I keep returning to this phrase we often use: the already but not yet. I think forgiveness should be framed in that understanding, that there is an already but not yet. Maybe a different way of saying it is that forgiveness should be understood as a now and ongoing. It is something now that I participate in; it’s the judicial reality of it, but it’s an ongoing process that leaves space for when memories hit, I’m re-triggered, and even the exercise that what I can’t do now, the blood of Christ, will cover. What if the sanctification process is that you maybe need the blood of Christ here at this moment, but there’s going to be a year down, or 10 days, or 25 years, whatever it might take, where God is sanctifying you to a place where you can deal with that at that moment. Forgiveness should truly be understood as a current and ongoing reality in the life of a Christian that’s growing towards maturity.
Lysa TerKeurst has done deep theological research on common questions we have surrounding forgiveness as Christians in her resource, “What Does the Bible Actually Say About Forgiveness? A Verse-by-Verse Look at Scripture.” Download your free copy today!
Living in the peace we want doesn’t come from the absence of pain and chaos, but by knowing Jesus is with us in those things. If you’re longing for this kind of soul-settled assurance, join Dr. Joel Muddamalle in the pages of his new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility.
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Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joel and his wife have four children and two dogs. If he doesn’t have a theology book in his hand, you can be sure he’s either coaching one of his kids in a sport, getting roped into a reel by his wife @almostindianwife, or doing his best to keep up his hoops game on the basketball court on Tuesday nights with the guys—then going for a cold plunge. Yeah, it’s a thing. Pre-order his book The Hidden Peace: Finding the Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility here.
