At the close of the first chapter of Ephesians we learn that the Lord

Jesus Christ was `raised' and `seated' at the Father's right hand in the

heavenly places, which are further defined as being `far above all'.  Here is

the sequel; the church is seen `seated together with Christ where He sits',

namely at the right hand of the Father, far above all.  This is such a

stupendous revelation that the reader is conscious of a momentary pause, for

if it be not truth in excelsis, it approaches blasphemy.  Not only is the

poor outcast Gentile `saved by grace' and `made nigh' the serried ranks of

heaven's spiritual host, but he advances with boldness to take his place, not

only far above every name that is named, but to find a seat `with Christ'

where He sits in heavenly places.  This high glory is so exceedingly above

all that the Scriptures written beforehand either taught or foreshadowed that

the complete distinctiveness of the dispensation of the Mystery can be hung

upon this one passage, without fear of challenge or confutation.  There is

nothing in the epistle to the Hebrews like it.  (See Heaven2; and Heavenly

Places2,6).  The second term `in Christ Jesus' does not belong exclusively to

any one of these three terms, but to the whole

The quickening together

with Christ.

The raising together with Christ.

is all `in Christ Jesus'.

The seating together with Christ

in heavenly places.

The title `Christ Jesus' is exclusive to the ministry of Paul, but is

never used in the epistle to the Hebrews.  A consultation of the R.V. will

show this, and the reader will find the R.V. alterations set out in the

article Christ Jesus1.  Those who have this high privilege are spoken of as

being `faithful in Christ Jesus' (Eph. 1:1), and the occurrences of this

phrase should be pondered by every reader.  Upon examination it will be seen

that every passage in Ephesians that uses this exclusive title of the Lord,

refers to something distinctive of the dispensation of the Mystery.

We now arrive at the topmost rung of the sevenfold ladder that,

commencing with the Cross, ends with Glory.  We have been pursuing in these

studies the upward movement which commences with `crucifixion with Christ'.

Before we commence our study in the passage that contains our text, namely

Colossians 3, let us see for ourselves what that `life' is which is there

said to be `hid with Christ in God' and is yet to be enjoyed in reality when

the believer is `manifested with Him in glory'.  `Life' is indicated as the

goal at every step that we have traversed.

`Crucified with' (Gal. 2:20).

This has life in view:

`I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I Live: yet not I, but Christ

Liveth in me: and the Life which I now Live in the flesh, I Live by the

faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me'.

`Dead with' (2 Tim. 2:11).

This has life in view:

`It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also

Live with Him'.