1 John 3.2 - Now but Not Yet!

1 John 3.2 - Now but Not Yet!

Is the kingdom of God - His rule and reign in Christ - present or future? Yes! God's Kingdom is both now (Luke 17.20,21), and not yet (Revelation 11.15). Many kingdom blessings are 'now'; but the 'not yet' are reserved for the coming of Jesus. Now we enjoy forgiveness of sins, adoption as children, indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life - and much more! "...we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared" (1 John 3.2). The fallen world is still both inside us and all around us! Yet God's new creation in Christ has begun (2 Corinthians 5.17). The down payment and guarantee of the Holy Spirit will bring all His promised work to glorious final completion. This now-not yet tension underlies the whole New Testament message and best explains the paradox of life in Christ - with all its pain and promise.