In today’s reading, Alister McGrath brings two Resurrection topics together. He weaves the truth of the victory over sin with the idea of the “already not yet of the Kingdom.” McGrath asks the question this way, “…if the power of sin, death and evil has been broken, how can we make sense of the fact that i still continues to plague us?” The second half of the essay answers the question with a borrowed metaphor from the Second World War. Just as much of Europe was occupied, we were gripped by sin. But when word of allied victories came there was a change in outlook even though the occupation continued. Then, eventually, the victory was fully realized. McGrath closes the comparison, and the essay, with this conclusion. “Their (sin, evil and death) back bone has been broken, and we may begin to live now in the light of that victory, knowing that the long night of their oppression will end.”
Knowing the truth of God’s Word recorded in Scipture is vital to living in light of that victory.Memorization and careful study are practices that grow us spiritually and are worthy goals to go after. The Word of God finds its full meaning in and through Christ. The Bible should not be used to bully, or just to win an argument. It is a declaration of God’s character, and his heart for the recreation of fallen creation.
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:11-13