I learned a new term the other day. Already, not yet. Based on my research, it was coined by Gerhardus Vos early in the 20th century. I do not believe in ‘kingdom now theology’ as far as Christian nationalism which says that the kingdom is already here and that God is waiting on Christians to reform the world. I don’t see this idea at all in Scripture.

The meaning I give to ‘Already, not yet” is that as Christians we already have the kingdom inside us, but we don’t get to fully experience the benefits, peace, and rewards yet because that doesn’t happen until we die or Jesus returns. Actually I am unclear what happens between the time we die and the rapture. We may not fully experience all the glory that awaits us until we live in the new heavens and new earth. Eschatology is not an exact science. I’m okay with that. I trust that God has a good plan.

But we do know that the moment we are born again we are freed from the chains of death and sin and the power of the devil. The Holy Spirit of God, the helper, comes to live with our spirits and guides us into truth, prays for us, and helps us avoid the dangers and temptations of the world. Our bodies are temples for God!

We are walking around carrying God’s spirit and his presence and we need to let it shine brightly. “Don’t hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine.” How do we do that? By living as though we are in the kingdom now as much as we can. Specifically , Jesus tells us to love God with all our hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves. Yes, even that guy and that girl. Even our political leaders and enemies. Even when they hurt us and persecute us for our faith.

Everything we do and say should glorify God. This can be difficult at times. The world is hostile and opposed to righteousness, and our own flesh still tries to rise up and assert control over our minds. But we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through submission to God’s will. That instruction comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 12. He goes on to explain some ways that we demonstrate God’s power and love in this fallen world.

Marks of the True Christian

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ESV

These actions don’t always come naturally to us, but with God’s grace we can be transformed into his worthy ambassador. We must be fully submitted which requires self-control and obedience. The key is remembering that we already have the power and the victory over our own sin nature, even if we are not yet living in the kingdom. We already have the love and spirit of God in us that empowers us to love others like God does. We have already had our sins forgiven by the blood of Christ, and this should humble us and give us compassion for the lost and our brothers when they stumble. And, hallelujah, soon, and very soon, we are going to meet our King!