Karl Barth Eschatology

Karl Barth eschatology has as its foundation the consummation of Israel in Christ. In this, the influential 20th century theologian has made an indelible impact on Christian thought and especially eschatology.

Barth, however is not without criticism as is well attested in critical reviews of his writings. He holds that everything is consummated in Christ. This leaves open the charge of the brand of C. H. Dodd's realized eschatology which one might rightfully interpret as a cutting off of the future.

However, Karl Barth eschatology did not totally renounce the future of as did Dodd. Yet, when everything is seen as fulfilled in Christ's resurrection, it short-circuits the future which was consummated in the saints.

Paul is clear that Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), and that each is raised in his own order, (v. 23). The word "order" suggests the idea of a very organized military rank where each one marches in step.

Unless the harvest and the firstfruits are all one in time, then there was definitely a future hope for the dead beyond the resurrection of Christ.

However, Barth correctly sees Christ as Israel. In the raising of Christ from the dead, Israel has been raised in their solidarity with Christ.

"Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. (1 Corinthians 15:12, 13)

Christ and his apostles spoke of the consummation of the age, not solely in the cross-event, but in connection with the destruction of Israel's temple (Matthew 24:3), at a time later than the cross yet not so protracted to be an endless undefined future.

While Karl Barth eschatology places that time in an indefinite future.

On the other hand, the future vision of the prophets, Christ and his apostles found fulfillment in the apostles very own generation, (Matthew 24:34; 1 Peter 1:9-11).

Barth views the interim period which sustains hope as the time of the eschatological Spirit during the pre-parousia reign of Christ. Again, Barth's interpretation is sound. His application however leads him to futurism.

He disconnects Israel (Christ) from Israel (the church) meaning both Jew and Gentile united in one body (Ephesians 3:4-6). This is the problem of time for Karl Barth eschatology.

Karl Barth Eschatology offers excellent insights on the subject of resurrection. For Barth to argue that Christ is the consummation of Israel, appear to have Hosea 6:1, 2, as its premise.

"Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; he has stricken, but he will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.

This text is spoken on behalf of Israel whom God had cast away. They are no longer his people. Yet, God says he would raise them from the dead.

Christ is Israel's hope, but also Christ is Israel. Paul quotes Hosea 6:1 in 1 Corinthians 15:4, saying that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Hosea prophesied God would raise Israel the third day. God raised Christ the third day according to Hosea. Therefore, God raised Israel (Christ) the third day.

This is the basis for Paul's solidarity of Israel argument in 1 Corinthians 15. It is the reason why the "dead" Israel, meaning the once "cast away" nation, cannot be excluded as evident in some who were denying there resurrection.

Another quote from Hosea, 1 Corinthians 15:54, incorporates chapter 13:1, 2 and also verse 14. Ephraim (Israel), offended through idolatry in the worship of Baal. Committing sin, they died. Yet, this was not physical death. Israel sins, more and more, making molded images.

This identifies the death of Israel as spiritual. Likewise, it identifies the death of Christ as his resurrection is the resurrection of Israel, therefore spiritual.

I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes." (Hosea 13:14) Paul quotes this in verses 55-56.

The time of the resurrection is when the law is removed, for through that commandment, Israel died in breaking the law, (Hebrews 8:8, 9). Barth's theology rightfully see's Christ as the God/Man and hope of Israel.

Karl Barth eschatology does not fully grasp the implications of the outworking of that consummation in Christ through the Holy Spirit's last days ministry and the work of the apostles in the first century.

Thus, he leaves the world with a "deferred-hope and a prayer" which modern day eschatology turns into "despair."

See Karl Barth on Eschatology in Philippians

See Karl Barth Dogmatics in Outline