The Presence of the Future: The Eschatology of Biblical Realism

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.

Ladd is a grate author. very clean used copy

Very good. The author's view is historical premillennial. He makes a convincing case for the Kingdom being an active part of our history culmintating in the parousia.

Got for historical review

Ladd's most complete work on the kingdom is perhaps the most important single volume to read on this subject. Ladd interacts in detail with the biblical text and other literature, and argues his "already-but-not-yet" view. A volume that anyone who wants to understand the kingdom should read.

Author writes on layperson's level. Good study aid.

Excellent - buy it!

I love the work of Ladd and this book has been a great blessing.

Great book - buy it

First I must admit that there a some (only a few!) details where I think that Ladd is not right. But that's about details...In general, this is an outstanding work for theologians and any Christian who wants to know more about what is happening in the spiritual world, why there are the bad parts (illness, death...) and the good one (healing, eternal life) at the same moment in our lives.Ladd gives an excellent basis to build ones personal theology step by step. I encourage anyone who does not have this book to read and study it. It is more than worth time and money!

This was well-researched and made some good points. I liked that it was able to speak knowledgeably about a variety of other views. However, it was hard to get through, not because the content was uninteresting, but because the terms were never really clearly defined. Halfway through the book, I was still confused about the distinction between apocalyptic and eschatology. Also, I would have appreciated an argument for why eschatology should be considered as important as the author considers it to be. It's not really a beginner text.