What does it mean to live between the 'already' and the 'not yet' as a Christian?

Brian Borgman explores the unique position of believers as they navigate their spiritual journey. As members of God's family, Christians have already experienced profound transformations such as spiritual resurrection, adoption, and justification. These elements define the 'already' part of their faith, marking them as distinct from the world. This spiritual identity makes them, in a sense, end times people living in the present, enjoying the blessings of salvation now.

However, believers must also prepare for the 'not yet' aspect of their faith. This involves equipping themselves for the spiritual battles they face in this world, recognizing their identity as a heavenly people living on earth. The promise of ultimate victory provides hope and encouragement, with the assurance that one day they will win big and enter into glory. Thus, maintaining a dual focus on present realities and future promises is crucial for spiritual growth and perseverance.

Romans 8:18 (NKJV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

As an under-shepherd in one of Christ's flocks, this is a question that you think about a lot. I would say there are a few different things that are, in a sense, priorities for us as shepherds. One is that we have to help our people understand that we live in this tension between the already and the not yet. So as God's people, we are a unique people in this world. We have already experienced a spiritual resurrection.

We've already experienced adoption into God's family. We've been justified. All of that is the already. That sets us apart. So in a sense, we're like end times people living in the present.

But yet, we have to be prepared for the not yet. And I think that one of the things that helps us as under shepherds is we're helping God's people, we're equipping them for the battle that's now, that tension, right, of being in a sense a heavenly people who are on earth. And then also the idea that one of these days, in the end, we win, we win big, and then glory. And so keeping people's, in a sense, their eyes in both directions is absolutely crucial for that, you