Reading: The Cross of Christ, pg. 234-241
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us 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, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2.4-7
The victory of Christians, therefore, consists of entering into the victory of Christ and of enjoying its benefits…It is not quite so simple as that, however. For though the devil has been defeated, he has not yet conceded defeat. Although he has been overthrown, he has not yet been eliminated. In fact he continues to wield great power. This is the reason for the tension we feel in both our theology and our experience. On the one hand, we are assured that having been born of God Christ keeps us safe “and the evil one does not touch” us; on the other we are warned to watch out because the same evil one “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Many Christians choose one or other of these positions, or oscillate unsteadily between them. Some are triumphalists, who see only the decisive victory of Jesus Christ and overlook the apostolic warnings against the powers of darkness. Others are defeatists, who see only the fearsome malice of the devil and overlook the victory over him which Christ has already won. The tension is part of the Christian dilemma between the “already” and the “not yet.” Already the kingdom of God has been inaugurated and is advancing: not yet has it been consummated. | Stott pg. 235
What are some ways that we can apply the idea of “already” and “not yet” to the way that we live in this world? How would that affect your attitudes and expectations?
Lord, we are told that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places, and yet we live out this life here in a broken and darkened world. Help us, in the ways that only you can to live as victors, but not be unaware of the dangers around us. Amen