After all of Joshua’s remarkable victories, God’s message wasn’t “Well done, now rest.” Instead, it was “There’s still work to do.” The Israelites lived in the tension between promise fulfilled and promise still being fulfilled. They possessed the land, yet enemies remained within their borders. They had victory, yet vigilance was still required.
This tension characterizes the Christian life. Through faith in Christ, we have eternal life – this is settled, secure, and complete. Yet we still battle sin, face temptation, and wrestle with a fallen world. We are citizens of heaven living as ambassadors in hostile territory. We have already been saved, but we are not yet glorified.
Many Christians struggle with this tension, wondering why the Christian life doesn’t feel “easier” after salvation. But God never promised ease; he promised his presence. He never guaranteed the absence of battles; he assured us of ultimate victory. Understanding this “already but not yet” reality helps us live with both confidence and vigilance.