Devotional: Already & Not Yet- What Heaven Already Knows About You
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
—Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
One of the most powerful truths in the Christian life is also one of the hardest to truly grasp: you already have redemption. It is not something you’re working toward. It is not something that hangs in the balance based on your behavior or your emotions. It is already yours if your faith is in Jesus. That means you have been bought back, rescued, and made right with God—not by your efforts but by the blood of Christ.
This truth challenges us because we often do not feel redeemed. We fall short. We slip into old habits. We get tired. We wonder if God is disappointed. But Scripture tells us that before the world was even formed, God chose us. He predestined us to be adopted as His children. He established our salvation outside of time, before you ever breathed your first breath. Redemption is not something you earn. It is something you live into.
This is what theologians often call the “already and not yet.” Redemption is already complete in Christ, but we are still waiting to fully experience the effects of it. Just like a pregnant mother knows her child is fully alive yet not fully revealed, your identity in Christ is real and present even if it has not yet fully unfolded in your life. You may not always feel holy and blameless, but if you are in Christ, that is who you are.
So what do we do with that? We stop striving and start trusting. We stop trying to earn what Jesus already gave us. And we begin to live differently. Not to gain God’s favor, but because we already have it. We live into our redemption. That means walking in the truth that you are already forgiven, already loved, already secure. Your daily life becomes the slow unveiling of what Heaven already knows to be true about you.
You are redeemed. You are chosen. You are sealed for the day of redemption. Let your life reflect that truth today.
Prayer
God, thank You for the gift of redemption. Thank You that before time began, You saw me, chose me, and loved me. Even when I do not feel worthy or righteous, help me remember that I am holy and blameless in Your sight because of Jesus. Teach me to walk in the truth of who I already am in Christ. Let my life reflect what Heaven already knows. Amen.
Discussion Questions
Do you tend to live as if you have to earn God’s love or approval? Why do you think that is?
What does it mean to you that God chose you before the foundation of the world?
How can you remind yourself daily that you are already redeemed, even when life feels messy or hard?
Practical Applications
Write it down: Each morning this week, write the phrase: “I am redeemed. I am holy. I am already His.” Use it to ground yourself before the day begins.
Catch the lies: When thoughts of shame or striving come up, pause and replace them with Ephesians 1:7. Remind yourself: "This is already true of me."
Practice freedom: Choose one area where you’ve been trying to “be good enough.” Give yourself permission to rest in grace instead. Maybe it’s how you parent, how you serve, or how you think about your spiritual growth.
Redemption is not a prize you have to chase down. It is a gift that has already been given to you through Jesus. You do not have to prove your worth to God. He has already declared it. Before the world began, He chose you. Right now, you are holy and blameless in His sight. Even though we have not fully realized all the effects of redemption yet, we can walk in its truth today. So this week, let your life reflect the truth that Heaven already knows about you.
