Wednesday ·
Raised and Seated with Christ
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4–6
“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, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:4–6 KJV
Paul begins this chapter with a sobering picture. Before Christ, he says, we were dead in our sins, following the ways of the world. Then come two of the most hopeful words in Scripture: “But God.” Everything turns on what He did when we could do nothing for ourselves.
The reason Paul gives is simple: God is rich in mercy, and He loved us with a great love. He didn’t wait for us to improve. He reached us “even when we were dead,” gave us new life together with Christ, and raised us up with Him. This is grace from start to finish, a gift, not a wage.
Paul goes further still. He says God has seated us with Christ in heavenly places. Seated is a resting word. It describes a finished work and a secure place. We don’t have to strive for a spot at God’s table or worry about losing it. Because we are in Christ, we belong where He is.
On days when guilt or weariness tells us we don’t measure up, we can return to this passage and read it slowly. We might even say it to ourselves: “God loved me. He made me alive. He has given me a place with Christ.” Let’s carry that settled belonging into whatever this day holds.
Prayer
God of mercy, thank You for loving me when I had nothing to offer You. Thank You for making me alive with Christ and giving me a place beside Him. When I forget who I am, help me rest in the grace that has saved me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.