Exploring Heavenly Places, Part 5

For many Christians, the heavens seem dreamlike, distant, even fanciful. Compared to our daily grind, heavenly reality strikes us as, well, unreal.

But touring through the book of Ephesians has shown us how short-sighted that view is. The previous posts (first, second, third, and fourth) described the depth and extent of our connection to heavenly places. The rule of the Lord Jesus, and our participation in His authority by the plan of God, are spiritual certainties. 

By God’s grace, we now enjoy an unimaginable status–we’ve joined the divine council. We fill the positions once occupied by the sons of God who governed the nations (see Psalm 82). But they fell away from God and fomented idolatry and injustice throughout the world. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Christ has defeated these angelic beings. And it’s our privilege to announce this good news to all people so they, too, can find their place in the kingdom of God. 

So it’s no surprise if the devil fights back. He can’t undo what Jesus accomplished at the cross and the empty tomb, but he will seek to stifle the message. As emissaries of Christ, we have to prepare ourselves for spiritual resistance.

Battles

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

(Bible verses are from the ESV.)

Paul writes here of the experience of grappling with evil spiritual forces. He doesn’t warn Christians about the possibility of such encounters; he assumes it. Satan and his hordes will attack believers living up to their God-given spiritual status. These fallen angels, who once ruled the nations, have no desire to see men and women find rescue in Jesus Christ. They want to maintain their hold over people snared by sin.

But there is hope! The gospel of Jesus Christ saved us when we believed it, and it will save others who trust it. While the enemy will try to fight this truth, he cannot win.

And we need to remember this when people reject or mock the gospel. We must keep in mind that spiritual forces are at work behind the scenes. Those who scorn and disbelieve the good news? They’re sinners for whom Christ died. Those who wage war in the heavenlies against the gospel? They’re demons destroyed by Jesus Christ.

They’re not the same!

The larger context of verse 12 informs us that we prepare for spiritual battles by donning the armor of God. Here’s the fuller passage:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:10-17

While we carry out our mission of making disciples, God wants us protected. His armor covers us so we won’t get hurt or killed. And since our enemies are evil spiritual forces, we engage them with holy spiritual armaments.

Notice the spiritual flavor of each item:

Belt	Truth
Breastplate	Righteousness
Shoes	Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
Shield	Faith
Helmet	Salvation
Sword	Holy Spirit

Yet these are more than general spiritual realities. They’re specific to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The truth is the story of Jesus–Who He is and what He’s done for us. It’s the answer to life’s problems.

He makes sinful people holy and righteous. No amount of human effort can atone for sins, but faith in Christ restores a right relationship with God.

The peace of the gospel means there’s no need to remain alienated from God. Christ has dealt once and for all with the sin that separates humanity from the Lord. Peace and reconciliation are possible!

Faith–simple trust and allegiance–is the only appropriate response to such good news. The vain works of idolatrous religions are useless. All one has to do is give oneself to Jesus and accept what He’s already done.

Salvation conveys the many spiritual blessings Christ has given us (see Ephesians 1:3). It’s the fulfillment of our deepest desires.

The Holy Spirit connects us to the Father, Christ, and each other. Through Him, we experience everything God planned for us.

The material elements of the armor symbolize the spiritual resources of the gospel. As we share the good news, we invite people to receive these treasures in Christ. Of course, the devil will fight this; he wants to keep trapped people trapped. But he’s no match for the gospel which we wear as armor to defend ourselves, attack him, and liberate lost souls.

Blessings, status, responsibility, warfare–these are heavenly realities with earthly impact. And as we grow as Christians, we will learn more and more about all Jesus has called and equipped us to do.

Praise His name forever!