The opening verses of Ephesians 2 seem so dire at first glance. Not only were we once spiritually dead, but we were also vulnerable to every scheme of the enemy, the world, our brokenness, and selfish desires. Further, we realize that we can still walk the world’s course, even as believers, if we don’t guard our hearts and minds against the adversary’s input. For me, this explains why I struggled in my life for so many years, even as a Christian.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-6
But God (v.4). But God reached down into the muck and mire of our sin. In His beyond reason love, God isn’t just merciful to us; He is rich in mercy. He doesn’t just extend grace to us; He extends the riches of His grace. It gets even better.
We not only have received salvation, but we are also already seated with Christ in heavenly realms. Our zip code has changed. Although we still live on planet earth, God has transferred us to the Kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13). This truth may seem incredulous; nevertheless, it is God’s Word. Yet, we often live so far less than all He has given us.
We can see the importance of reading Ephesians and letting it soak into our hearts. We may not yet reside in heaven, but spiritually we already do. Heaven’s authority in Jesus’ name is ours to wield against the enemy’s stratagems and the seductions of this world here and now (Luke 10:17).
Nevertheless, we can’t attempt to earn or work for this authority. It is our acceptance that the very righteousness of Christ has been imputed to us and clothes as a breastplate (Rom. 4:11, Eph. 6:14), even when we fall so far short. It is by faith in Christ, receiving these truths from God’s Word, and as we live humbly in His outrageous grace that Jesus’ authority becomes ours, and our freedom begins to be realized.
How do we live in heavenly places now? First, by believing its truth, even if it is baby step believing.
Second, by asking our Father for the Holy Spirit to baptize us and overwhelm us with Himself as we surrender everything about ourselves to Him daily (Luke 11:11-13).
Third, by asking for His help in revealing the truth of God’s Word to us and in us. Instead of just reading the Bible, we need Holy Spirit revelation.
Remember, He wants this for us more than we do!
This weekly study is from the 14-Day YouVersion Plan: Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Done For Us by Sue Boldt. Adapted from the book: Refresh. Click Here!