Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Paul continues the cosmic scope of salvation. The imagery of being raised up with Christ points to union with him in his resurrection; “seated in heavenly places” signals present possession of the privileges of the new creation, though still living in the present evil age. In ancient thought, “sitting” often indicated authority and rest after victory. Believers are depicted as participants in Christ’s enthronement, sharing in his reign and rest now, while awaiting final completion in the age to come. The phrase “in heavenly places” is both a present spiritual reality and a future hope. The context includes the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles; as the body of Christ, all believers are now portrayed as seated together in Christ, indicating equality and unity before God.
This verse reinforces the indissoluble union between believers and Christ. It emphasizes positional sanctification: who we are in Christ affects how we live now. It also highlights the eschatological dimension of salvation—the already-but-not-yet reality of the kingdom. The seat with Christ at God’s right hand implies authority, access to God, and a transformed identity. It undergirds ethical living: if you are seated with Christ, you live in ways that reflect his lordship, participating in his reign and mission.
Live from your heavenly position. When you’re tempted to despair or to act as if you’re still defined by old patterns, remember you’re seated with Christ in a place of authority and grace. This can foster courage in the face of fear, generosity over stinginess, and peacemaking in conflict. In practical terms, choose to act from that identity: speak truth with gentleness, respond to negativity with grace, and invest in others as part of God’s renewed community. Church life—prayer, worship, mutual accountability—becomes a rehearsal of this heavenly reality, shaping daily choices and relationships. Let the certainty of your position in Christ inform decisions about work, family, and how you use time and resources.
Cross-References: Colossians 3:1–4; Philippians 3:20–21; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 2:9–10