 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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