What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:6? And God raised us up - Paul has just reminded us that we “were dead in our trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). A dead person cannot revive himself; the initiative belongs solely to God. - The same power that “He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:20) was personally applied to us. God’s act is historical, not hypothetical. - Romans 6:4-5 echoes this: “We too might walk in newness of life… united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection.” - Because the resurrection of Jesus is factual, our spiritual resurrection is equally factual right now, not merely symbolic or future-tense. with Christ - Union with Christ is the heart of salvation. Everything God gives, He gives “with” or “in” His Son. • Colossians 2:12-13—“You were raised with Him through your faith… He made you alive with Christ.” • Colossians 3:1—“Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.” - This “withness” means His story has become our story: His death counts as our death to sin; His life counts as our new life. - Practically, our identity is no longer centered on past failures but on present fellowship with a living Savior. and seated us with Him - Resurrection life quickly moves to resurrection authority. To be seated is to be settled, welcomed, and given a place of honor. - Ephesians 1:20-23 shows where Christ is seated—“far above every rule and authority.” By seating us with Him, God places us under His victory, not under the world’s tyranny. - Revelation 3:21 promises, “I will grant the one who overcomes the right to sit with Me on My throne.” In God’s eyes that is already true; we simply await the visible manifestation. - This seated position also implies rest. Just as Christ’s redemptive work is finished (Hebrews 10:12), our acceptance before God is settled. We serve from rest, not for rest. in the heavenly realms - “Heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3, 1:20) describes the spiritual sphere where ultimate reality is determined. - Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven,” meaning our loyalties, resources, and rights flow from there. - Colossians 3:2-3 adds, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Though our feet remain on earth, our lives are anchored where Christ reigns. - This present heavenly positioning empowers daily warfare. Later in Ephesians 6:12 we stand against spiritual forces “in the heavenly realms” from a place of shared authority, not intimidation. in Christ Jesus - Paul circles back to emphasize the location of every blessing: inside the person of Christ. - 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” All that is true of Him is counted true of us because God sees us enclosed in His Son. - 1 Corinthians 1:30 celebrates that God “is the source of your life in Christ Jesus,” giving righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. - Being “in Christ Jesus” guards us from pride; none of these privileges originate in us but flow through permanent union with Him. summary God intervened while we were spiritually lifeless, literally raising us up, uniting us with His resurrected Son, granting us a settled seat of honor and authority in the heavenly realms—all securely contained “in Christ Jesus.” Our present identity, security, and victory derive from this accomplished fact, empowering us to live on earth from a heavenly position. |
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