Ephesians 2:6-7

2:6

And – Second in the trio of things God did

raised us up – In each of the three, God literally did the act in Christ; but Paul sees a parallel benefit for me/us. Here he distinguishes between being made alive and raised up. An infant is alive, but lacks the strength to rise up. Other analogies come to mind. Perhaps this is what Paul has in mind: God not only gave me new life with Christ, but he also gave me the strength to live this new life.

and – third act of God, that he did for us with Christ

seated with him – This has to do with authority. Christ is seated on the throne in heaven. I still/often tend to see myself struggling under the oppression of the enemy forces. I need to see myself as already seated in authority with Christ

in the heavenly realms – God has been showing me that we live in two realms already. What I do physically both reflects and also influences what takes place in the unseen realm of spiritual warfare.

2:7

in order that – God did these three things in/to/for us with Christ for the purpose of the following

in the coming ages – this could refer to the next phase of earth’s history after the return of Christ. But I think it also refers to the span of time from Paul’s writing the letter onward. So it includes the present age

he might show – God would be able to demonstrate

the incomparable riches – beyond comparison, immeasurable wealth

of his grace – How could I take advantage of this wealth of grace? In one respect, that is a rhetorical question: We cannot take advantage of it in the sense of exhausting it or endangering its supply. In another sense, it is not rhetorical: I take advantage of His grace by presuming that whatever I do, no matter how I live, God will always make alive, raise up, and seat me with Christ. But Paul refers to these acts in the past tense. So God has already done these in/for me. How dare I presume to keep coming back for more? Yes, if/when I slip, His grace is sufficient. But the devious conniving to which I am prone actually cheapens this immeasurable wealth of grace.

expressed – made known, revealed

in his kindness – mercy, tenderness, a mother’s heart

to us in Christ Jesus – all of these blessings are available to me in Christ Jesus. But not available apart from Him.