“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not now, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.” (2 Corinthians 12:2)
Spiritual life develops like a procession, with God leading and those who follow realizing their seat “in heavenly places” is assured—they are presently seated with Him there, in heavenly places. Paul referred to this realm as the third heaven, a present-tense reality, an inheritance lived daily by faith. So, for the person who is spiritual, faith according to heaven’s arrangement is a way life and is to be lived here. On earth as it is in Heaven!
In contrast, life in a natural sense—meaning not spiritual, including anything other than life in the spirit—is another matter. Life in the natural can be done, even done well, without a shred of Bible faith. Paul made the distinction. Men forfeit a higher, spiritual inheritance to choose a proverbial bowl of stew with its momentary relief or satisfaction. The natural life and religious niceties are fine, but not really where you go in a crisis. When a natural, manageable-with-the-intellect setting unexpectedly changes to one of intense spirit activity, natural senses do not work as well.
When you need spiritual help, remember true disciples of Jesus Christ are acquainted with heavenly realms—far above principalities and powers and the rulers of darkness. Before the crisis arrives, they know what to do and how to pray. For them, Calvary is the supernatural turning point for every crisis.
Hallelujah!
Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:2 | Ephesians 1:3, 20 | Ephesians 2:6 | Ephesians 3:10 | Ephesians 6:12 | Genesis 25:29-34 | Philippians 3:19 | Romans 16:18 | Verses@Once