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Victory in Christ

by James Webb
3/20/2015 / Devotionals

I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.... God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 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 1:19-21; 2:4-6 (CEV; NLT)

When one 'connects' the two ideas presented by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 1 & 2 cited above, what it seems that he or she should naturally come to conclude is that the same victory that Christ gained over "principalities and powers" then (e.g., Colossians 2:15) is the same victory that we have 'access' to today because of our union - by and through faith, by and through the indwelling Holy Spirit - with Christ!

In relation to this idea of believers having access to the same victory that Christ gained, the Scriptures tell us in Ephesians 6:12 that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (NKJV). But as it has already been addressed to a certain degree above in citing Ephesians 1:19-21, or referencing Colossians 2:15 in passing, the very 'things' that we "wrestle" with (once again, "principalities ... powers," etc.) are the very 'things' that Christ has already gained the victory over (gaining victory over them ultimately through the power of God that we 'see' manifested in the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the life-from-death kind of power). And now as our life is "buried with Christ through baptism into death" (Rom. 6:4a), so too - as Christ was raised from the grave by the power of God then and lives even today (Eph. 1:20) - we "walk [or at least should "walk," anyway] in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4b). ("Newness" in relation to Christ's life, that is - in the One in whom we find ourselves in union with now as believers [e.g., John 14:6; 3:36; Col. 3:3].)

Yes, as Paul simply stated to the believers of the Church in Ephesus, "dead in trespasses" before (Eph. 2:5a), but now - through God's mercy - "made ... alive together with Christ"; that where Christ sits (once again, "far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named" [Eph. 1:21 NKJV]), so we too "sit together" there with Him - (once again) "in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). (Thus - as Paul states in Romans 8:37 - being "more than conquerors"; "joint heirs" with Christ, no less [Rom. 8:17] - even now in this life!)

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

James has served as a teacher, speaker and local church elder. He has an ongoing desire to encourage others by sharing the truly good news of Jesus Christ with them; ultimately bringing honor and glory to God. He may be personally contacted at: [email protected].

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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