ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

      "But God who is rich in mercy because of his great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Eph.2:4-6.

      This gracious revelation places us with and in the Son of God as a position secure and steadfast in eternity. By it's very meaning we are seen by God in Christ and no where else forever, our condition as Adam men not withstanding. We must seek for the grace this truth offers us by faith and find it only in faith of we positioned/identified in Christ.

      Not in a attempt to realize it in or by improving our condition. We will find our place as Christians in no other way except faith, seeing ourselves in spirit sitting at God's right hand in His Son, according to His Word. "We are citizens of heaven" and "Without faith it is impossible to please God".

      By His word we may see ourselves in faith as new creations. "For it is God who works in you both in will and deed" Phil. 2:13. Knowing also by faith the only place where our Father actually sees us is "hid in Christ Jesus", us in union with His Son in heaven. He does not see us in the flesh, "You are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit" Rom 8:9.

     We are not under the Law or any earthly kingdom covering or old covenant regulations: by which we are prone to a futile attempt to perform [works] in a proper manner fulfilling a kingdom earthly/law mandate set aside for future Israel. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under [the dispensation of] grace Rom 6:14. We are freed by grace to enjoy the union with Christ we have in the exercise of our faith! "According as His Divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness" 2 Pet. 1:3

      Even while we are secure of our position in union with Christ in eternity by the declaration of His Word we still often attempt to deal with our condition on earth as Adam men. This is where all goes wrong for most Christians. Even though the Word declares sin does not have dominion over us, as it/and we died in/with Christ on the cross. The Adam man and all our sins gone in God's view forever. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained that we should walk in them" Eph. 2:10

      The Adam nature/condition does however continue, so we tend to simply adjust our lives to attending its constant demands....make me better it says, make me holy, train me to be His body in maturity, make me worthy, we must become overcomers to hasten His return and acquire a need to sense being in the spirit etc. Much of Christendom it seems is thoroughly caught up in the home improvement process. All involved alike, a denomination of diligent workers changing things on earth for Jesus.

      The simplicity and quiet freedom of God's offer of grace by faith is often overlooked, our heavenly union is only seen a sort of reference point and so we still feel a need for accomplishment as a proof we are worthy. Urged on by the men of the earth who we allow to influence us; how easily we fall victim to well meaning pastors and teachers never a thought to our individual sanctification position in union with the Son in heaven by faith. The group and the leaders narrative/interpretations becomes our master. This has always been true of the Adam condition man. Liberty sacrificed for a comforting conformation amen-ed by the corporate dynamic. How natural for Adam in his great need for approval.

      My dear brothers and sisters let us instead of living natural life learn to trust our God by faith. "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the council of His own will" Eph 1:11. "Alive together with Christ".