Theology That Brings Us Into God's Presence Now
Orientation
Anxiety and disappointment in relationships often stem from a theology that fails to bring us into the immediate enjoyment of God's present sufficiency.
- Theology can become a distant, future-focused doctrine that leaves us restless and cut off from peace.
- We may shy away from subjective experience of God, fearing mysticism or legalism, and miss what Scripture offers.
- The root problem is not circumstances but an incomplete awareness of God's presence and care for us now.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
— Philippians 4:6-7
Clarification
Justification is not only a future acquittal but an immediate entrance into God's presence through faith in Christ's blood.
- God's goal is to show His lovingkindness to us now, not postpone it until heaven.
- Our acceptance is based solely on Christ's blood; to judge ourselves by anything else paralyzes our enjoyment of God.
- The Holy Spirit is a present foretaste and seal of our inheritance, bringing comfort and peace now.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
— Ephesians 1:13-14
Structure
Biblical theology reveals a subjective, intimate experience of Christ as a living fountain within, providing peace and satisfaction.
- The Gospel of John presents Christ as a spring of living water within the believer.
- Pauline revelation teaches that the life of Christ is to be manifest in our mortal flesh now.
- This experience comes by faith in the justifying blood, which gives God a righteous way to dwell in us.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:38-39)
— John 7:38-39
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is that theology must terminate in the present, subjective enjoyment of God through faith in Christ’s blood. This is the Pauline category of justification applied to experience: the blood that justifies also brings us into the Holiest of All now (Hebrews 10:19). It is not a future hope alone but a present possession. The cause of anxiety is an incomplete theology that omits God’s immediate presence, all-sufficiency, and active care. The effect of the full theology is peace, as seen in Philippians 4, where thanksgiving based on God’s nearness guards the heart. This is not progressive sanctification or a reward for maturity. It is the birthright of every justified believer: access by one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). The indwelling Christ, revealed subjectively by the Spirit, becomes the satisfaction that frees us from dependence on people, preventing disappointment. Any teaching that avoids this subjective dimension for fear of error ultimately withholds the very peace Scripture promises.
Integration
You are accepted now. The blood of Christ has settled everything. There is no pressure to advance or achieve a certain feeling. Your theology has done its job when it brings you to rest in this fact: God is for you, He is with you, and He is all-sufficient. His peace is meant to guard your heart today, not just in the future. This assurance is not based on your condition but on Christ’s finished work. Let the Spirit, your seal and foretaste, comfort and settle you. This is your landing place. Christ in you is the hope of glory, and He is enough.