The Divine Tension Between the Now and the Not Yet can be seen when Embracing the Overlap of the First and Second Ages.
As we navigate our journey of faith, we find ourselves living in a divine tension—a sacred overlap between the first age and the second age. This is the space where the kingdom of God has come, yet its fullness is still unfolding. Now, we are transformed by Jesus, but soon, in the second age, we will experience the complete restoration He promises.
Who We Are Without Jesus
Without Jesus, we dwell entirely in the first age—a time marked by separation from God, ensnared by sin and devoid of true purpose. We are like wanderers lost in darkness, searching for meaning in a world that cannot satisfy our deepest longings. The Apostle John reminds us:
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
—1 John 1:8 AMP
In this state, our hearts are restless, our souls burdened, and our lives void of the hope that only Jesus can provide.
Who We Are With Jesus
But now, through the grace of Jesus, we step into the overlap of ages. Now, we are redeemed, our sins forgiven, and our relationship with God restored. We are no longer defined by our past but by the transformative power of His love. John encourages us:
“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
—John 1:12 AMP
In this divine tension, we experience the initial fruits of salvation, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live victoriously.
Who Jesus Sees Us As
Jesus sees us not just as we are now but as who we will become in the fullness of the second age. He looks upon us with immeasurable love, recognizing our potential and destiny in Him. Now, we are His beloved; soon, we will be glorified with Him. He assures us:
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.”
—1 John 3:2 AMP
Jesus sees us through the lens of His finished work on the cross, embracing us in our imperfections while guiding us toward our perfected selves.
The First Age, the Second Age, and the Overlap
We exist in a unique period—the overlap between the first age and the second age. The first age is characterized by the fall of man, sin, and death. The second age heralds the complete establishment of God’s kingdom, where righteousness, peace, and joy prevail. Now, we live in this overlap, experiencing both the struggles of the first age and the promises of the second.
This divine tension challenges us but also fills us with hope. We witness glimpses of God’s kingdom—healing, transformation, and miracles—yet we also confront the realities of a broken world. The Apostle John witnessed this overlap firsthand, sharing visions of the coming glory while ministering in a world that had not yet fully embraced Christ.
The “Now and Not Yet”
Now, we are saved, but we are also being saved. Now, we have eternal life, but we await its fullest expression. This is the “Now and Not Yet” of our faith. We have received the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come, but we anticipate the day when we will see Jesus face to face. John assures us:
“We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
—1 John 3:2 AMP
The “Soon and Not Yet”
Soon, in the second age, we will experience the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. The pain and suffering of this world will cease, and we will dwell in unbroken fellowship with our Creator. Jesus promises:
“Yes, I am coming soon.”
—Revelation 22:20 AMP
Now, we persevere through trials, but soon, we will rejoice in everlasting peace.
Embracing the Divine Tension
Dear reader, do you feel the pull between the now and the not yet? This divine tension is not a burden but an invitation to deeper faith. Now, we are called to live as ambassadors of the coming age, reflecting Jesus in all we do. We can embrace this tension by:
- Living with Purpose: Knowing that our present actions have eternal significance.
- Holding onto Hope: Trusting in God’s promises for the future.
- Walking in Love: Demonstrating the character of Jesus to a world in need.
Now, we may face challenges, but soon, we will experience the fullness of joy in His presence. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, embracing the divine tension as we journey toward the glorious future He has prepared for us.