Understanding your position in Christ is crucial to your Christian journey. This truth is second to understanding your identity in Christ as a new believer. When we come to faith in salvation, several things happen to us that change us from who we used to be to someone new (2 Corinthians 5:17). When this change occurs, we are no longer referred to as the old man of sin; instead, the bible calls us saints (Romans 1:1-3, Ephesians 1:1-4, Colossians 1:1-3, etc.). In Jesus Christ, my identity changes from dead to living (Ephesians 2:1-4), from lost to found (Luke 19:1-10), from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8-14, Acts 26:18), and from aliens to citizens of heaven (Ephesians 2:19). Once we understand that we are new creations in Christ, then we need also to appreciate that a new identity suggests a new position.
Our new position in Christ refers to a believer’s legal standing in relation to their spiritual identity. It signifies a new, transformed state in which God views the believer as one who is reconciled and united with Christ, inheriting Christ’s righteousness and all spiritual blessings. Our position in Christ is unshakable. Paul says that we are now seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:6). What does it mean that we are seated with Christ, yet we are still in this world of sin and struggles with the flesh and the Devil?
A Present Reality, Not Just a Future Hope (Ephesians 2:6)
First, we must appreciate that our new position in Christ is a present reality, not just a mental motivation for the believer. Paul says we are seated with Christ, which symbolizes an elevated position. Yes, we may be walking on earth, but our lives are safely held in the hands of Christ. Today, we can rest in knowing that we are in spirit with our Savior. We are in a new spiritual reality far from the physical one. It is also why, when we come to faith, we die to the things of this body and life and are made eternally alive in Christ. Our life is sustained by the divine life of Christ in us both now and in eternity. As we go about life, we must engage from the standpoint of honor and eternal spiritual connection. Whatever happens to us here, whether good or bad, has no power to disengage us from the joy and life we have in Jesus Christ. Our position is not something we hope to get later in life, but rather a reality we walk in today as we journey with the Lord.
A failure to live in this reality may rip Christians off the joy of life. Being in Christ means being where he is also in a spiritual sense (Colossians 3:3).
A Shift in How We View our Struggles
Battling with sin can be very demotivating, and at times, many of us easily throw in the towel because of frustrations. However, remembering that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms alters our perspective on things. We do not have to walk with a defeated attitude since we know that our struggles do not carry the day—Christ’s victory does. We, therefore, face affliction from the point of victory, not just something we desire wishfully (1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 5:4-5, Romans 8:1-3).
When we start thinking in this way, we allow ourselves to see things from Christ’s perspective. Instead of seeing situations as hopeless, we start seeing them as hurdles already overcome. Paul says that in this state, we can finally say, ‘Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 7:24-25). The desperation is turned into praise and celebration because of Christ’s victory.
Our Authority in Christ
Thirdly, knowing that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places causes us to understand that our authority in Christ does not come from our efforts and skills. Many people nowadays think that being born again turns them into some sort of superhuman. The danger of such thinking is that we approach spiritual things with a worldly mindset. That kind of ignorance will cost us considerably because our understanding will be skewed, and our experiences will be, at the least, manufactured and not flowing from the fullness of Christ in us. One story in the Old Testament that exemplifies this mentality is when the children of Israel took the Ark of the Covenant into battle against the Philistines, believing it would ensure victory (1 Samuel 4:11-22, 5:1-12). But at that time, they had been walking in sin and rebellion and were ignorant of the fact that their union with Yahweh was fractured. Disobedience alters the fellowship and unity between man and God. So, as they went and brought in with shouts as if to threaten the Philistines, they were defeated, and the Ark was captured.
Jesus asks us today to abide in him–the true vine (John 15:1-5) because he knows we will accomplish nothing without him. Our authority in Christ is based on our obedience and abiding, not just because we say, “In Jesus’ name.” The status of sitting in heavenly places with Christ should inform how we are supposed to live and submit to the Lord, seeing that, in essence, we are with him. We do not have to walk in fear if we walk in obedience. We do not have to manufacture spiritual power or be some wannabe superhero because we know we are with and in the One who has all power and authority.
Living With An Eternal Mindset
Finally, knowing that we are in the heavenly places helps us live with an eternal perspective, which should consequently change how we do things. Paul says that the things seen are temporary, and the unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). This means that we should be able to deduce the events and activities in our lives with a spiritual mind. We are in a real spiritual space and involved in a spiritual battle. Our enemies are not carnal (Ephesians 6:1-12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). An eternal perspective prioritizes spiritual goals and a relationship with God over worldly desires and short-term gains. Essentially, it’s about living with a view towards eternity, rather than being solely fixated on the present. The following are practical ways of living with an eternal perspective.
- Prioritize spiritual values. Thinking more about the will of God in scripture, which is what he says about the same (Romans 12:1-2). What are the things that matter most beyond our worldly pursuits?
- Long-term perspectives. Thinking of the long-term consequences of actions and decisions. How do our actions and decisions impact our eternity, even against their immediate effects?
- Living with purpose. Clearly understanding God’s plan for one’s life and seeking to glorify him in all areas. (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17).
If we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then we are seated in heavenly places with him. Those who have yet to put their trust in Christ cannot claim such a promise. To learn more about Jesus, click the “Receive Christ” link on the Kuza website.