Now, we can wrap it up…

“For we (of the body of Christ today) wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).

By now we should know why Ephesians concludes with this description of the war between good and evil.

It’s not until we come to Paul’s ministry that we learn how it is that God will cleanse the “heavenly places.” Ephesians highlights our eternal destiny as members of “the Church… the Body of Christ.” Father God will use Israel to accomplish His will in the Earth, and He will use us “the Body of Christ” to achieve His will in the Heavens. In all this He will then have exalted His Son, Jesus Christ, in both realms.

“[Father God] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: ¹⁰That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: ¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh (Christ will work through) all things (all these whom He has empowered) after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1:9-11)

One day, “the body of Christ” will be displayed for all of the universe to see. All creatures will witness God’s wisdom, fully manifested. Our place is to participate in Jesus Christ’s exaltation in the “heavenly places” throughout eternity future.

“And [God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places (of authority) in Christ Jesus: ⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

But, as good as this all is, we’re not there yet. The “heavenly places” are still yet to come for us! However, one day, Jesus Christ will return to gather us unto Himself “in the cloud” at the Rapture, to take us, “His Body,” to the “super-heavenlies,” above all else. There, faithful believers will be rewarded with their “place” in the execution of Christ’s authority over His glorious kingdom of the universe. 

Until then, we are called to “endure” in faith… for “If we suffer (Gk. hypomeno, bear, endure), we shall also reign with him…” (2Timothy 2:12). Our life today on earth is our training for our reigning.

Until we get there, though, we are subject to Satan’s attacks….by his lies shot into our minds. These are intended to make us draw back from our walk of faith with Christ. Satan Knows full well that we will replace him and his fallen minions “in the heavenly places,” he fights us every chance he gets.

So, we had better put on “the whole armor of God,” that “we stand against the wiles (trickeries) of the devil”! He is the master of lying deceit. Jesus called him “the father of lies.” Since the cross of Christ has already won the battle, and the fact that Satan is powerless, he has only his lies. Thus, we battle not to win over Satan, but to simply “stand” in faith against his lies and accusations, as “the accuser of the brethren.” Notice here that “the whole armour of God” is defensive… not offensive.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ‘STAND’ against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against (angelic) principalities, against powers, Against the Rulers of The Darkness of This World, Against Spiritual Wickedness in High Places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND. ¹⁴ STAND therefore, having your Loins Girt About With TRUTH, and having on the Breastplate Of Righteousness; ¹⁵ And your Feet Shod With The Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace; ¹⁶ Above All, Taking The Shield Of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to Quench All The Fiery Darts (lies) of The Wicked (One). ¹⁷ And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God: ¹⁸ Praying Always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Our faith upon which we STAND is in “the truth” of “the word of God” as viewed from this age we live in today… under the pure “grace of God.”

But how can we stand on “the word of God” if we don’t know His words for us. Thus, we are called to;

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

As we study the “whole armour of God” seen above, we note that we have no weapon to defeat the enemy, for he has been defeated at the cross of Christ. Our armour is defensive, to guard and protect us from the trickeries of the Devil. Being now powerless, the Devil has only his lies, as “the accuser of the brethren.” He as a spirit can accuse us in our minds, so it is there in the mind that our defenses must hold true.

• “ ¹⁴ STAND therefore, having your Loins Girt About With TRUTH, and – Knowing the TRUTH of God’s word for us today, we can recognize and STAND against the Devil’s lies.
• having on the Breastplate Of Righteousness; ¹⁵ And - Knowing the TRUTH  that our righteousness in which we stand is not of us but of “Him who justifieth (declares us righteous).”
• your Feet Shod With The Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace; - We are emboldened to share this wonderful “gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) as we walk daily in union with Christ.
• ¹⁶ Above All, Taking The Shield Of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to Quench All The Fiery Darts (lies) of The Wicked (One). -  The item that makes His Truth effective in our lives is the “faith” we hold, “faith” in His “word of truth.”
• ¹⁷ And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God:” – I consider this “Helmet of Salvation” as that which helps us keep our head when times are tough. NO matter what, because of Christ and His cross-work on our behalf, we are forever saved and secure.