A Word for Today | Ephesians 1:20-23
In Paul’s prayer that concludes Ephesians 1, he prays that believers might be inwardly enlightened to know what is the hope of our calling, the riches of our future inheritance, and the power available to us in Christ. God raised Jesus from the grave and seated Him at His right hand. Paul now explains what Christ’s exaltation means for Him and for us His Church.
Christ’s ascension into heaven was His vindication by God the Father. The world despised Jesus, but God exalted Him to the highest place, proving that all His claims were true. The ascension was also a sign of Christ’s finished work. Old Testament priests never sat down in the temple – in fact, there were no seats in the temple! Their work never ended because their sacrifices were not sufficient. To see our Savior “seated at God’s right hand” (Eph. 1:19) proves to us that His sacrifice for our sins was accepted by the justice of God. Moreover, Christ’s ascension marked his exalted dominion. He received not only honor but authority over all things. How worthy He is of this dominion! “All things” includes every spiritual power ranged against us. It is with this power and authority that Christ sends us into the world as His witnesses: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples” (Mt. 28:18-19).
It is not astonishing that Jesus should be given heavenly dominion given His deity and glory. What is notable is what this means for Christians. Paul summarizes that God “put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22). Christ’s exalted ministry in heaven gives proof of the assurance of our salvation. Just as by sitting down Jesus proved that His atoning blood was accepted by God, by reigning for us in heaven He shows how able He is to preserve us for eternal life. Every foe that stands against us has been conquered by the exalted Christ and lies crushed under His feet, including sin, Satan, and even death. “Take heart,” Jesus cries, “I have overcome the world!” (Jn. 16:33). Moreover, with Christ given “to the church” as exalted Lord, we see the power available to those who believe. What aid could we need that is beyond His ability to give? What obstacle is so great that He cannot remove it? What calling have we received that He cannot supply the power to fulfill? If only we see with the eyes of our hearts that Jesus is exalted with heavenly dominion for us, we would pray with far greater confidence than we tend to do.
Finally, we would also see the significance that God has given to the Church, “which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). The Church is us as Christ’s people on earth and in heaven. Everything we do for, in, and through Christ’s Church is sure to please Him, for it is His body. What a thrill to realize all that it means – for Him and for us – that Christ is exalted to heaven at the right hand of God!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips