up, although there is no perceptible difference in time (compare Rev. 11: 11). The Christian is not only spiri tually raised from the dead to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4) but he is also spiritually seated “in the heaven- lies” with Christ. He is called to walk heavenly, not earthly (4:1; see Col. 1:13 Heb. 3:1). Hence the need of the Holy Spirit. The shere of this glorious posi tion is “in Christ Jesus,” our living Head and Representative. Here is one of the great climaxes, or mountain peaks, of Ephesians. Jesus left the highest heights and, in His seven steps downward (Phil. 2:5-8), landed at the lowest depths, where we were dead in sins and under the curse (Gal. 3:10, 13). He paid our debt, set us free, and took us back with Him self to the highest heights. And lest we indulge in self-exhaltation over our changed life, a parenthesis is thrown between the first statement—“because of grace ye have been saved.” You have neither merited nor earned nor bought this salvation. It is wholly of grace, or unmerited favor, God’s free gift (See 1:2, note). Note the three steps—love, mercy, grace. God’s love went out in mercy, or pity, and He pitied so much that He determined to give what was undeserved. This is grace. Love begat mercy, and mercy begat grace. Verse 7—Purpose of regeneration. “In order that in the ages coming upon us” Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, looks into the future and sees a long line of ages in procession. He also sees that the great purpose of God in
Ephesians (continued) 6). (Note some others in Col. 3:3; Rom. 8:17—joint heirs, suffer, glorified—2 Tim. 2:12; I Thess. 4:14; Rev. 20:4, 6, etc.). He by faith identifies himself with Christ in these steps: When Christ was crucified, he was crucified with Him; when Christ died, he died with Him; when Christ was buried, he was buried with Him; when Christ was AT JESUS' FEET Out of a life of sin and shame, I came one day to meet, The God whom I'd refused to name— And I fell at Jesus' feet. Out of a past of wasted years— I came in surrender complete; There my soul was bathed Irv tears, As I knelt at Jesus' feet. And out of His great love for me— He gave His pardon sweet; His precious blood has made me free, For I bowed at Jesus' feet. And out of His suffering on the cross— In love my lips repeat The name of Him who took the dross; When I lay at Jesus' feet. Now out of a thankful heart I say— I know whom I shall greet, When I stand at heaven's gate, One day; For I'm living at Jesus' feet. And out of His Word I love the best— His promise so very sweet, "Come unto me, I will give you rest;" For I am resting at Jesus' feet. Oh sinner, accept this God of love— For time is swift and fleet, Take God at His Word and look above. And kneel at Jesus' feet! —Vivian I. Gregory raised up, he was raised up with Him; . when Christ was made to sit down at God’s right hand, he was made to sit down at God’s right hand with Him; and so on. Then he needs the filling of the Holy Spirit to make these steps real and to maintain them. In the order of nature one must be made alive (quickehed) before he can be raised •
Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, Biola Presidenti receives $300.00 check from Buena Park Sears Manager, A ìr. Alan Hoop. Another Sears staff member looks on. 34
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