And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

Those who are lost are spiritually dead. Although alive bodily, they are dead spiritually. People who are spiritually dead follow the ways of the world and the ways of Satan, the fallen angelic ruler who is at work in them (Ephesians 2:2). Instead of following the lead of the Holy Spirit, the lost follow the dictates of the world, the flesh, and the devil; they are deserving of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:3).

Those, however, who were spiritually dead but have now received the gift of God’s grace, have been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ. Spiritually, they have been united with Christ. Therefore, spiritually, they have been crucified with Him, buried with Him, and God has raised them up with Him. As a result, the redeemed can say with the Apostle Paul, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” (Galatians 2:20). The spiritually dead have become the spiritually alive in and through Christ Jesus.

As our verse for today makes clear, when God raises those who were spiritually dead to new life in Christ, He also seats them with Christ in the heavenly realms. Although bodily they are still on earth, spiritually they have a place in heaven. Their spiritual life is now “hidden with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:3), and they receive spiritual blessings that sustain and direct their lives on earth. “Praise be to the 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).

Ever since Christ was raised up and ascended into heaven, He has been seated at the right hand of God (1 Peter 3:22). From there He reigns over all things and will reign until all His enemies have been put under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Spiritually seated with Christ as we are, we reign in life with Him and through Him (Romans 5:17), utilizing the spiritual blessings we have been given in the heavenly realms.

Perhaps you were unaware of the status, authority, and power you have in Christ Jesus. Perhaps you were unaware that you are a spiritually alive and spiritually gifted co-heir who reigns in life with Christ. Rejoice and give thanks that the power in you is greater than that which is in the world!

By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International