What are we going to do in the future?

Originally posted on December 18, 2009 – by Andre Piet

QUESTION:
What will the task of the ekklesia (the body of Christ) be in “the celestial realms” in the future?

ANSWER:
We are already a long way in the right direction when we realize that the future of the ekklesia (the body of Christ) is indeed located “in the celestial realms.” Or, as others translate it, “among the celestials.”

He rouses us together and seats us together among the celestials, in Christ Jesus, that, in the oncoming eons, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6,7

one with Christ

The ekklesia is called “the body of Christ” because it is identified with Him. He died—we died together with Him. He was roused—we were roused together with Him. He is seated among the celestials—we are seated together with Him among the celestials. Christ’s position is our position. Our life is still hidden with Christ now (Col. 3:3), but in the coming eons God will be displaying this.

missionaries?

Some present it as if, later on, we will be making known God’s multifarious wisdom as missionaries among the celestials. For that they refer to Ephesians 3:10. But that verse does not speak of the future task of the ekklesia, but of its task now (“that NOW, through the ekklesia…”).

on the Throne!

To know what we will have to do later, we need to become aware of what our position is. God has seated Christ at His right hand (that is, the highest position) among the celestials…

…UP OVER EVERY SOVEREIGNTY and AUTHORITY and POWER and LORDSHIP, and every name that is named, not only in this eon, but also in that which is impending: and subjects ALL UNDER HIS FEET, and gives Him, as Head over all, to the ecclesia, which is His body…
Ephesians 1:20-23

If the ekklesia is Christ’s body, and all is subjected under His feet, then that means that all is subjected under us as well! That means that we will REIGN…

You are causing him (= the Ben Adam; verse 4) to RULE over the works of Your hands; all have You placed under his feet.
Psalm 8:6

rivals…

Together with Christ, the ekklesia is destined for the Throne in the very highest place. Called to rulership! The sovereignties and authorities in the celestial realms that are still calling the shots there now (Ephesians 6:12) will have to make way for us. That is also why these powers are after us and fight against us.

unimaginable!

For some this may perhaps be a disappointing idea, but the coming eons will certainly not be nothing but vacation for us… On the contrary, a SUPER-TASK awaits us: rulership over the entire creation! As little humans on earth, we have no idea what it means, with a celestial body (conformed to that of Christ), to wield the scepter in celestial regions over all that is. It may defy our imagination, but God’s Word says it!

Or are you not aware that the saints shall be judging the world? (…) Are you not aware that we shall be judging messengers, not to mention life’s affairs?
1 Corinthians 6:2,3

Faithful is the saying: For if we died together, we shall be living together also. If we are enduring, we shall be reigning together also…
2 Timothy 2:11,12

Delen: