Talking with young adults regarding some of the teachings of the Bible, I could detect some frustrations. Nothing seems to be clear cut. For example, when can we know for sure that we are saved?

One of the sources of frustration and difficulty in understanding the Bible is the “already-but-not-yet” concept we find in it. For example, Christ has won the victory decisively at the cross against Satan and sin. That’s the “already” part. But the effects of sin still remain and the battle still rages on. That’s the “not-yet” part.

Isa. 29:18, “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.”

One way to understand this: After the atomic bombs had been dropped in two of the major cities in Japan during WWII and the emperor of Japan issued surrender to the allied forces, not every single soldier got the news right away and they still fought on perhaps for days even though the war was over. But it was only a matter of time before the effects of surrender would take place on both sides.

That is where we are – in transition! Christ has won the victory. But there are those of enemies still fighting on. But it’s only a matter of time the effects of Christ’s victory would trickle down to every person and every situation.

“But for 2000 years the fight rages on?” you might ask. To God, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.

Hold fast. Stay faithful. Christ has already won. We are on the winning side.

PH