The Church's Heavenly Position

Aim: To enjoy and employ now the church's heavenly advantages (in Christ).

Doctrine: What is true of Christ, is also true of His people. Jesus has been resurrected—so has His church; Jesus has been enthroned—so has His church.

Exegesis: The wonderful effects of the church's heavenly position: our union with Christ in His resurrection empowers us (against sin) (v. 6a); our union with Christ in His exaltation encourages us (in our leadership of the earth) (v. 6b); our union with Christ in our salvation exalts the Savior (before the observing world) (v. 7).

Further application: Practical benefits of the church's heavenly position: we may resort to glory anytime, because we are connected to the church's head (Jesus).

Key verse: v. 6 ''...And [God] raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...''