There are numerous tensions in Scripture; apparent contradictions which contain great truth and provide inspiration and motivation for the followers of Jesus Christ.
Two quotations from Revelation highlight this:
They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. (Rev 6.10-11)
This is a prayer for justice, akin to many of the Psalms; longing for the righteousness of God to be victorious.
The divine response, ‘wait a little longer,’ is one of reassurance.
The second quotation is; They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Rev 12.11)
We as believers share in the battle. We play a part in the defeat of Satan.
There is mystery here. 12.11 refers to action and commitment. 6.10-11 refers to prayer, dependent on God to act on behalf of His people. God has ordained that we will serve and pray as part of God fulfilling His word.
So with the final victory -although certain, we are drawn in to play a part; costly and therefore important. This point is not unimportant, nor cursory, nor token. It is real – God genuinely includes us in His plan to bring in His kingdom.