I understand that line of thinking as I used to believe the same thing. I did not understand Christ as corporate. The kingdom is not an event yet to come but a way of life, a system, if you will , counter to the kingdom of darkness. ("The kingdom of God is at hand") Our translation from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ is present tense. As evidence, we have power over the demons and over creation itself, Lord willing.
This is why the disciples were told to rejoice: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus answered “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
"Written" is graphō which alludes to an indelible record. Jesus used the same word when He said "It is written..."
So here, we have the power and authority vesting in the saints on the earth with their enrollment in the kingdom of heaven recorded indelibly.
This is why the disciples were told to rejoice: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus answered “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
"Written" is graphō which alludes to an indelible record. Jesus used the same word when He said "It is written..."
So here, we have the power and authority vesting in the saints on the earth with their enrollment in the kingdom of heaven recorded indelibly.
I understand that line of thinking as I used to believe the same thing. I did not understand Christ as corporate. The kingdom is not an event yet to come but a way of life, a system, if you will , counter to the kingdom of darkness. ("The kingdom of God is at hand") Our translation from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ is present tense. As evidence, we have power over the demons and over creation itself, Lord willing.
This is why the disciples were told to rejoice: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus answered “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
"Written" is graphō which alludes to an indelible record. Jesus used the same word when He said "It is written..."
So here, we have the power and authority vesting in the saints on the earth with their enrollment in the kingdom of heaven recorded indelibly.
This is why the disciples were told to rejoice: Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." Jesus answered “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
"Written" is graphō which alludes to an indelible record. Jesus used the same word when He said "It is written..."
So here, we have the power and authority vesting in the saints on the earth with their enrollment in the kingdom of heaven recorded indelibly.
this is an instruction to believers Tom e church on earth
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Ephesians 6:11-18 KJV
we’re in a spiritual war while we live in earth not a physical war but by the spirit given of God through Christ we need to understand we are in a conflict with the ruler of this world remember christs kingdom is not of this world , we war according to the gospel of the kingdom the word of the spirit against the enemy who is trying to destroy us spiritually on earth
this isn’t an instruction for those in heaven
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV
He’s already been cast out of heaven . it’s an instruction for the inhabitants of the earth who believe the gospel each of us as we have our earthly lifespan
We can overcome the enemy of course by the spirit that was given when Christ was seated on the throne
“This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”
Acts 2:32-33 KJV
when Christ was enthroned in heaven he sent the Holy Spirit into the earth into our hearts. This doesn’t mean we now don’t exist in earth or we don’t have to stand against the enemy , it means now we’re capable to overcome him and be received into the kingdom where Christ is seated now
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:7-10 KJV
there is victory to be had but we are as long as we are in the body at war with the enemy the devil whos only recourse after Christ was seated on the throne is to war against this group on earth
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 12:17 KJV
he’s at war with the church on earth trying to stop us from inheriting the kingdom
are you thinking heaven isn’t an actual place ?