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“In Heavenly Places”—Our Exalted Privilege, January 1
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together
with Christ, ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-6
.
As God raised Christ from the dead, that He might bring life and
immortality to light through the gospel, and thus save His people from their
sins, so Christ has raised fallen human beings to spiritual life, quickening
them with His life, filling their hearts with hope and joy.
Christ gave Himself for the redemption of the race, that all who believe
in Him may have everlasting life. Those who appreciate this great sacrifice
receive from the Saviour that most precious of all gifts—a clean heart.
They gain an experience that is more valuable than gold or silver or
precious stones. They sit together in heavenly places in Christ, enjoying
in communion with Him the joy and peace that He alone can give. They
love Him with heart and mind and soul and strength, realizing that they
are His blood-bought heritage. Their spiritual eyesight is not dimmed by
worldly policy or worldly aims. They are one with Christ as He is one
with the Father.
Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (
Ti-
tus 2:14
). He made an offering so complete that through His grace every
one may reach the standard of perfection. Of those who receive His grace
and follow His example it will be written in the book of life, “Complete
in Him—without spot or stain.”
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” ... “who
hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”
(
Ephesians 1:3
). What is there left for us to ask, that is not included
in this merciful, abundant provision? Through the merits of Christ we
are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. It is
our privilege to draw nigh to God, to breathe in the atmosphere of His
presence.... Nothing short of abiding in the presence of Christ will bring
peace, freedom, courage, and power.
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