How can believers today experience the "powers of the coming age"? Setting the Scene in Hebrews 6:5 “ …who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age.” (Hebrews 6:5) The writer points to believers who have already sampled—right now—what will one day flood the new heavens and new earth. Scripture insists this foretaste is not reserved for a spiritual elite; it is the normal privilege of every child of God redeemed by Christ. What Scripture Means by “Powers of the Coming Age” •Resurrection life—life that conquers death (Romans 8:11) •The authority and reign of King Jesus manifested on earth (Ephesians 1:19-22) •Deliverance from demonic bondage and the healing of bodies and minds (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 10:38) •The Spirit-empowered gifts that will not be needed in eternity but preview it now (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) •The transforming righteousness, peace, and joy of the kingdom (Romans 14:17) Already and Not Yet—Why We Need Faithful Expectation •In Christ, the coming age has broken into the present (2 Corinthians 5:17). •The kingdom is “already” here (Luke 17:21) yet “not yet” in its fullness (Revelation 11:15). •Believers taste the appetizer now; the banquet arrives at Christ’s return. Practical Ways to Taste the Coming Powers Today •Draw near daily to God’s throne of grace – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). – Expect timely help that outruns human ability. •Welcome the Holy Spirit’s fullness – Ephesians 5:18 commands ongoing filling. – A Spirit-filled life naturally overflows in supernatural fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and gifts. •Exercise spiritual gifts with humility and love – Gifts are given “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). – Healing, prophecy, tongues, discernment, and miracles preview the restored creation. •Stand in Christ’s authority over darkness – Jesus said, “In My name they will drive out demons” (Mark 16:17). – The same power that raised Him lives in us (Romans 8:11). •Pray bold, kingdom-sized prayers – “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). – Expect answers that hint at the age to come—justice done, captives freed, needs met. •Pursue holiness that mirrors future glory – “Everyone who has this hope purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). – Each victory over sin is a miniature resurrection. •Cultivate kingdom community – Acts 2:42-47 believers shared possessions, worshiped with glad hearts, and saw daily conversions. – Such fellowship previews the unity of Revelation 7:9-10. •Engage in exuberant, Scripture-saturated worship – Heavenly worship (Revelation 5:9-13) erupts now when the church gathers. – God inhabits the praises of His people, making His future presence palpable today. Guardrails for Seeking These Powers •Stay anchored in the written Word—never sever experience from Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). •Pursue the Giver, not merely His gifts (Jeremiah 9:23-24). •Operate within the church’s accountability (Hebrews 13:17). •Let love govern everything (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Walking Forward in Expectation Because Jesus already reigns and the Spirit already dwells within, believers can consistently experience foretastes of the age to come—strengthening faith, advancing the gospel, and displaying God’s glory until the day “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37). |
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