For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6 NLT
The idea of heaven is largely misunderstood by the majority of Christendom today. Paul says in the above verse that we are, right now, raised and sited in heavenly realms with Christ Jesus. If this is the case, where is heaven? or what does it mean that we are in heaven, united with Christ? If we are united with Christ right now in Heaven, then it is clear that heaven is not a physical location, but a spiritual location. In essence, if we keep traveling higher and higher into space, we will not get to heaven. Heaven is the realm of the Spirit. Daniel 4:26 shows us that heaven rules. The bible speaks of three realms of heavens, of which Paul defines the third heaven in 2 corinthians 12:2-4 as the Paradise of God. In Isaiah 66:1, God also defines heaven as His throne. This is the sphere of life where God rules and reigns. This realm is characterized by righteousness, peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. Heaven is all around us and in us since God dwells in us.
Jesus’ statement in John 3:13 shows that we can be in heaven and also on earth at the same time. Although this verse says He came down from heaven, this simply speaks of Him appearing visibly to the physical realm. Every man who has ever lived was born to the lineage of Adam. However, if a man becomes a believer in Jesus, as 2 corinthians 5:17 says, his old identity in Adam is passed away and he is now seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:20 says that the man in Christ is a citizen of heaven. As a citizen of a place, we have a right to dwell there. Dwelling there means our manner of life is a reflection of that realm. 2 corinthians 5:20 also says we are ambassadors of God on earth. An ambassador of a country has diplomatic immunity to the issues in the country he/she stays in. In a similar way, we are immune to any earthly calamities. Any breach of this agreement is War!
It is our responsibility to carry this reality of our union with Christ everywhere we are. We are to live from heaven. To do this, our affection, thoughts, and desires must be heaven-focused. The role of an ambassador is to stay in touch and up to date with the happenings in their country and also to represent their country in political matters while dwelling in their host country. We stay in touch with our country through prayer and study of the Word. The mind of the new creation man is where God communicates to, energizes, and influences the new creation man. So we are admonished to renew our minds and think of things that are pure, lovely, of good report and virtue. As we stay in the Word and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord rests upon us and releases to us Wisdom, Knowledge, Counsel, Understanding, Might, and the fear of the Lord which is needed to live in this world and to accurately represent heaven on earth in all matters of life and judgment.
Final thoughts. Jesus showed us an example in Luke 3:21 as He prayed in the Jordan. The Spirit of the Lord rested on Him as a dove and enabled Him to go about doing good. The World is in need of Jesus and they will see Him through a body of people who have learned to live as He is in heaven, while on earth.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be still and learn of you. Holy Spirit, rest upon me today in Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, might, and the Fear of the Lord so that I can be equipped to bring heaven to earth today.
Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10, Isaiah 11:1-5
0 Comments