coming as the suffering servant (as described in Isaiah 53) and His role in offering salvation to humanity are seen as the first fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Jesus, the Messiah, fulfilled many of the Old Testament promises in part.
Second Coming (Complete Fulfillment): However, many prophecies about the Messiah, such as His rule over the nations, the establishment of peace, and the defeat of evil, have not yet been fully realized. Christians believe these will be fulfilled at Jesus’s second coming (as seen in prophecies in Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, and the New Testament).
3. The Kingdom of God
Partial Fulfillment: The Kingdom of God was inaugurated with Jesus' first coming, as He preached the arrival of the kingdom and demonstrated its power through miracles and teachings. The church is seen as the early expression of God's kingdom on earth.
Future Fulfillment: However, the complete establishment of God's kingdom, where God's will is fully realized on earth and all things are restored, is seen by many as a future event, particularly at Jesus's return.
4. Judgment on Nations (like Edom, Babylon, and others)
Historical Fulfillment: Many Old Testament prophecies concerning the judgment of nations like Edom (in Obadiah), Babylon (in Isaiah and Jeremiah), and others were partially fulfilled through historical events like the Babylonian conquest and the subsequent downfall of these empires.
Ultimate Fulfillment: However, many prophecies also point to a final judgment in the end times, when God will bring ultimate justice to the nations (as seen in Revelation and other prophetic books).
Why Partial Fulfillment?
This pattern of partial and future fulfillment is sometimes called the "already but not yet" tension in biblical prophecy. God has begun fulfilling His promises, but the full realization of those promises—especially related to judgment, restoration, and the establishment of His kingdom—is still to come. This is often interpreted as God's way of showing both His faithfulness in bringing about what He promised and His patience in awaiting the perfect time for the complete fulfillment of His word.
In summary, many prophecies in the Bible have had partial fulfillment in history but are believed by many to have a more complete fulfillment in the future, especially when viewed in the context of Christ's return and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.