“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6-7).
According to the Bible, there are other ages to come after this one in which we live presently. In God’s calendar, this present age will come to an end one day and give way to another one, which will give way to another one and so on. You need to understand there’s a purpose God wants to accomplish with us in this age in which we live. This is the reason we didn’t suddenly get yanked into heaven when we were born again.
This present age is actually a training-ground to prepare us for the ages to come; it’s the place where we are trained to handle spiritual things. Therefore, it’s important not to get carried away with the cares, pleasures and distractions of this world, for we’re not going to live eternally in this present age
There’re folks who believe what’s important is “making heaven” as it were. They believe they can live as they choose here on earth, so long as they eventually get into heaven. But the issue is more than getting into heaven. According to the Bible, we’re going to be in heaven for only a definite period, after which we will return to begin another age here on earth. So, if you don’t receive the training you need now and prove your faithfulness in this age, you shouldn’t expect to handle greater responsibilities in the ages to come.
This age is where we learn spiritual authority—where we learn both to be subject to authority and to exercise authority over satan, demons, sickness and the circumstances of life. We are also here to learn to live by the Word of God and do things God’s way. Thus as you remain diligent and faithful in Kingdom activities: soul-winning, praying, studying the Word and doing the things the Lord expects of you, you’re positioning yourself for increased responsibilities to be committed to you in the ages to come.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for teaching me the importance of being trained through your Word and by your Spirit to function effectively in the Kingdom, so I might be found faithful for higher responsibilities in the ages to come, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Ephesians 3:21: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”
Ephesians 2:7: “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus”
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
