In the epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians, realized eschatology is distinctly traceable, particularly in the words: “Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Col. 2:12-13) and “And you, who were dead in your trespasses, God made alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5-6). “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1-3).
Other epistles also echo this theme, particularly in verses: “God… has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1); “…His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1); “The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us”,
“The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining”, “We are now children of God, but what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is”, “We know that we have passed from death to life”, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John); “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5); “For He says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6). “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5). “You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (1 Corinthians 5), “you have died to sin, you are freed from sin” (Romans 6), “you are already holy, thus you should pursue sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4), etc. In the apostolic letters, there is often a typical tension of Orthodox Eschatology between the “already” and the “not yet”.
Liturgical texts from Palm Sunday to the Sunday of All Saints (Triodion of Lent, Triodion of Flowers) and every Sunday (Resurrection) throughout the year (Octoechos of the Resurrection). Let us list a few hymns that (in form, because in essence – all Scripture!) speak of realized eschatology.
Hymns of the Octoechos of the Resurrection. Troparia and kontakia of Sundays, which are sung alternately throughout the year. The week begins with the Resurrection, the Sunday of the current tone, which sets the Easter tone for the following week. The Church celebrates the Resurrection throughout the year, in which it resides and prepares to enter all its members. (Troparia – liturgical songs that celebrate the content of the festival, kontakia – hymns that briefly present the description of the church festival or the most important actions of the glorified saint).
Tone 1. Troparion: Though the Jews placed a stone and guards watched Your pure body, You rose on the third day, Savior, granting life to the world. For this reason, the Powers of Heaven cried out to You, Life-giver: Glory to Your Resurrection, Christ, glory to Your Kingdom, glory to Your providence, You who love all mankind.
Kontakion: You rose as God from the tomb in glory and with Yourself You raised the world. Human nature praises You as God, and death has vanished. Adam exults, Master, and Eve, now freed from bonds, rejoices, crying out: “You are Christ, who grants resurrection to all.”
Tone 2. Troparion: When You descended to death, Life Immortal, You slayed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead. When You raised the dead from the depths of the earth, all the powers of heaven cried out: “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.”
Kontakion: You rose from the tomb, Almighty Savior, hell saw the miracle and trembled, and the dead arose. Creation, seeing this, rejoices with You, and Adam is also joyful. My Savior praises You forever.
Tone 3. Troparion: Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown strength with His arm. He has trampled death by death; He has become the first-born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell and has granted the world great mercy.