The Already But Not Yet Theological Concept Explained
The theological concept of "already but not yet" describes the tension between the present reality of God's kingdom and its future, full manifestation. This idea is rooted in biblical texts that speak of both present possession and future anticipation of spiritual realities.
For instance, the Apostle John writes, "Beloved... now already are really sons, though not recognized as such by the world, and (as the consequence) we look for the visible manifestation of our sonship, which not yet has taken place" [3]. This passage highlights that believers currently possess the status of sonship ("already"), but the full glory and recognition of that sonship are still to come ("not yet") [3]. Similarly, Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians, stating, "Not that I... were already perfect" [4]. He acknowledges that he has not yet reached absolute perfection or completed his course, even as he presses on towards it [4].
The "not yet" aspect can also refer to future eschatological events. The author of Hebrews, quoting Haggai, speaks of "yet once more" signifying "the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made; that those things which cannot be shaken may remain" [2, 5]. This implies a future, definitive shaking and removal of temporary things, leading to the permanence of God's unshakable kingdom [2, 5]. The phrase "not yet" appears in other biblical contexts, such as Mark 8:21, where Jesus asks his disciples, "Not yet, do ye understand?" indicating a present lack of full comprehension [1].
The concept acknowledges that while Christ's redemptive work has inaugurated God's kingdom, its complete realization awaits His return. Believers experience the benefits of salvation now—such as sonship and the presence of the Holy Spirit—but they also anticipate a future where sin, suffering, and death will be fully overcome, and God's reign will be perfectly established.
Sources
- Mark “Mark 8:21 (Rotherham) — Not yet, do ye understand?”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:27 (Darby) — But this Yet once, signifies the removing of what is shaken, as being made, that what is not shaken may remain.”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:2: Beloved--by the Father, and therefore by me. now--in contrast to "not yet." We now already are really sons, though not recognized as such by the world, and (as the consequence) we look for the visible manifestation of our sonship, which not yet has taken place. doth not yet appear--Greek, "it hath not yet ('at any time,' Greek aorist) been visibly manifested what we shall be"--what further glory we shall attain by virtue of this our sonship. The "what" suggests a something inconceivably glorious. but--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Its inserti”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:12: Translate, "Not that I," &c. (I do not wish to be understood as saying that, &c.). attained--"obtained," namely, a perfect knowledge of Christ, and of the power of His death, and fellowship of His sufferings, and a conformity to His death. either were already perfect--"or am already perfected," that is, crowned with the garland of victory, my course completed, and perfection absolutely reached. The image is that of a race course throughout. See Co1 9:24; Heb 12:23. See TRENCH [Greek Synonyms of the New Testament]. I follow after--"I press on”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:26: And this word yet once more,.... Or as it is in Hag 2:6 "yet once it is a little while"; which suggests, that as something had been done already, so in a very little time, and at once, something very marvellous and surprising would be effected: and it signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made; which some understand of what will be done at Christ's coming to judgment; as the passing away of the heavens and the earth, which are things that are made, or created, by the power of God; when there will be a shaking of them, so as”