One of the most helpful analogies I have heard used to describe our present reality as citizens of God’s Kingdom compares two pivotal moments of World War II. Many have observed that while “VE-Day” (May 8, 1945) was when fighting officially ceased, there is a very real sense in which the outcome of the War was decided on “D-Day,” almost one year prior (June 6, 1944). Jesus’ first advent was a D-Day sort of defeat of sin and death. His second advent will be the day of final victory, when all our spiritual warfare will cease.
Jesus declared that everything prophesied about Him in the Scriptures was officially “finished” on the cross. The payment for our sin, the life of righteous obedience we could not live, satisfaction of the eternal wrath of God–all of it had been accomplished. And yet we continue to struggle against sin and its consequences, as we will until He comes again in glory.
This season is meant to teach us to think like people whose victory is secure and whose present battles will be over very soon. So, take heart! He has promised, “Surely, I am coming quickly.” His final advent is close at hand! Think about these things with your loved ones over the Christmas holiday and encourage one another to keep your eyes fixed above the rulers of this world to the eternal Kingdom of peace.
Your brother,
Ryan
1 Machiavelli, The Prince, Chapter 17.
2 Nietzsche’s term.
3 As an aside, I think it’s an interesting rabbit trail to think about why God allowed the magi to raise Herod’s suspicions and only then sent an angel to rerout them. See Matthew 2.
4 “You must, therefore, know that there are two means of fighting: one according to the laws, the other with force; the first way is proper to man, the second to beasts; but because the first, in many cases, is not sufficient, it becomes necessary to have recourse to the second.” (Machiavelli, The Prince, Chapter 17)