Ephesians 2:6

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

Ephesians 2:6 (KJV)

Context

Ephesians 2:1-10 teaches that salvation is by grace through faith. The passage begins by describing believers as once dead in trespasses and sins, but God, who is rich in mercy, made them alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:1, 5). Verse 6 draws two consequences from this union with Christ: believers have been raised up together with Him and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Meaning

The phrase “hath raised us up together” refers to a spiritual resurrection. Believers, who were spiritually dead in sin, are made alive and raised to new spiritual life in union with Christ’s resurrection. This is not a physical resurrection but a transformation that occurs at conversion. Christ’s resurrection guarantees and models the believer’s new life, so closely is the believer united with Him (Romans 6:5).

The phrase “made us sit together in heavenly places” indicates that believers share in Christ’s exaltation. Just as Christ was raised and seated at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20), believers are positionally seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This is a present spiritual reality, not merely a future hope. It signifies the believer’s union with Christ and the security and honor that come from being in Him.

The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is vital throughout the New Testament. It denotes the intimate, transformative union believers have with Christ through faith. By being “in Christ,” believers are united with Him in His death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation. This union brings about spiritual rebirth, reconciliation with God, and participation in the blessings and promises of God.

Application

Because believers are already raised and seated with Christ, their daily lives can be lived from a position of spiritual victory and access to God’s grace. This truth encourages confidence in prayer and perseverance in faith, knowing that their identity and security rest in Christ, not in their own efforts.

Reflection

Consider what it means to be seated with Christ in heavenly places even while living on earth. This positional truth calls believers to set their minds on things above, where Christ is, and to live in the reality of their union with Him.