John 14:18-20

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

In John 14, Jesus tells us it’s time for us to know our heavenly position in him. He explained to the disciples, “Because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you” (John 14:19–20). We’re now living in “that day” Jesus speaks of. In short, we’re to understand our heavenly position in Christ.

Of course, most of us do know our position in Christ — that we’re seated with him in heavenly places — but only as a theological fact. We don’t know it as experience. What do I mean by this expression, “our position in Christ”? Very simply, position is “where one is placed, where one is.” God has placed us where we are, which is in Christ.

In turn, Christ is in the Father, seated at his right hand. Therefore, if we’re in Christ, then we’re actually seated with Jesus in the throne room, where he is. That means we’re sitting in the presence of the Almighty. This is what Paul refers to when he says we’re made to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).

You may say, “But I never feel like I’m in a heavenly place. I always sense I’m in a wilderness, suffering affliction and harassment. If that’s being in a heavenly place in Christ, then I’m just not getting it.” I assure you, your seasons of trials are common to all believers. No, the phrase “in Christ, in heavenly places” (1:3) isn’t something you can attain. It’s what God says of you. If you’re in Christ, then in the Father’s eyes you’re seated near him, at his right hand.

The fact is, the moment you place your trust in Jesus, you’re taken into Christ by faith. God acknowledges you in his Son, seating you with him in the heavenlies. This isn’t merely some theological point, but a truth, a factual position. So now, as you surrender your will to the Lord’s, you’re able to claim all the spiritual blessings that come with your position.