Doctrine that is "in reality" not "in principle"

[cyberjosh]

I ran across this blog here that has the most peculiar quote:

source: http://eternalperspectives.com/category/theology/

Question: Do the following statements (not necessarily the author of the statements) pass muster with regard to orthodoxy? Why or why not?

[quote:heejgay9]According to the biblical narrative and church tradition, at some point in the primordial past, Satan managed to deceive humanity and co-opt us into his rebellion against God, seizing the world and making humanity his slaves. Jesus came into this world not only to take it back and free earth’s inhabitants but also to put an end to the war altogether. . . .

Now, through his death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the task for which he came. He defeated the kingdom of darkness and set humanity free. In principle, therefore, the world has already been reconciled to God (2 Cor 5.14-21; Col 1.15-20). In principle, the wall of sin that separates humanity along ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and tribal lines has been destroyed. In principle, all have already died in Adam and been made alive in Christ (1 Cor 15.22; 2 Cor 5.14). In principle, we are already one new humanity in Christ (Eph 2.14-15). In principle. Yet Scripture as well as our own experience make it painfully clear that what is true in principle has not yet been manifested as accomplished fact (see, for example, Heb 2.8). . . .

[/quote:heejgay9]

I can say that, yes ,the short-comings of our humanity is indeed painful in reality - us not being fully perfected now - and I still marvel at how I as a Christian can even fall under the influence of the flesh. Yet the Bible speaks of - and Christ accomplished - what is "in reality" not what is "in principle". Christ did overcome Satan, yet he is still allowed to wreak havoc in men and women's lives, and it seems only the final act of perseverance brings us into full victory over this world and the god of this world. Christ has overcome it for us, but it doesn't mean we no longer struggle in it - only that it no longer has the power of eternal death over our soul. We have been made alive in Christ but the body is still under death because of sin. Christians are walking paradoxes, living martyrs, living to Christ but ever dying to the flesh. The difficulty is in not seeing the perfection of our hope manifested in us and among us now, yet I believe God has made it that way for a purpose to test our faith and to perfect us through trials.

Nonetheless, objections like the one above are common, and I would welcome any kind of good, Scriptural response to claims that these doctrines are only in principle but not actualized. Let me know your thoughts on this.

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[Sparkey]

IN reply there will be sin:
Pro 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Pro 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

But having say this - when we are fighting and battling in the spirit and we know our fight isn't against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in high places and we have put on the full armor of God and we are contesting for the land which has been given to us by God and fighting the good fight...

In that place we hear, "Be of Good Cheer! I have overcome the world" and our battle cry becomes, "Good Cheer! Good Cheer!" but we don't let down the attack but instead are "blowing the horn". Well, yes it is only an anecdotal and not a "scriptural" response but it is what comes to mind?

~Sparrow

 

[cyberjosh]

Thanks for your thoughts Sparrow. Any other thoughts, anyone?