Beginning from the End: How Pannenberg’s Eschatological Ontology Can Offer a New Way to Place Jesus in the First Testament

Abstract

I use insights from Wolfhart Pannenberg’s eschatological ontology to provide a new way of explaining how Jesus would genuinely be present in the Old, or First, Testament. Since the end of something is the logical priority in determining the fullness of that something’s meaning and identity, according to Pannenberg, then everything prior to the end awaits, or anticipates, its fullness of meaning and being. Using Pannenberg’s eschatological ontology, I argue that Jesus would first be present throughout the First Testament as he is anticipated by it. Second, I argue that the eschatological event that is Jesus himself would retroactively demonstrate and determine his presence throughout the entirety of the First Testament as well as all Scripture. I use insights from semiotics and hermeneutics to further this argument. I then conclude that this eschatological ontology would be the determining and demonstrative factor for Jesus’ presence in the First Testament.