Ongoing or Finished?

In His Name Devotionals
ONGOING OR FINISHED?

A difficult theological truth for some to grasp is that the New Testament pictures some things as both present and future—already possessed as well as something yet to come? For example:

Redemption:

Now in hand: “In Him we have redemption through His blood…” (Eph. 1:7).

To be received later: “The promised Holy Spirit, Who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession…” (Eph. 1:14).

Salvation:

Finished event: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…” (Eph. 2:8, NIV).

Ongoing or future event: “To us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18) or “If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved…” (1 Cor. 3:15).

Kingdom:

Already being received: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken…” (Heb. 12:28).

To be received in the future: “Christ Jesus, Who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom…” (2 Tim. 4:1).

Eternal life:

In our possession already: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life…” (1 John 5:13).

Something to be received in the future: “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life” (Rom. 2:7).

Are we to believe these things exist to be experienced? Or should we pray for them to come? The work of God in history has both completed and continuing dimensions, and we must believe in both.

Should this be particularly startling, unsettling, or worthy of debate? Not at all! Think of words like education, livelihood, or marriage. An educated person knows there will always be learning. Last week’s paycheck was livelihood for what is in the refrigerator today, but work is still needed. Remember the day you got married? Will you freely confess you are still learning how to be married?

Certain theological topics are just this simple—and complex. We have been redeemed from our past but are in an ongoing process of being redeemed from our present. Christians are saved but await the comprehensive fullness of salvation that can be experienced only in God’s presence. The kingdom rule of heaven has broken in already through Jesus but must be surrendered to in your heart and life. Eternal life has begun by the power of the Holy Spirit, but we long for a certain abundance to life that can never be experienced in a fallen world. So rejoice that God is working in you daily to complete and perfect the gifts of grace He has already conferred. And remember to cooperate with the process.