Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus
The passages before this speak of us being dead in our trespasses and sins. We have a different perception of death. This death is mainly a seperation from God and the life of God. When our first parents took the fruit, there was a severing of the relationship. Most of the blessings of that union ceased. Here’s part of what was lost. Just like those of a sunny or warm disposition transmit their joy and optimism to those around them, so being around the Lord blesses everyone near. It’s much more than His influence. Much like a warm fire goes deep into our being and bring comfort to the whole person, so all of God touches our mind, spirit, emotions and more. Adam and Eve were told they would die if the ate the fruit. They did die spiritually. They no longer had that close relationship with God. They were partially tricked, but they also rebelled. Since then we have been living in a fallen state. One look at our world and it’s easy to see. Yes, people still can be kind and generous; they can be creative and great. We didn’t lose everything, just the most important relationship. Our appetite for God can only be satisfied in Him. So, our world has endless pursuits trying to fill this ache.
We’re Already There
In this state of brokenness, Jesus came to redeem us. The passage says “He raised us up”. This has the same reference to Christ’s being raised from the dead. We were also regenerated spiritually. When we accept Christ’s forgiveness and bow to His lordship, this occurs. Some feel it, others don’t. However, it effects are unmistakable. Ezekial 36:26, 27 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.…”. We begin to have different likes and dislikes. We begin to become uncomfortable doing unbiblical behavior. God’s Spirit is within us and directing us else where. Today’s passage also says we are seated “together in heavenly places”. This is past tense. It’s an action that takes place when we accept Christ. It’s part of being reconciled. The division that sin created is gone. We are not only rejoined with our created, it”s closer than that. His Spirit is within us (the above Ezekiel passage). I’m not sure how different dimensions can coexist without one be aware of the other. That appears to be the case. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Not up in the sky, but God’s domain. Somehow we are there positionally. When we pass away, we will be conscious of being there. Lord, thank You for Your mysteries.