Connect Ephesians 1:20 with other scriptures about Christ's authority and rule. Ephesians 1:20 — Launching Point “...which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,” Paul centers everything on two historical, literal events: • The resurrection of Jesus Christ. • His enthronement at the Father’s right hand. These twin realities frame all that Scripture says about Christ’s present authority and rule. Christ Exalted at the Father’s Right Hand • Psalm 110:1 (prophetic): “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” – David foresaw the exaltation Paul now declares fulfilled. • Hebrews 1:3: “After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” – The finished work of the cross is followed by the finished act of sitting, signaling completed redemption and reigning authority. • 1 Peter 3:22: “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to Him.” – Every spiritual hierarchy answers to Christ. Authority over Heaven and Earth • Matthew 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” – Nothing lies outside His jurisdiction. • Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” – Universal bowing—heavenly, earthly, and subterranean—is guaranteed. • Colossians 1:16-17: “For in Him all things were created… all things were created through Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.” – Creation exists by His word and for His glory; His rule sustains every atom. Witnesses to the Enthronement • Acts 2:32-36: Peter proclaims the risen Christ “exalted… to the right hand of God,” concluding, “God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Christ.” – The first gospel sermon ties resurrection directly to authority. • Hebrews 10:12-13: “But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down… awaiting His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet.” – Ongoing intercession and certain victory flow from His seated position. The Ongoing Reign • 1 Corinthians 15:25-27: “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet…” – The reign is active now and moves inexorably toward total conquest. • Revelation 1:17-18: “I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” – Even death submits to His authority. • Revelation 19:16: “King of kings and Lord of lords.” – Final, visible triumph crowns the age. Implications for Believers Today • Confidence: The same power that raised and seated Christ (Ephesians 1:19-20) is at work in every believer. • Security: Our Lord cannot be unseated; therefore, His promises cannot fail. • Mission: Because all authority is His, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) carries divine backing. • Hope: History bends toward the public display of the rule already established in heaven. Christ is risen, enthroned, and reigning. Ephesians 1:20 anchors that truth; the whole canon amplifies it. |
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