This is not any attempt to show off some knowledge of Greek or to be superior in any way. But
above expression is found only 5 times in
Bible, and all five are found in Ephesians. And since Ephesians opens up a great mystery or secret, we look at every new thing that comes up in order to find light on
hope and calling of today.Four times it is translated, In heavenly places, and once high places. This realm is mentioned in other parts of
Bible, but under different names. Here are a few of them; 1. Heaven of heavens. Deuteronomy 10:14. 2. Far above all. Ephesians 4:10. 3. Holies, Holiest of all. Ephesians 2:19. 4. Glory. Colossians 3:4. By using a concordance, one can find
other occurrences of these terms.
This place is not
third heaven of 2 Corinthians 12:2 for that heaven does not now exist. It is
new heaven of Revelation 21. As you find in Peter's writings, there was a heaven and earth that then were (Genesis 1:1),
heavens and earth that are now (Genesis 1:6), and
heavens and earth to come,
new ones.
So John was caught up to see something that does not yet exist. We know little about
heavens above us now, and much less about those that then were.
But our subject is
heaven of heavens. As far as we know, no one has ever traveled from
earth into that sphere, except
Lord Himself. He ascended far above all heavens.
There is no description to be found anywhere of this realm. It is far beyond
stars. That would put it many billions of miles away. It would take some time to make
trip in earthly physical bodies. The citizenship of
church which is
body of Christ is there. Philippians 3:20. And from that homeland, or commonwealth we are to look for
Savior, when He appears or shines forth. That is
hope of
members of
church which is His body. See Colossians 3:4. Note also Titus 2:13.
It is not hard to discern
things that differ, and here is a case that needs that discernment, if one is to rightly divide
Word of truth. The millennial kingdom here on
earth is not to be compared with this glorious abode of God and of Christ,
future home of
church.
There is no possible way that
great sermon on
mount (Matthew 5-7) could have any relationship with this place far beyond
stars. Also, one soon notes that things connected with this hope and sphere have no relationship with things on
earth, or any kingdom on
earth. You might do well to study these things and then make up your mind which would be preferred as a future hope and abode. Do this in light of Colossians 3:1-4. Set your affection on things above, in en tois epouraniois.