The Enthronement of Christ
Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
As we discussed last week, Paul prays the Ephesians will understand the power that is at work in them (1:19a). In the second half of that verse he describes the nature of that power; it is like what God exercised in Jesus when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand. He then expands upon the Enthronement of Christ in terms of its scope and what it means “for the church.”
The Enthronement of Christ was a popular messianic theme. Psalm 110:1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Jesus applied this Scripture to himself (Matthew 26:64) and Peter uses it at the climax of his sermon on Pentecost to conclude Jesus is Lord and Christ (Acts 2;34-36).
The Enthronement of Christ is significant “for the church” because it points to the defeat of the “rulers, …authorities, …the powers of this dark world and …the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) and their subjugation under the feet of Christ (1:22).
Paul makes it clear that his victory over evil spiritual beings is our victory because we have been “seated with him.” Ephesians 2:6 God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. The powers of evil have been subjected “for the church.” Our victory is assured!
Joey
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