88 – Christ Has Won, Yet We Still Battle

Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 7: Heaven, Hell, and Eschatological Tensions

1. Introduction

The New Testament declares with triumph that Christ has already defeated sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:57). Yet, the Christian life continues to be marked by intense spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10–18), temptation, and suffering. This paradox—that the victory is won, but the battle continues—raises essential eschatological and pastoral questions. How can Christians live confidently in Christ’s victory while still struggling with weakness, persecution, and evil?

2. Biblical Foundation

  • Christ’s Victory Declared:
    • “It is finished” (John 19:30).
    • “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame” (Colossians 2:15).
    • “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
  • Ongoing Spiritual Battle:
    • “Put on the whole armour of God… to stand against the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
    • “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
    • “Your adversary the devil prowls… seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

This duality affirms that while Christ has secured the decisive outcome, the Church still engages in a real but provisional conflict.

3. Theological Explanation

This paradox is best understood through the “already–not yet” framework of inaugurated eschatology:

  • Already: Christ’s death and resurrection secured definitive victory over all cosmic powers.
  • Not Yet: The full manifestation of this victory awaits His second coming.

Like D-Day vs. V-Day in World War II, the decisive blow has been struck, but battles still rage until the final surrender is complete (Revelation 20:10).

4. Doctrinal Implications

  • Soteriology: Salvation is complete in Christ but still being worked out (Philippians 2:12).
  • Ecclesiology: The Church is victorious in Christ but militant in mission (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).
  • Eschatology: The present age is fading, yet the new age has begun (Hebrews 2:8–9).

This tension preserves both confidence and urgency in the Christian life.

5. Christological Connection

Jesus Himself lived out this paradox:

  • He declared victory at the cross (John 12:31–33) but warned of tribulation (John 16:33),
  • He rose triumphant, yet His Church would face persecution (Matthew 10:16–22).

Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20), but the harvest is ongoing (Romans 8:23).

6. Historical and Theological Witness

  • Augustine (City of God): Describes two cities—earthly and heavenly—in perpetual conflict.
  • Aquinas: Emphasised virtus in infirmitate perficitur—strength made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Luther: Called the Christian life “a ceaseless struggle of faith.”
  • Calvin: Held that Christ reigns now, but His kingdom comes in stages.
  • George Ladd: Systematised inaugurated eschatology—Christ’s reign has begun, but is not yet consummated.

7. Philosophical and Logical Analysis

The paradox reflects the nature of time and spiritual reality. Christ’s triumph is ontological and eternal, but the temporal outworking unfolds in history. Christians live in a transitional epoch, where evil is legally defeated but existentially present.

8. Comparative Religious Perspective

In contrast:

  • Islam anticipates a final decisive judgment but no current personal indwelling victory.
  • Hinduism/Buddhism suggest escaping suffering, rather than enduring with hope.
  • Christianity uniquely affirms a suffering Church in a victorious Christ, where struggle is not failure, but a sign of belonging (Philippians 1:29).

9. Practical and Pastoral Application

  • Assurance: The battle is real, but the outcome is certain (Romans 8:37).
  • Endurance: We fight from victory, not for it (1 John 5:4).
  • Discipleship: Every trial tests our loyalty to the victorious King (James 1:2–4).
  • Hope: Suffering precedes glory (Romans 8:18; 2 Timothy 2:12).

10. Worship and Devotional Impact

  • Songs of Triumph: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12).
  • Songs of Struggle: “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1).
  • True Worship: Declares Christ’s reign while still longing for its fullness (Hebrews 13:14).

This tension drives authentic praise, not escapism.

11. Resolution of the Paradox

VictoryOngoing Struggle
Christ has defeated sin and deathYet we battle temptation and persecution
Satan is judged (John 16:11)Yet prowls like a lion (1 Peter 5:8)
We are seated with Christ (Eph. 2:6)Yet must wear the armour (Eph. 6:11–17)
The kingdom has come (Mark 1:15)Yet we pray “Thy kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10)

The paradox is resolved when we understand that Christians live between the ages—secure in Christ, yet engaged in His mission.

12. Summary

“Christ has won, yet we still battle” encapsulates the reality of redeemed struggle. The enemy is vanquished, but not yet banished. The cross is decisive, but history is still unfolding. Christians live not in defeat, but in faithful resistance, empowered by the victory of Christ and awaiting His return in glory.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).
“Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

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