And God raised us up with Christ in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:6-9
Paul writes to the Ephesians to help them understand God’s eternal purposes and grace. He reminds the Ephesians and believers throughout the ages that we are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. And now we are seated with Christ in heavenly realms. It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that those of us who are “in Christ” are seated with Him in heavenly places. The term “heavenly realms” occurs five times in Ephesians, emphasizing our union with Christ, making us beneficiaries of every spiritual blessing from above. Although we are positioned on earth physically, we are spiritually positioned in heaven! If we were to live our lives in the shadow of this truth, I believe we would have victory over many of the issues that plague us. Paul writes: Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
There were times when Paul yearned to leave this earth and be with Christ. He was persecuted, beaten, misunderstood and broken – yet never destroyed. At times he lived in the shadow of death, but all the while he clung to his position in heaven: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Paul’s earthly life carried the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus could be revealed. He knew that though his body and emotions were beaten down, his spirit all the more was alive. He knew that his position on earth was temporal – his true home was in heaven.
As he endured his trials, he was strengthened in his position in Christ.
What trials have you endured that have caused you to suffer?
Remember that you are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, and from heaven’s perspective, you will always be victorious!
Heavenly Father,
Help me remember that I am seated with You in the place of spiritual blessings. In my times of trial, give me heaven’s perspective so that I can stand in victory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
