1 Corinthians 15:25-26 – For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
Dear Friends,
Bible Scholars use the phrase “Already-Not Yet” to help us understand how something can be a reality now, but not realized fully until sometime in the future.
For example, the text above states that the risen and ascended Jesus is on His throne in heaven now, ruling over all things. However, He is still in the process of conquering all His enemies. Therefore it is right to say He is “Already” reigning, but “Not Yet” fully.
This present age was invaded by the “age to come” when Jesus came to earth the first time. Therefore, we are experiencing an “overlapping of the ages.” The Kingdom of God is present, “Already” but “Not Yet” fully. Jesus is going to return to the earth, consummate human history and usher in the “age to come.” Satan, sin, and death will be rendered completely powerless, and finally eliminated.
The question becomes, “How are present day disciples of Jesus to be participating in this process of putting all His enemies under His feet?”
We must recognize that if we have received Christ and He dwells within us in the person of His Holy Spirit, that “God is at work in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13); that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). We are the “Salt of the earth” and the “Light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16). We are to ‘influence’ the people and world around us with God’s truth and grace.
As we obey Jesus’ command to “make disciples” (Matt. 28:18-20), relying on the indwelling Christ to guide, direct, strengthen, comfort, encourage and correct us, God’s working through us to accomplish His purposes for this moment.
I pray that you are engaged in this work, and that by considering these biblical truths you are better equipped to be about the Father’s business. May God bless you richly, as you follow Jesus closely!
In His Love and Power,
Pastor Tim Sir