Ephesians 2:6

“and raised us up with Him, and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus”

“And raised us up with Him”: Here is another phrase that is used in reference to baptism (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:12 “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him”). In. context that talks about being saved by grace through faith, Paul introduces the language which is associated with baptism. Therefore, baptism is an essential part of being saved by grace through faith. Of course if we had accepted what Jesus had said about baptism, we would have already known such. simple truth (Mark 16:16). Paul does the same thing here that he does in the Galatian letter. In Galatians chapter three Paul presents two systems, justification by the works of the Law and justification based on faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is mentioned and Paul places it on the side of faith (Ephesians 3:26-27). In this chapter (Ephesians 2:1), Paul contrasts saved by grace through faith and saved by works of human merit (8-9). On which side does Paul place baptism? So where did people ever get the idea that baptism is. work of human merit? Or, that it does not belong in God's plan of salvation? To say that baptism is not essential to salvation is just as false as saying that faith or grace is not essential, for Paul places all three side by side in this chapter. For all practical purposes, Jesus did the exact same thing in Mark 16:16. “And made us to sit with Him”: Since Christ is "seated" then He is presently reigning as King (Ephesians 1:20-22; Acts 2:30; Acts 2:34), and since He is reigning as King, that means that He rules over. kingdom. The kingdom of God has been established on this earth since the ascension of Christ (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13). In. certain sense, we share that reign. We have been allowed in share in Christ's victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). We have experienced the victories of deliverance from. selfish sinful lifestyle, from the fear and dread of death (Hebrews 2:14), and from other forms of bondage such as superstition, arrogance, secular thinking, and human traditions. We have been enlisted as. soldier of Christ, and in so doing we have been given access to the most powerful weapon ever known to man, the gospel message (Romans 1:16).

Christians can lose sight of the right perspective. Many of us forget that we are on the "winning side". Nothing can stop the spread of the gospel, except our own refusal to share it. We compose an army that cannot be stopped. Our message can penetrate any stronghold of unbelief and evil (2 Corinthians 10:4; 2 Timothy 2:9). One day we will completely share that victory (2 Timothy 2:11; Revelation 3:21).

“In the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus”: Compare with Ephesians 1:3. Consider how "high" God has raised you! You have actually been allowed to share in His resurrection, ascension and exaltation! Christians who really realize and appreciate their undeserved exalted state, will live like people raised to sit with Christ. To live in the "heavenly places", is to have your mind set on the spiritual realm (Colossians 3:1), and to live like an eternal reality exists. This heavenly realm is described as being "in Christ", and how does one get "in Christ"? Faith and baptism (Galatians 3:26)! Therefore baptism stands between one and reigning with Christ.