After providing a glorious account of Christ’s exalted reign and the resurrection power that He now wields on behalf of the church, Paul reminds us of the former realm in which we passed our days. The world is ruled by the prince of the power of the air who sets the rebellious course for the present age. Since fallen humanity is separated from God of life, the dominion of darkness is the realm of death. Though unregenerate humanity is active and makes choices, they are neither free nor spiritually alive. Salvation comes only by the resurrection power of Christ.