RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 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, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7, NKJV)

Devotion 12 of 16

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS?

      We learn from this that "heavenly places" are an exceedingly large realm, and teeming with activity. At the upper extremity, we have Jesus seated at the "right hand" of God, ruling with great power and effectiveness. At the lower extremity, believers engage spiritual hosts that are thoroughly adversarial. Although these have been "spoiled" or plundered by Jesus, they have sufficient strength and authority to engage the saints of God in fierce battle.

      The heavenly realms are above the flesh-and-blood order. From the standpoint of earthly vision, they are invisible. From the standpoint of touch and fleshly experience, they are inaccessible. There is no science or area of human knowledge that is able to plot the path into this realm. There is no facet of earthly wisdom that can enable a person to enter these "places."  We occupy this domain by Divine placement alone. Everyone who is in Christ Jesus is placed there, and given the advantage of receiving "all spiritual blessings."

      This is a realm of acute consciousness. It is not a theoretical domain, but one of lofty experience and activity. It is accessed by faith and through the Holy Spirit. Being there is another way of saying we are in fellowship "with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).

       Here is where the benefits that are integral to the New Covenant are passed from Deity to those who are a "new creation" in Christ Jesus. Here is where we are "filled with all joy and peace in believing," and come to "abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13). This is the place where prayers are answered, victory over the world is realized, and change from glory unto glory takes place.

      From the height of this domain angelic hosts are dispatched to minister to the "heirs of salvation." Within its lower parts the saints of God do battle with the armies of darkness, who function under the "prince of the power of the air." This is the area of true spiritual activity.  Here is where growth is realized and the flesh is crucified. The reservoir of grace is here, together with every good and perfect gift that comes down from above. The "spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind" is here (2 Tim 1:7). Here is where we are "filled with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom 15:13), and where we "go on to perfection" (Heb 6:1). Divine fellowship is realized in this domain.

      Not only do we "wrestle against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph 6:12), in "heavenly places" we triumph over them and neutralize their power.

      This is the realm of God-awareness, where mercy is obtained, and grace is found to help in the time of need (Heb 4:16). It is where spiritual vision is clarified, understanding becomes fruitful, and participation in the Divine nature is realized. This is where fellowship with the Son is enjoyed (1 Cor 1:9). It is where we can put to death the "deeds of the body," putting off the "old man," and putting on the "new man" (Col 3:5,9 10; Eph 4:22-24). God be praised for "heavenly places!"

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for this lofty realm where needs are obtained and fellowship is realized.

-- Tomorrow: THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENT --