The Christian really operates in two spheres: the human and the divine, the visible and the invisible. Physically, he is on the earth in a human body—but spiritually he is seated with Christ in the heavenly sphere. It is this heavenly sphere that provides the power and direction for the earthly walk.

The President of the United States is not always seated at his desk in the White House, but that executive chair represents the sphere of his life and power. No matter where he is, he is the President, because only he has the privilege of sitting at that desk. Likewise with the Christian; no matter where he may be on this earth, he is seated in the heavenlies with Jesus Christ, and this is the basis of his life and power.

The Christian’s life is centered in heaven. His citizenship is in heaven; his name is written in heaven; his Father is in heaven; and his attention and affection ought to be centered on the things of heaven. Evangelist D.L. Moody used to warn about people who were so “heavenly minded they were no earthly good,” but that is not what Paul is describing. “The heavenlies” (literal translation) describes that place where Jesus Christ is right now and where the believer is seated with Him. The battles we fight are not with flesh and blood on earth, but with satanic powers “in the heavenlies.”

It’s true! “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6, NIV).

Read these verses to substantiate statements in paragraph three: Philippians 3:20; Luke 10:20; Colossians 3:1-4.

Action assignment: Get a good grasp on this truth and share it with a family member or friend. Ask God to help you explain it clearly.