“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: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:4-7 KJV)
Rich in mercy!
This promise starts off by saying God is rich in mercy and loved us even while we were “dead in our sins” and he “quickened” us (quickened means, to be made alive) together with Christ. And he saved us by His grace (“grace” means undeserved favor). And, on top of that, he has “raised us up, together with Jesus, in heavenly places”. You can read back one chapter to understand that Christ is seated far above all authorities and powers (and, so are you in Him!) (Eph. 1:22), “Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come.” And, when you understand this truth, you can have great confidence!
“Greater is He who is in you (Jesus) than he who is in the world (the devil). “…for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
And, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
Any way you look at it, you are empowered by Him! And, He even explains why, “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
Therefore…
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20 ESV)
