A Note from Our Pastor:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

Ephesians 2:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In verses prior to this, the Apostle is speaking of regeneration and the spiritual life imparted to us in this action. As we examined, he tells us that the spiritual life given to us is a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and because of His salvation given to us.

Now the Apostle comes saying that we are raised up together. Based on the prior verse the together that is referenced here is together with Christ. Scriptures make it clear that there was a people who were raised from the grave at the same time as Christ, but that would make the audience here limited to those that are already in glory land and do not need the gospel.

So what does the Apostle mean by this verse?

The Apostle Paul wrote some of the most complex books of the bible linguistically. However, if we follow his premises the argumentation is actually quite simple and effective. In this instance, the argumentation is set forth in this manner:

Premise One: We believe by faith, and for some in that time, by sight that Christ was raised from the dead. He was seen by his disciples and the multitudes and then ascended into heaven.

Premise Two: By the same power that raised Christ from the dead, we are quickened while yet dead in trespasses and in sins. That quickening means we are given Spiritual life and it is based on Christ’s work upon the cross and his resurrection.

Premise Three: Christ tells us in the Gospels that he will not lose any that are his and will raise them all up again in the last day.

Conclusion: Therefore, being given spiritual life and producing fruit of the spirit means we show forth evidence of being a child of God through the salvation and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because we are children of God and we have spiritual life then we are of Christ. If of Christ, then Christ has promised that he would not lose any of his. Finally meaning that if we have been given spiritual life in Christ Jesus then our resurrection is sure though not yet accomplished.

Thus, while we are not there yet, we have hope and assurance that when this life shall end, our place will be with Christ in heaven’s glory.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah