 Our Exalted
Privilege
Chap. 1 - "In
Heavenly Places"—
Our Exalted
Privilege
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, . . . and hath raised
us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Eph. 2:4-6. {HP 7.1}
As God raised Christ
from the dead, that He might bring life and immortality to light through the gospel,
and thus save His people from their sins, so Christ has raised fallen human
beings to spiritual life, quickening them with His life, filling their hearts
with hope and joy. {HP 7.2}
Christ gave Himself for
the redemption of the race, that all who believe in Him may have everlasting
life. Those who appreciate this great sacrifice receive from the Saviour that
most precious of all gifts --a clean heart. They gain an experience that is
more valuable than gold or silver or precious stones. They sit together in
heavenly places in Christ, enjoying in communion with Him the joy and peace
that He alone can give. They love Him with heart and mind and soul and
strength, realizing that they are His blood-bought heritage. Their spiritual
eyesight is not dimmed by worldly policy or worldly aims. They are one with
Christ as He is one with the Father. {HP 7.3}
Christ "gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). He made
an offering so complete that through His grace every one may reach the
standard of perfection. Of those who receive His grace and follow His example
it will be written in the book of life, "Complete in Him--without spot
or stain." {HP 7.4}
"Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," . . . "who hath blessed us
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).
What is there left for us to ask, that is not included in this merciful,
abundant provision?
Through the
merits of Christ we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ. It is our privilege to draw nigh to God, to breathe in the
atmosphere of His presence. . . . Nothing short of abiding in the presence of
Christ will bring peace, freedom, courage, and power. {HP 7.5}
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