“Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” 

Ephesians 1:21 

Looking at the verse just prior to this one we see that it is describing Christ’s position at the Father’s “own right hand in the heavenly places.” God has set all principalities, authorities, and kingdoms under Christ’s dominion. Every name or position we could ever imagine is subject to Him. This is breathtaking! But notice verses 4-6 of the following chapter, Ephesians 2. “But God… hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” What can this mean? If we are in Christ, and Christ is over all, then what does that say about our position? Do we share in His authority? Reading back over the rest of Ephesians 1, we see that so much of the chapter has been dealing with our position in Christ, being “chosen in Him,” and the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.

Understanding my identity in Christ has changed everything for me, my entire outlook and approach to life. As one small example, when I read headlines about foreign countries threatening our nation, or hear news predicting some impending doom for our nation’s economy in the near future, my natural inclination could be to begin amassing earthly wealth and possessions, trying to insulate myself from any possible harm. But as I meditate on Christ’s position above all earthly powers, there is no room for fear. He is greater than any tyrant! If I am dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of His wings, I can trust that He will not allow anything without also giving the necessary grace to go through it. Yes, we should still take responsibility to protect ourselves and those God has placed under our care, taking prudent steps as He directs us to “foresee the evil and hide ourselves,” but everything must be done with an attitude of faith, not fear.

As another example, I remember times when I was younger struggling with nightmares and fear of evil beings. My parents encouraged me to meditate on Scripture, so I had begun memorizing Romans 8. One night I awoke with those same haunting fears, and felt powerless to overcome them. Immediately the Lord brought Romans 8:15 to mind: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” I began quoting that verse over and over, proclaiming to the enemy that I belonged to Christ and he had no authority over me. Gradually the fears subsided, and I returned to a peaceful sleep. This was one of my earliest experiences of God demonstrating His power over principalities, powers, and the “rulers of the darkness of this world.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Our position in Christ — what a life-changing truth to meditate on! The circumstances we are facing really fade into the background. Whether we are struggling with emotional disappointment, financial loss, health crises, crushed dreams, fear of the future, or whatever else, God is sovereign. We can trust that He is working in all these things to transform us into the image of His Son. Nothing is beyond His redemption. He rules in the Nations! He is over all!

~Daniel Staddon