“Already/Not Yet” is a theological concept used to describe the tension between the present and future aspects of God’s Kingdom. It refers to the idea that while certain promises of God, such as salvation and the reign of Christ, have already been realized, they have not yet been fully completed or experienced in their entirety. This concept helps believers understand the paradox that some aspects of God’s Kingdom are here now, but others will be fully realized in the future.

Key Concepts:

1. Already (Present Reality):
   The “Already” refers to the aspects of God’s Kingdom that are already present, such as Jesus’ first coming, his death and resurrection, the establishment of the Church, and the work of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives. Christians experience forgiveness, salvation, and transformation in the present.
2. Not Yet (Future Fulfillment):
   The “Not Yet” points to the future fulfillment of God’s promises, such as the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the complete restoration of creation. These aspects of God’s Kingdom are still to come, and believers await the full realization of peace, justice, and divine rule.
3. Tension Between Present and Future:
   This concept helps Christians live with the tension of experiencing God’s Kingdom partially now, while anticipating its complete fulfillment when Jesus returns. It calls for living out Kingdom values (love, justice, peace) in the present, even as we wait for God to complete His work.

Historical Background:

1. Biblical Foundation:
   The idea of “Already/Not Yet” is rooted in Scripture. Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God through his life, death, and resurrection, but the fullness of the Kingdom is yet to come (Luke 17:21, Matthew 6:10, Revelation 21:1-4).
2. Early Church Understanding:
   The early Church embraced this tension, understanding that Christ’s first coming fulfilled part of God’s promises, but awaited his second coming to fully establish God’s Kingdom.

Already/Not Yet in Practice:

1. Living in Hope:
   Christians live with the hope of Christ’s return, persevering in faith and good works while anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
2. Engaging in Mission and Justice:
   Believers are called to embody Kingdom values in the present—loving their neighbors, seeking justice, and sharing the Gospel—while acknowledging that the world is not yet fully as it should be.
3. Spiritual Growth:
   The “Already” encourages Christians to live in the present by embracing God’s transforming power, while the “Not Yet” provides hope for the future and inspires them to persevere through trials.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.