1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 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.
You know, Clark, MO is a lovely place. But, I'm not sure I would call it "heaven". Where are the streets of gold? Where are the clouds, angels and harps? And, uh.... where are the coffee fountains? Right?Can I just tell ya something? Right there in Ephesians 2, that is exactly what Paul says IS a fact. I am in the heavenly realms...right now.
Earlier in this same letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul lays out some spiritual truth regarding some things they already have:
the HOPE they HAVE
the RICHES of HIS inheritance they HAVE
the POWER of GOD they HAVE
(the same power which raised Christ from the dead)
Christ really died on that cross. And Christ really conquered death and really did rise from the dead. He is now seated in the heavenly realms. And here is where it gets really good:
Because HE is in the heavenly realms...
As true Christ followers...
SO. ARE. WE.
Verse 6 says, "in Christ Jesus". As followers, we are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we are in the heavenly realms. Now, if you are like me, this concept might have put a pretzel in your head.
Think of it this way. If you step inside a McDonalds restaurant in Japan, you will be inside a McDonalds restaurant in Japan. However, if you step inside the U.S. Embassy in Japan, you will no longer be in Japan. Legally, you will be in the United States. Any U.S. Embassy located inside the borders of any country in the world, legally, is sitting on U.S. soil. The land on which the building sits is owned by the United States.
This is sort of what Ephesians 2:6 means. If you are in Christ Jesus, that is, a true follower of Jesus, you are "in the heavenly realms". If you are not a true follower of Jesus, you are NOT in the heavenly realms.
So what?
Who cares? Right?
Why does this matter?
Can I just tell ya something? It matters because WHERE you are, has a great deal of influence on WHO has control of your life. Paul is saying,
"Hey, you used to be a citizen of this world."
"You used to belong to Satan."
"This world, the actual real estate you live on,
used to be your home."
Therefore, since this is not our home....
"You ain't from around here 're ya?"
Since this is not our home...we should look, act, sound, dress... well, just about everything... DIFFERENTLY.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Oh wait, EVERYONE is asking you about your HOPE right?
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