Living in the Tension: Understanding the Now and Not Yet of God’s Kingdom

In our journey through life as Christians, we often find ourselves caught between two realities – the world as it is now and the world as it will be when Christ returns. This tension isn’t something to avoid but rather to embrace as we navigate our faith journey.

What does it mean to live in the “present evil age”?

In Galatians 1:4, Paul writes about Jesus “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” This isn’t just poetic language – it’s a profound theological concept that helps us understand our current reality. The original Greek word used here is “aion” (age), not “cosmos” (world). This distinction matters because we’re dealing with an evil age that impacts the world, not simply an evil world. Since the Fall, the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) – Satan – has held authority over this present time. Apart from reconciliation with God through Christ, we exist by default in this kingdom of darkness. The choice isn’t to enter darkness – we’re already there. The choice is to step into the light by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

How does the “age to come” differ from our present reality?

In contrast to this present evil age stands the age to come – a perfect restoration of how things were before the Fall. Ephesians 1 speaks of “not only the present age but also the one to come,” revealing God’s plan for the future. The age to come will witness the complete consummation of God’s kingdom when Christ returns. Everything broken at the Fall will be restored. Jesus himself spoke of this in Matthew 24 when his disciples asked about “the end of the age.” These two ages are separated by Christ’s second coming. But here’s where it gets interesting – through Jesus’ first coming, his death and resurrection, the power of the age to come has already broken into our present reality.

What does it mean to taste “the powers of the age to come”?

Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we’ve begun to experience deliverance from this present evil age. The writer of Hebrews says we’ve “tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age.” This “taste” is real, though not the full banquet. It’s like being given a sample of an incredible meal – not the complete experience, but genuinely good and a promise of what’s to come. The integration of these two ages has begun, creating what I call “the tension of the now and not yet.” We live between what God has already done and what He will ultimately complete.

Why should we embrace tension rather than try to eliminate it?

Our culture doesn’t like tension. We want clear, binary answers: Is it this or that? But kingdom living requires embracing paradox:

Is the Bible God’s word or written by people? Yes – both completely.
Was Jesus fully God or fully man? Both – 100% God and 100% man.
Does God build the church or do people? Both – God works through people.

When we don’t embrace tension, we swing to extremes – either believing nothing happens now (just waiting for Christ’s return) or expecting everything to happen perfectly now. Neither position aligns with Scripture.
The solution to this tension is accepting that there is no solution – and that’s okay. This tension is where life truly exists for God’s children. It means we’re living between two ages, and that’s exactly where God wants us.

How does Holy Spirit help us live in this tension?

Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13-14 that when we believe, we “were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.” The Holy Spirit – God himself – lives within us as a deposit, a guarantee of what’s coming. If God living in us now is just the deposit, imagine what the full inheritance will be! The Spirit leads, guides, teaches, and nurtures us as we navigate this tension. Because of His presence, we know the fullness is coming, which helps us live faithfully in the now.

How does living in this tension transform us?

Living in this tension with the Holy Spirit working in us produces real change. Philippians 1:6 promises that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This process of sanctification means we’re no longer who we were, though not yet all we will be. The Holy Spirit is actively transforming us as we live in this tension. I’ve experienced this transformation in my own life. Years ago, I might have reacted with frustration in traffic or been overly competitive in church softball games. But over time, the Holy Spirit has changed me – I might still have those initial thoughts, but I don’t act on them as I once did. This is the power of the age to come breaking into the present age. It changes us gradually but genuinely.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to live like you’re already accepted. Just as college students who receive acceptance letters begin wearing university gear and identifying with their future school before they even attend, we should live in light of our secure future in God’s kingdom. Embrace the anticipation of everything being restored. Your future is secure. Your hope is certain. Because of this, you can:

Speak with hope
Serve with joy
Love well
Extend grace and mercy
Let people in front of you in traffic (even when they shouldn’t be there!)

You’re not earning God’s favor through these actions – you’re responding to His grace. That’s what happens when we embrace the tension rather than fight against it.
Ask yourself:

Where am I trying to eliminate tension in my spiritual life rather than embracing it?
How might my perspective change if I viewed the longing I feel as normal for a child of God?
In what specific situation this week can I respond from the security of knowing I’m accepted by God?

Remember, if you’re feeling anxious about living in this tension, call on Jesus. He is the answer to our struggles, not escape from the tension itself.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.