By the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Christ blesses His people with all the goodness of the past, the present, and the future. In the mysterious ages of the past, the Lord Jesus was His Father’s first elect, and we share an interest in that election, “for he chose us in him before the creation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). From eternity past He had enjoyed all the privileges of Sonship as His Father’s “only Begotten” (John 1:14 KJV) and well-beloved Son. And in “the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7) by adoption and regeneration, He has also elevated us to sonship and has given us “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

The eternal covenant, based upon the obligation of its fulfillment and the fact that it is “guaranteed . . . with an oath,” is ours — ours for “strong encouragement” (Heb. 6:17 – 18 ESV) and complete security. In the eternal and solid foundation of predestinating wisdom and by omnipotent decree, the eyes of the Lord Jesus have forever been fixed upon us. And may we rest assured that throughout eternity to come, there is no opposing power that can stand against the interests of His redeemed.

The great marriage proposal of the Prince of Glory is ours, for it is to us He is engaged, which will soon be declared to the entire universe through sacred wedding vows. The miracle of the incarnation of the God of heaven, along with all the amazing submissiveness and humiliation that came with it, is ours. The effect of His bloody sweat, His scourging, and His cross are ours forever. All of the glorious consequences flowing from His perfect obedience and finished atonement, as well as His resurrection, ascension, and intercession, are ours because of His own gift.

He now wears our names on His breastplate, and with authority He intercedes on our behalf, remembering us by name and pleading our case before the throne. He employs His dominion over “the authorities” and “the powers” (Eph. 6:12) and His absolute majesty in heaven is for the benefit of those who trust in Him. His high estate is just as much for our benefit as was His humiliation. He who gave Himself for us in the depths of suffering and death does not withdraw the gift now that He sits enthroned in the highest heavens.

By the pen of Jim Reimann:

Not only is our Savior seated in the highest heavens but “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6), and “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20).

Do you find yourself asking, however, “If that is true, why is my life so difficult? Why are my circumstances so tough?”

Could it be you are focusing your eyes on the wrong things? Our loving, sovereign Lord uses “all things . . . for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28) and commands us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:2). We should keep heaven in our eyes as “we eagerly await a Savior from there” (Phil. 3:20).

Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me “before the creation of the world.” Thank You for interceding on my behalf before the throne in heaven, and please help me remember my eternal citizenship is with You. Help me, I pray, to keep heaven in my eyes as I look for Your return with great expectancy.