Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

This chart shows the structure. What follows explains each part.

Ephesians 2:1-7
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 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 show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Two Realms, Two Powers

Paul, in Ephesians 2:1-7, contrasts two realms defined by distinct powers. We were once "dead in trespasses and sins," walking "according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:1-2). This was a matter of dominion, shaping our nature and making us "by nature the children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3).

The Power of the New Creation

Paul shifts our gaze to the "exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe," the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:19-20). This is the creative power of the new creation—God’s own life, untouched by death.

This transfer is the reality of the Spirit’s indwelling. "But God... hath quickened us together with Christ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6). The contrast is absolute: from death to life, from the authority of darkness to the kingdom of God’s Son (Colossians 1:13).

A Total Change of Realm

This is not merely a change of status, but a total change of realm, source, and outcome. We were bound to the world’s course under the prince of the power of the air. By Christ’s resurrection, we have been brought into the heavenly places, in Christ, where He is head over all (Ephesians 1:22-23). The same power that enthroned Christ has enthroned us with Him. Our position is not earthly striving, but a heavenly seating in Christ.

The Operation of Grace

All of this is by grace. "For by grace are ye saved through faith... it is the gift of God: not of works... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10). Grace is the very life of Christ imparted—the operation of His accomplished power now working in us.

Thus, the believer is no longer under the prince of the air or the law of sin and death, but under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2). This new realm is characterized by incorruptible life, Christ’s headship, and an eternal outcome displaying "the exceeding riches of his grace" (Ephesians 2:7).

We are the living evidence of God’s power—delivered from one dominion and transferred into another by Christ’s resurrection. Our lives are now situated in the sphere of resurrection, upheld by grace, destined to display God’s kindness for eternity.