Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 4: Eternality and Temporality Paradoxes
1. Introduction
One of the most significant paradoxes in Christian eschatology is the “already but not yet” nature of Christ’s Kingdom. Jesus proclaimed, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15), indicating that the reign of God had broken into the present world. Yet, He also taught His disciples to pray, “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), implying that its fullness is still future. This paradox highlights the inauguration of the Kingdom during Christ’s first coming and its consummation at His return. It invites believers to live in the tension of a Kingdom present in power, but awaiting completion in glory.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 The Kingdom is Now
- Luke 17:21 – “The kingdom of God is within you.”
- Colossians 1:13 – “[He] hath delivered us… and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
- Matthew 12:28 – “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.”
2.2 The Kingdom is Not Yet
- Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
- Luke 22:18 – “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.”
- Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord…”
3. Theological Meaning
- Christ inaugurated the Kingdom in His life, death, and resurrection,
- The Church participates in and spreads the Kingdom through preaching, justice, and sacrament,
- The Kingdom awaits its visible, universal realisation at the Second Coming when all evil is judged and creation is renewed.
4. Paradox Explained
| Christ’s Kingdom is Now | Christ’s Kingdom is Not Yet |
|---|---|
| Christ reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers | He will reign physically on a renewed earth |
| Satan is defeated at the cross (Col. 2:15) | Satan is not yet fully banished (Rev. 20:10) |
| The Church proclaims the Gospel | The world still groans under sin and death |
| Jesus rules from heaven (Heb. 1:3) | He will return to rule visibly (Rev. 19:11–16) |
5. The Kingdom in Two Stages
- Inauguration (First Coming): Power over sin, healing, forgiveness, inclusion of Gentiles,
- Consummation (Second Coming): Final judgement, resurrection of the dead, New Heavens and Earth.
6. Historical and Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Justin Martyr and Irenaeus affirmed the spiritual reign of Christ and anticipated a future, physical reign.
- Augustine spoke of the Kingdom as the City of God advancing amidst the City of Man.
6.2 Reformation and Post-Reformation
- John Calvin: Christ now reigns from heaven, and His rule advances by Word and Spirit.
- Westminster Confession: Christ executes His office as King both in gathering and defending His people now, and judging the world later.
6.3 Modern Theology
- George Eldon Ladd: Developed the influential “already/not yet” model of the Kingdom.
- Oscar Cullmann: Compared Christ’s first coming to D-Day, and His return to V-Day.
7. Pastoral Implications
- Encourages hope amid injustice—final victory is assured,
- Calls for faithful witness in the present world as Kingdom citizens,
- Provides context for the tension between suffering and glory.
8. Summary Table
| Present Reality | Future Fulfilment |
|---|---|
| Christ rules in the Church | Christ will rule the nations |
| Believers are spiritually raised (Eph. 2:6) | Believers will be bodily raised (1 Cor. 15:52) |
| The Kingdom is advancing (Matt. 13:31–33) | The Kingdom will be established in full (Dan. 2:44) |
9. Conclusion
The paradox of the now and not yet Kingdom reminds Christians that they live in the overlap of the ages—the reign of Christ has begun, but its final expression awaits. Believers live as ambassadors of a present King, while looking for the full unveiling of His rule. This tension fuels worship, obedience, and hope as the Church awaits the day when every knee shall bow (Philippians 2:10).
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. City of God
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Cullmann, O. Christ and Time
- Ladd, G.E. The Gospel of the Kingdom
- Westminster Confession of Faith
- Wright, N.T. How God Became King